Nearly 70% of adults between the ages of 35 and 44 have lost at least one tooth due to an accident, decay, or gum disease. That missing tooth could have a major impact on your oral health. Teeth might start shifting to fill the gap.You could develop a misaligned bite or temporomandibular joint issues. Your risk of tooth decay and gum disease could increase as well.Instead, consider comparing crowns vs bridges. These dental procedures could offer the solution you need.What's the difference between a dental bridge vs dental crown? Keep reading to find out. In this guide, we'll review everything you need to know. Then, you can make a more informed choice for your oral health.Read on to learn more.
What Are Dental Crowns?
First, let's look at these two procedures separately. What are dental crowns?Crowns are false teeth, often made of ceramic or porcelain. They're custom-made based on your dental needs.Your dentist can customize the crown's color and texture to match your existing teeth.If your crown needs additional strength, your dentist can make it using gold alloys.Dental crowns are used when an existing tooth is fractured, broken, or chipped. Your dentist will file the existing tooth down and reshape it. If there's any decay, they'll remove it from the surface of the tooth.This process can restore your tooth, ensuring it can support the crown.
Then, your dentist will place the crown onto the tooth's surface and cement it into place.The crown will act as a cap over your existing tooth. It's designed to improve the damaged tooth's strength.
The Benefits
Before comparing crowns vs bridges, consider the benefits of each treatment. What are the pros and cons of dental crowns?Crowns are used to:
- Support teeth with large fillingsReinforce teeth that had a root canalProtect and restore cracked or chipped teethCover discolorationsCorrect misshapen teeth
Crowns can protect a dead tooth from falling apart.When your tooth pulp is infected, it's called pulpitis. It won't go away on its own. You can treat pulpitis with a root canal and crown.
Unfortunately, the process will take more than one appointment. Your crowns should last for many years. In fact, crowned teeth are usually protected from future decay.It's still important to maintain your oral hygiene, though. Brush and floss twice a day. Schedule regular appointments with your dentist, too.Regular appointments will ensure they catch any potential issues before the situation progresses.Otherwise, you might have to visit your dentist for more than crowns and bridges.
What Are Dental Bridges?
What are dental bridges? They literally bridge the gap when you're missing a tooth.Bridges are created using two or more crowns for the teeth that surround your gap. These surrounding, anchoring teeth are abutments. A false tooth (or teeth) is placed between the two anchors.These false teeth are called pontics. They're often made from:
- PorcelainGoldAlloysA combination of materials
Metal alloys are the cheapest. Unfortunately, they look the least like natural teeth. Metal alloys are ideal if the missing tooth is hidden from view.If the missing tooth is apparent when you smile, consider a ceramic or porcelain bridge. Your bridge will match the appearance of natural teeth. You can then show off your natural-looking smile without worry.Some patients choose porcelain or ceramic bridges fused with metal bases. Your natural teeth will support the bridge. However, this type can lose its aesthetic appearance in time.
The Benefits
What are the benefits of a dental bridge?For starters, getting a dental bridge can restore the appearance of your smile. The bridge will fill any gaps between your teeth. You'll have an easier time chewing and speaking as a result.Otherwise, missing teeth could cause you to develop a lisp. Speaking issues could impact your self-esteem and self-confidence.Meanwhile, you might find food particles get trapped between your teeth more often.It's important to remove these tooth particles right away. Otherwise, bacteria can build and form plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance that clings to the surface of your teeth.In time, plaque can harden into tartar. You'll need to visit a professional dentist to have the tartar removed. Otherwise, you could develop gum disease.Gingivitis could develop into periodontal disease, leading to more health risks in the future.
Instead, consider getting a dental bridge. Your dental bridge will close the gap. You can maintain your appearance before your teeth get the chance to shift. A dental bridge can last between five and 15 years.
Dental Bridge vs Dental Crown
How do you choose between crowns vs bridges? One of the easiest ways to make the choice is to visit a qualified, experienced dentist. They can review your teeth to determine which solution is right for you.They can review the benefits of a dental bridge vs crowns before you make your choice. Otherwise, think about the state of your teeth.
A crown is ideal if you have a damaged, discolored, or misaligned tooth. You should consider crowns vs bridges if the tooth is still in place. Getting a crown won't help if you're missing a tooth. A bridge, on the other hand, is ideal if you have missing teeth. Bridges will close the gap, improving your oral health. You might also want to consider a bridge if you have unstable dentures.Make sure to find an experienced, certified dentist you can trust. They'll help you compare the pros and cons of dental crowns vs dentures. Then, you can make the most informed decision for your oral health.
Crowns vs Bridges: Choosing the Solution Best For You
Don't rush to choose between crowns and bridges. Instead, review the pros and cons. Speak with a qualified dentist before making your choice, too.They'll help you evaluate your options before your procedure.
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