A healthy, beautiful smile is about more than aesthetics—it’s key to your overall oral health. Damaged or missing teeth can impact your confidence, ability to chew, and even how you speak. Thankfully, modern dentistry offers solutions that can restore both form and function to your smile. Two of the most effective options are crowns & bridges. At Riverside Dental, we specialize in helping patients regain their smiles and oral health with these restorative techniques.
What Are Crowns and Bridges?
Crowns are carefully crafted caps designed to restore the shape, size, and strength of a damaged tooth. They provide essential protection for cracked teeth, repair severe decay, and serve as coverings for dental implants. Expertly designed to blend with your natural teeth, crowns offer a perfect balance of functionality and aesthetic appeal, ensuring your smile looks and feels its best.
Bridges, on the other hand, are used to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge is made up of one or more artificial teeth held in place by crowns that are secured to the natural teeth or dental implants next to the gap. This option not only brings back your smile but also keeps your other teeth properly aligned.
Together, crowns & bridges address a wide range of dental issues and are essential tools in modern restorative dentistry.
When Do You Need Crowns or Bridges?
There are many scenarios where your dentist may recommend crowns & bridges:
- Crowns: You may need a crown if you have a tooth that’s cracked, severely decayed, or weakened after a root canal. Crowns are also an excellent cosmetic solution for concealing discolored or misshapen teeth, enhancing both appearance and confidence.
- Bridges: If you’re missing one or more teeth, a bridge can fill the gap. When teeth are missing, it can cause the surrounding teeth to shift out of place, leading to misalignment and potential oral health complications. A bridge restores the balance and functionality of your bite.
Our team at Riverside Dental will work closely with you to determine the best option for your specific needs.
Benefits of Crowns and Bridges
Choosing crowns & bridges offers several benefits that can enhance your smile and overall oral health:
- Aesthetic Improvements: Crowns and bridges are designed to look natural. They are also made to blend in with your existing teeth, giving you a confident, complete smile.
- Improved Functionality: Restorative solutions allow you to chew, bite, and speak with ease, eliminating discomfort caused by damaged or missing teeth.
- Enhanced Durability: When properly cared for, crowns and bridges are long-lasting, providing years of reliable performance.
- Oral Health Maintenance: Filling gaps or protecting damaged teeth prevents further dental issues, such as misalignment or additional decay.
The Procedure: What to Expect
Understanding the process can make getting crowns and bridges less intimidating. These procedures are common solutions for restoring damaged or missing teeth, and knowing what to expect can help put your mind at ease.
For Crowns:
The dentist will begin by examining the damaged tooth, carefully removing any decay and shaping it to ensure the crown fits perfectly. This step is critical to ensure the crown sits securely and functions naturally.
Impressions of your tooth are then taken using a mold or digital scanning technology. The impressions are sent to a dental lab, where skilled technicians create a custom crown precisely tailored to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth.
As your permanent crown is being crafted, your dentist may fit a temporary crown to safeguard the tooth and preserve its functionality. This temporary solution allows you to eat and speak comfortably in the meantime.
When your permanent crown is ready, it is meticulously fitted and securely bonded to your tooth. Your dentist will ensure it aligns perfectly with your bite, offering a secure and natural feel.
For Bridges:
To begin, the teeth or implants on either side of the gap (known as abutments) are prepared by reshaping them to fit crowns. These supporting teeth act as anchors for the bridge.
Impressions are then taken to design the bridge, which includes the artificial teeth (called pontics) that fill the gap. These are custom-made to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
A temporary bridge can be installed to safeguard the prepared teeth and preserve your appearance while your permanent bridge is carefully crafted in a dental laboratory.
When the permanent bridge is complete, it is securely attached to the abutments with cement or screws, depending on the type of bridge. The outcome is a beautifully restored smile that feels natural and performs just like real teeth.
The timeline for these procedures typically spans two appointments, but this can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the type of materials used. Your dentist will carefully guide you through every step, prioritizing your comfort and addressing any questions or concerns along the way. At our practice, we prioritize your well-being and strive to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Crowns and bridges restore both the functionality and beauty of your smile, enhancing your confidence while supporting your oral health.
Maintenance and Longevity
With proper care, crowns & bridges can last for many years. Here are some tips to keep them in great shape:
- For optimal oral health, brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and make flossing a regular part of your routine.
- Avoid biting down on hard objects like ice or pens, which could damage the restoration.
- Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.
Typically, crowns and bridges last 5–15 years, depending on factors like oral hygiene and the materials used.
Alternatives to Crowns and Bridges
While crowns & bridges are highly effective, there are other options depending on your needs:
- Veneers: These are thin shells that cover the front surface of teeth, ideal for cosmetic improvements.
- Dental Implants: These are a more permanent solution for missing teeth, involving a titanium post fused to the jawbone.
- Dentures: Removable options for replacing multiple teeth or an entire arch.
Our team can discuss these alternatives to help you choose the best solution for your smile.
Contact Us for Your Dental Repair Needs
If you’re considering crowns & bridges, Riverside Dental is here to help. We provide expert guidance, high-quality care, and a comfortable experience to restore your smile and confidence.
Schedule your appointment today by calling us at (920) 262-2176. Let’s work together to explore your dental repair options and create a smile you’ll love!
