Teeth Replacement Options: Dental Crowns And Bridges

No one is happy about missing teeth. That is why you constantly ask around what is an excellent option to replace them. Today, there are already lots of choices that you may consider, and a few of those are dental crowns and bridges. 

What are dental crowns and bridges?

Crowns

Tooth crowns or caps are dental prosthetics that look like natural teeth in shape, size, and colour. It literally “caps” or covers a severely damaged tooth due to trauma or decay. Tooth caps are also suitable for completing a dental implant, which is best for tooth replacement. 

There are different types of crowns that are available today:

• Gold crowns – are the most durable types of crowns. It suits back teeth replacement or the molars. However, its colour can be distracting, and due to its quality, it is pretty expensive. 
• Porcelain crowns – are suitable for front teeth replacement as the material closely matches a real tooth in looks. It’s also biocompatible because there’s no metal in it. However, like gold crowns, porcelain crowns can also be costly. 
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal – provides both strength and aesthetics. Although in rare cases, its grey metal colour will eventually show just by the gum lines. 

Dental bridges

Meanwhile, dental bridges are another type of dental prosthetics that also imitate a tooth’s appearance. Besides, bridges are effective in restoring the function of the tooth, especially in eating and speaking. Usually, bridges look like three teeth connected but, there can be more, so they’re suitable for replacing multiple missing teeth. 

There are also various types of bridges that your dentist might recommend: 

• Traditional bridges – are composed of the replacement tooth, with supporting crowns attached to both its sides. That’s why when you see a dental bridge, it looks like three teeth that are glued together. The crowns attached to each side of the prosthetic tooth are placed on existing teeth to provide a firm hold.
• Cantilever bridges – are suitable if you have no tooth on the one side of your missing tooth. Instead of two, only one crown is attached beside the replacement tooth. 
• Maryland bridges – are like the traditional bridges only that it uses a metal framework on the sides instead of a tooth cap. The metal framework is hidden and bonded behind the neighbouring teeth. 

How long do they last?

Crowns and bridges can last a lifetime. However, this doesn’t take away the possibility that they can fall out or come loose. You should see that you clean your teeth and mouth every day, as missing an oral hygiene routine will make you susceptible to infection. Once your gums recede due to infection, they will lose the support on your crowns or bridges. 

It is still essential to regularly see your dentist in Burlington to perform maintenance on your teeth and dental appliances.