Dental crowns and bridges are popular restorative treatments doctors perform in-office to help your teeth regain optimal chewing function. Although crowns and bridges Boynton Beach have different functions, your doctor might adopt a combined treatment approach for better oral function.
What is a crown?
Dental crowns fix complications affecting the outer layer of the enamel. For example, your doctor may recommend the treatment to solve discoloration, cracking, or tooth loss. Contouring and sizing are necessary to ensure a natural finish. However, the aesthetic appearance will depend on the material your doctor uses to make your crowns. Popular crowns are made from the following materials:
- Plastic crowns are inexpensive but used as temporary restorations.
- Full metal crowns (typically yellow gold) restore teeth at the back of your mouth since they have a metallic appearance that is not cosmetically pleasing.
- Porcelain fused with metal crowns offers good long-term success and a relatively natural appearance.
- All Porcelain crowns can restore any front teeth because this material can provide a more natural appearance but can easily fracture if you grind your teeth.
- Zirconia crowns are strong and not easily fractured.
The following are the most popular concerns necessitating dental crowns to restore chewing function:
- Large decay: Cavities destroy the enamel and dentin, causing tooth weakness. Your doctor will remove the decay and place a dental filling before covering your tooth with a crown l.
- Large fillings: Your doctor can achieve a better long-term prognosis by using dental crowns to cover a tooth with a large filling.
- Cracks: Crowns prevent mold cracks from progressing and extending into nerves.
- Root canal treatment: Your doctor will complete your root canal treatment by adding a crown to prevent cracking.
What is a bridge?
This fixed partial denture is a tooth replacement treatment for several but not all missing teeth. It would help if you had functioning teeth on both sides of the gap. A bridge used to replace one missing tooth will have three units. Two for the adjacent teeth and one for the missing tooth. Bridges are made from the same material used to make crowns.
The benefits of dental bridges
Dental bridges are convenient replacement options for one or two missing teeth. You will need a couple of dental appointments, with the initial visit involving adjacent teeth preparation and the last involving final bridge fitting and cementing to your teeth.
Alternative treatments for a bridge
Dental bridges replace missing teeth. Your doctor may also recommend a removable partial denture that does not need cementing into your teeth. This option benefits patients who want to remove their dentures when needed. Removable partial dentures utilize adjacent teeth and metal or plastic bases to support crowns.
Another dental replacement option is dental implants. This treatment involves fusing a metal post to your jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Your doctor will crown your teeth for a more natural finish. This tooth replacement treatment gives long-lasting benefits due to the post’s strong anchor in the jawbone.
Call Hugh B. Rosenblatt, D.M.D., P.A. if you have questions about the best tooth replacement option for your clinical situation.