Crowns and Bridges
Pembroke Family Dental Care
Restoring Your Teeth and Smile
What Are Crowns?
A dental crown is like a little hat that goes over a damaged tooth. Imagine you have a tooth that’s broken or has a big cavity. A crown covers the whole tooth, protecting it and making it strong again. Crowns can be made of different materials, like porcelain (which looks like a real tooth), metal, or a combination of both.
Why Would You Need a Crown?
- Your tooth is cracked or broken.
- You had a large cavity, and a simple filling isn’t enough.
- You had a root canal, and your tooth needs extra protection.
- You want to cover a tooth that’s discolored or shaped weirdly.
Services
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is used when you have one or more missing teeth. It’s called a “bridge” because it fills the gap where the missing tooth was. Imagine a bridge on a road; it connects one side to the other. A dental bridge does the same thing but for your teeth! It has a false tooth in the middle, supported by crowns placed on the teeth next to the gap.
Why Would You Need a Bridge?
- You lost a tooth and want to fill the empty space.
- You want to improve the way you chew and speak.
- You want to prevent other teeth from moving out of place.
How Do Crowns and Bridges Work?
The process for getting a crown or bridge is quite simple and usually takes two visits to the dentist.
First Visit
- The dentist will check your teeth and take a picture (X-ray) to see what’s happening.
- If you’re getting a crown, the dentist will gently shape your tooth so the crown can fit perfectly.
- If you’re getting a bridge, the dentist will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap.
- Then, they’ll take a mold of your teeth to make sure the crown or bridge fits just right.
- A temporary crown or bridge is placed to protect your teeth until the real one is ready.
Second Visit
- The dentist will replace the temporary crown or bridge with the permanent one.
- They’ll make sure it fits well and feels comfortable.
Benefits of Crowns and Bridges
- Look Natural: Crowns and bridges are designed to match your natural teeth, so they blend in perfectly.
- Protect Your Teeth: Crowns protect weak or damaged teeth, keeping them from breaking.
- Restore Your Smile: Bridges fill in gaps, giving you a complete and confident smile.
- Help with Chewing: Missing or broken teeth can make it hard to eat. Crowns and bridges make chewing easy again.
- Prevent Shifting: When you have a gap, other teeth might move around. Bridges stop this from happening.
Taking Care of Crowns and Bridges
Taking care of your crowns and bridges is easy. Here’s how:
- Brush and Floss Daily: Just like with your regular teeth, brushing and flossing will keep your crowns and bridges clean.
- Visit Your Dentist: Regular check-ups are important to make sure your crowns and bridges stay in good shape.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Try not to bite down on hard foods like ice or nuts, as they can damage your crowns or bridges.
- Use a Nightguard if Needed: If you grind your teeth while sleeping, ask your dentist about using a nightguard to protect your crown or bridge.