Crowns and Bridges

Pembroke Family Dental Care

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Restoring Your Teeth and Smile

When you have a tooth that’s damaged, cracked, or missing, it can make you feel uncomfortable, especially when you smile. Luckily, there are solutions that can help, like crowns and bridges. Let’s break down what these are and how they can make your smile look and feel better.

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.

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.

Common Questions

With good care, they can last 10 to 15 years, sometimes even longer!
The dentist will make sure you’re comfortable, so you shouldn’t feel any pain. It might feel a bit strange at first, but you’ll get used to it quickly.
Yes, but it’s usually for special cases. The dentist will decide what’s best for your child’s teeth.
The cost can vary, so it’s best to talk to your dentist and see what options work for you.

Conclusion

Crowns and bridges are great ways to fix damaged or missing teeth. They help you chew, talk, and smile with confidence again. If you think you need one, talk to your dentist and find out the best option for your teeth. A healthy smile can make a big difference!
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