We’re sure that you understand the power of a smile. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers effective solutions in the form of dental bridges and crowns. Whether you’re dealing with missing teeth, damage, or aesthetic concerns, these restorative treatments can bring you one step closer to the smile you’ve always envisioned. In this comprehensive blog, we’ll explore the benefits of dental bridges and crowns, their versatile applications, and how these procedures can help you achieve your dream smile.
Taking a Closer Look at Dental Bridges and Crowns
Dental Crowns: The versatile solution
Dental crowns, often referred to as caps, are custom-made coverings that fit over a damaged or compromised tooth. These crowns serve a dual purpose – they reinforce the structural integrity of a weakened tooth and enhance its appearance. Crafted from materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of these, dental crowns closely mimic the natural color and translucency of your existing teeth.
Dental crowns are used in a variety of scenarios:
- Restoring Damaged Teeth: When a tooth is significantly decayed, cracked, or broken, a dental crown can provide protection and restore its functionality.
- After Root Canal Treatment: Following a root canal procedure, where the inner pulp of a tooth is removed, a dental crown is often placed to strengthen and protect the treated tooth.
- Cosmetic Enhancement: Dental crowns can be used for cosmetic purposes, such as covering misshapen or discolored teeth, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
Dental Bridges: Bridging the Gap
A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration designed to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of artificial teeth (pontics) that are anchored in place by dental crowns on adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Bridges are an excellent solution for restoring both the functionality and appearance of your smile in cases of tooth loss.
How Can I Improve My Smile With Dental Bridges?
- Crowns for cosmetic enhancement
If you find yourself self-conscious about the appearance of your teeth, dental crowns can be a transformative solution. Whether you have discoloured, misshapen, or unevenly sized teeth, crowns can provide a uniform and aesthetically pleasing look.
- Whitening Discolored Teeth: Teeth that are deeply stained or discoloured may not respond well to traditional teeth whitening methods. Porcelain crowns offer a solution by covering the stained tooth, providing a brighter and whiter appearance.
- Reshaping Misshapen Teeth: If you have teeth that are irregularly shaped or disproportionate to the rest of your smile, crowns can be customised to harmonise the overall shape and alignment.
- Closing Gaps and Spaces: Dental crowns can effectively close gaps or spaces between teeth, creating a more even and symmetrical smile.
By addressing these cosmetic concerns, dental crowns play a crucial role in helping you achieve the aesthetically pleasing smile you’ve always desired.
- Crowns for restorative purposes
Dental crowns are not only about aesthetics – they play a vital role in restoring the functionality of compromised teeth. Here’s how:
- Repairing Cracked or Broken Teeth: Teeth that are cracked or broken due to trauma or decay can be reinforced and restored with dental crowns. The crown acts as a protective cap, preventing further damage and preserving the tooth’s strength.
- After Root Canal Treatment: Following a root canal, where the inner pulp of a tooth is removed, a dental crown is often placed to provide strength and protection to the treated tooth. This ensures that the tooth can continue to function normally without the risk of fractures.
- Supporting Large Fillings: Teeth with extensive decay may require large fillings. In such cases, dental crowns are often recommended to provide additional support and prevent the compromised tooth from further damage.
- Bridges for tooth replacement
The loss of one or more teeth can not only affect the aesthetics of your smile but also impact your ability to chew and speak effectively. Dental bridges offer a reliable solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring functionality.
- Rebuilding Your Smile: A dental bridge fills the gap left by missing teeth, preventing the surrounding teeth from shifting and maintaining the alignment of your bite. This not only improves the aesthetics of your smile but also ensures proper chewing function.
- Stabilising Adjacent Teeth: Dental bridges use adjacent natural teeth or dental implants as support for the artificial teeth. This provides stability and prevents the remaining teeth from tilting or moving out of position.
- Preventing Bone Loss: The presence of artificial teeth in a dental bridge helps stimulate the underlying jawbone, preventing bone loss that can occur when teeth are missing. This contributes to maintaining the structural integrity of your facial features.
- Achieving natural-looking results
One of the remarkable features of dental bridges and crowns is their ability to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Modern materials and advancements in dental technology allow for the creation of highly realistic restorations that closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth.
- Colour Matching: Dental crowns and bridges can be color-matched to your existing teeth, ensuring that they seamlessly integrate into your smile without standing out.
- Natural Translucency: High-quality materials, such as porcelain, possess a natural translucency that mirrors the way light interacts with natural tooth enamel. This results in restorations that look and feel incredibly lifelike.
- Customised Shape and Size: Whether you’re addressing cosmetic concerns or restoring damaged teeth, dental crowns can be customised in terms of shape and size to create a harmonious and natural appearance.
- Longevity and durability
Investing in your dream smile with dental bridges and crowns is not just about immediate results – it’s a long-term investment in your oral health and well-being. Both dental bridges and crowns are known for their durability and longevity when properly cared for.
- Dental Crowns: On average, dental crowns can last between 5 to 15 years, and sometimes even longer. Regular dental check-ups and a commitment to good oral hygiene practices contribute significantly to the longevity of crowns.
Dental Bridges: The lifespan of dental bridges varies depending on factors such as oral hygiene, the location of the bridge, and the materials used. With proper care, dental bridges can last a decade or more, providing lasting benefits.
See Why Ashwood Dental Surgery Is The No. 1 Choice for Your Smile
Your dream smile is not an unattainable fantasy – with the help of dental bridges and crowns. Whether you’re looking to enhance the aesthetics of your smile, restore damaged teeth, or replace missing ones, these restorative treatments offer versatile solutions that align with your unique goals.
By working closely with our experienced Ashburton dentist team, you can embark on a personalised journey towards your dream smile. Dental bridges and crowns offer immediate improvements and long-lasting benefits, enhancing your oral health and overall well-being. Start your smile transformation today with a trusted Ashburton dentist! Contact us at (03) 9885 2712 or conveniently book your appointment online via our website. Take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile today!
