What Are Dental Crowns And Bridges?

If you’ve ever grappled with dental troubles, the terms “dental crowns” and “dental bridges” have likely surfaced in your conversations with your dentist. These dental procedures play a pivotal role in rejuvenating your grin and preserving your oral well-being.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll plunge into the realm of dental crowns and bridges, unraveling the mysteries of what they are, how they function, and when they might come to your dental rescue.

Dental Crowns: Your Tooth’s Trusted Guardian

Dental crowns, affectionately known as dental caps, are tailor-made shields that snugly encase a compromised or weakened tooth. Picture them as an impervious suit of armor fortifying your tooth’s integrity, form, and utility. The Conditions Demanding Dental Crowns are as below.

The need for dental crowns arises in a range of scenarios:

1. Tooth Decay:  When a tooth grapples with severe decay that cannot be resolved with a mere filling, a dental crown emerges as the ultimate savior. It takes charge, enveloping and safeguarding the remnants of the healthy tooth structure.

2. Cracks or Fractures:  Teeth that bear the brunt of cracks or fractures—whether due to accidents or the natural wear and tear of time—can find solace in crowns. These crowns act as vigilant sentinels, thwarting further harm.

3. Root Canal Therapy:  Following a root canal procedure, it’s customary to crown the treated tooth. This not only bolsters its resilience but also resurrects its functionality.  

4. Aesthetic Enhancements: Dental crowns don’t just serve a functional purpose; they also wield their powers in the realm of aesthetics. They cloak discolored or misshapen teeth, bestowing upon you an improved smile.

Also Read: What are the Different Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures? 

What are Dental Crowns and Bridges?  

Securing a dental crown usually involves two appointments which are mentioned below. Let’s discuss it briefly

1. Preliminary Preparations: At the outset, your dentist embarks on the journey by meticulously reading the tooth. They excise any deteriorated or decaying sections and capture impressions for crafting a bespoke crown. You’ll depart the dental sanctuary sporting a temporary crown, safeguarding your tooth until its permanent counterpart is birthed.

2. The Grand Unveiling: In the second rendezvous, the provisional crown is gently cast aside, making way for the custom-designed crown. This masterpiece is meticulously fitted and affixed with care. Your dentist ensures that the crown aligns perfectly and operates without a hitch, fine-tuning it as necessary.

3. Dental Bridges: Bridging the Chasm:  Dental bridges, as the moniker implies, bridge the void left by absent teeth. They consist of one or more synthetic teeth, christened as pontics, anchored firmly by dental crowns attached to neighboring natural teeth or dental implants. Bridges stand as steadfast allies in the quest to restore both functionality and aesthetics.

Also Read: Invisalign Aligners vs. Braces: Which Is Right For You?

The Necessity for Dental Bridges

Dental bridges find their purpose in various circumstances, let’s have an eagle view at those.

1. Missing Teeth:  The primary role of bridges is to rectify the vacancy created by missing teeth, thwarting the migration of adjacent teeth.

2. Chewing and Enunciation Woes: Missing teeth can throw a wrench into your ability to chew food with ease and may even tangle your tongue when speaking. Bridges are the troubleshooters, reinstating these lost functions.

3. A Smile Revival:  Bridges embark on a dual mission—they not only bolster your bite but also undertake a makeover of your smile, replacing the lacunae with a more complete and captivating visage.

Also Read: Dental Crowns vs. Veneers: Which is Right for You? 

Securing a dental bridge involves two chapters:

1. Preamble Preparations: In the maiden encounter, the abutment teeth, standing sentry at the chasm’s edge, are primed for their forthcoming roles as crown bearers. Impression-taking is a crucial act, serving as the blueprint for crafting the bridge. In the interim, a provisional bridge is stationed to shield the exposed teeth and gums.

2. The Grand Debut: The second meeting marks the transition from the interim to the definitive. The temporary bridge gracefully steps aside, making room for its custom-crafted counterpart. This intricately assembled bridge is installed with precision and secured firmly in place. Your dentist conducts a meticulous examination to ensure that the bridge executes its duties flawlessly and provides comfort.

Nurturing and Tending

Both dental crowns and bridges are prized investments in your dental health. To prolong their lifespans, heed these guidelines:

• Champion excellent oral hygiene as your daily routine. Dedicate yourself to regular brushing, flossing, and the use of an antimicrobial mouthwash.
• Stay faithful to your dental check-ups, where your crowns and bridges receive the scrutiny they deserve.
• Guard against using your teeth as tools or attempting feats of strength, as this could jeopardize the integrity of your restorations.
• If you’re prone to nighttime teeth grinding, consult your dentist about the possibility of donning a nightguard. This protective measure shields your crowns and bridges from undue wear and tear.

Conclusion
Dental crowns and bridges serve as stalwart allies in the realm of dentistry, not only resuscitating your teeth’s utility but also rekindling your confidence in your smile. Should you find yourself grappling with dental predicaments or grappling with the specter of missing teeth, enlist the counsel of your dentist to explore whether these transformative treatments are the answer to your dental prayers. Keep in mind that a healthy smile is a radiant smile, and dental crowns and bridges are the heralds of that radiance.