Is A Dental Bridge Better Than a Dental Crown?

Dental imperfections such as gaps, chips, cracks, and discoloration can tarnish your appearance and self-confidence. Your oral function and hygiene can be significantly affected, making you vulnerable to malnutrition and infections.

Fortunately, you can benefit from restorative treatments such as dental crowns, veneers, dental bonding, fillings, implants, root canal therapy, and dental implants. Let’s look at dental crowns and bridges and how they can restore your smile. Contact our dentist in Sharon, MA, for dental crowns and bridge treatment.

What are Dental Crowns?

A crown is a tooth-shaped dental cap placed over an existing tooth to repair the damage. Your dentist will likely recommend a dental crown if your tooth is severely chipped, cracked, discolored, broken, or decayed. If the tooth’s pulp is infected, the dentist can perform a root canal treatment to remove the infection.

A small part of the tooth’s enamel files down and reshapes when placing a dental crown. If the tooth doesn’t have enough structure, the dentist will rebuild it to support the crown. After that, the dentist takes impressions of your teeth and sends them to a dental lab.

If the dentist has the technology to make same-day crowns, they will take digital images of your teeth and make the crown right there in the office. The crown fits on the same day. If your records go to a dental lab, the dentist will place a temporary crown on your tooth for protection as you wait for the permanent crown.

Once the customized crowns are ready, your dentist will call you for the fitting procedure. The dentist will remove the temporary crown and test the customized one. Next, the dentist permanently cements the customized crown over the damaged tooth.

Usually, a dental crown is an excellent option to:

• Improve the appearance of a deeply stained or discolored tooth
• Repair a decayed, chipped, broken, or fractured tooth
• Repair a worn-out enamel
• Cover a sensitive tooth
• Cover an uneven or misshapen tooth
• Cover a dental implant
• Support a traditional dental bridge

Advantages of Dental Crowns

Benefits of using a dental crown to repair tooth damage include:

• It reduces tooth pain and sensitivity.
• It improves your bite function, allowing you to bite and chew normally.
• It improves your appearance and self-confidence.
• It saves your tooth by repairing the damage.
• It’s long-lasting. With proper care, a crown can last for 15 years or more.
• Ease maintenance. Once the crown fits, you care for it like a natural tooth.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a tooth-colored dental device used to replace missing teeth. Your dentist near you can also suggest a dental bridge to replace a partial denture or a severely damaged tooth they can’t save. A bridge consists of artificial teeth fused to metal and supported by dental crowns.

Before placing the bridge, the dentist will begin by examining your mouth for tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral issues. If they identify any issues, your dentist might recommend treating them first. The dentist will file down one or two healthy teeth on either side of the gap to prepare the bridge. They will also take x-rays, impressions, and digital images of your mouth and teeth.

A temporary bridge protects the prepared teeth as you wait for the permanent ones. The dentist will take out the temporary bridge. Next, the permanent bridge cements into your mouth. Instead of dental crowns, your dentist might recommend anchoring the bridge with an implant.

Advantages of Dental Bridges

• Replaces missing teeth
• Restore your bite and speech functions
• Restore your smile and self-confidence
• Preserves the position of the adjacent teeth
• Easy to maintain
• Long-lasting

Dental Bridges Vs. Crowns. Which is Better?

In general, both treatments are effective. However, the better option for you will depend on your condition. A crown is probably best if you have a damaged tooth that you can save. Alternatively, a dental bridge is probably best if your tooth is missing or severely damaged beyond repair. Before you decide, consult your dentist to see what they think.

Schedule an Appointment Today

For more information about dental bridges in Sharon, MA? Contact Sharon Dental Group to book your appointment today.