Dental Crowns Vs Bridges in Toowoomba: Restoring Your Smile
Curious about dental crowns and bridges? Dental crowns and dental bridges are types of dental restorations that are used to replace or repair damaged or missing teeth. They are both designed to restore the function and appearance of your smile.
Maintaining good oral health is essential to our overall well-being, and these dental restorations not only help improve the appearance of teeth, but prevent further damage, and restore oral function.
These two dental restorations can do wonders for your smile and oral health. In this article, we'll dive into the difference between crowns and bridges, types of crowns and bridges, the full crowns and bridges procedure and aftercare.
What is the difference between dental crowns and bridges?
A dental crown is a cap that covers the entire visible portion of a damaged or decayed tooth above the gum line. It is used to restore the shape, size, strength, and appearance of a single tooth.
Crowns are often recommended for teeth that have undergone significant decay, trauma, or root canal treatment. They can also be used for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of misshapen or discoloured teeth. Crowns are custom-made to match the colour, size, and shape of the existing teeth, providing a natural-looking result.
Whereas, a dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth, which are supported by dental crowns on the adjacent teeth, known as abutment teeth.
The dental crowns on the teeth serve as anchors for the bridge, holding the teeth in place. Dental bridges are fixed restorations, meaning they are permanently cemented in the mouth and cannot be removed by the patient. They restore the function and aesthetics of missing teeth, improving chewing ability, speech, and appearance.
Both dental crowns and bridges are custom-made to match the colour and appearance of the natural teeth, providing functional and cosmetic benefits. The choice between a crown and a bridge depends on the specific dental condition and the number of missing teeth that need to be addressed. It is best to consult with a dentist who can evaluate your case and recommend the most appropriate treatment option.
Do you need to have dental crowns and dental bridges together?
No, it is not necessary to have dental crowns and dental bridges together. Dental crowns and dental bridges are separate dental restorations that serve different purposes.
Dental crowns are used to restore individual teeth that have been damaged, decayed, or undergone root canal treatment. They cover the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line, providing protection, strength, and aesthetic improvement to the tooth. Crowns are typically used when a tooth has significant structural damage or requires cosmetic enhancement.
On the other hand, dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth. They consist of artificial teeth called pontics, which are supported by dental crowns placed on the adjacent natural teeth. The crowns act as anchors or abutments for the bridge, holding the pontics in place. Dental bridges are used to fill the gap created by missing teeth, restoring function, appearance, and preventing problems associated with tooth loss.
While it is possible to combine dental crowns and dental bridges in certain cases, such as when adjacent teeth require individual crowns and a bridge is needed to replace a missing tooth, it is not a requirement. Each restoration is tailored to address specific dental issues independently. The need for dental crowns or bridges depends on the individual circumstances, such as the condition of the teeth, the number of missing teeth, and the desired treatment outcome.
It is important to consult with a dentist who can evaluate your dental condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan, which may include dental crowns, dental bridges, or a combination of different dental restorations based on your specific needs.
What are the types of Dental Crowns?
There are several types of dental crowns available, each with its own unique characteristics and advantages. Here are some common types of dental crowns:
All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain crowns:
These crowns are made entirely of ceramic or porcelain materials, providing excellent aesthetic results. They are a popular choice for restoring front teeth because they blend seamlessly with natural tooth colour. All-ceramic crowns are known for their superior aesthetics, biocompatibility, and high strength.
Metal crowns:
These crowns are typically made of gold alloy, nickel-chromium alloy, or other non-precious metals. Metal crowns are known for their exceptional strength and durability. However, they are less commonly used in visible areas of the mouth due to their metallic appearance.
Zirconia crowns:
Zirconia is a strong and biocompatible material that closely resembles natural tooth colour. Zirconia crowns offer excellent durability and aesthetics, making them suitable for both front and back teeth restorations. They are known for their high strength and resistance to chipping or fracturing and can withstand heavy biting forces.
Temporary crowns:
These crowns are used as a temporary solution while waiting for a permanent crown to be fabricated. Temporary crowns are typically made of acrylic or stainless steel and provide protection and functionality until the permanent restoration is ready.
The choice of dental crown type depends on various factors, including the location of the tooth, aesthetic requirements, strength needed, and the patient's preference. It's best to consult with a dentist who can evaluate your specific case and recommend the most suitable type of crown for your dental needs.
What are the types of dental bridges?
Traditional bridges
The most typical kind of dental bridges is the traditional bridge. It involves creating a crown for the teeth on either side of the gap, called abutment teeth. These crowns serve as anchors, and the artificial tooth or teeth, known as pontics, are fused between them. The bridge is then cemented into place, providing a stable and permanent restoration.
Cantilever bridges
Cantilever bridges are similar to traditional bridges, but they are only supported by one dental crown rather than two. They are typically used in areas of the mouth where there is less stress on the teeth.
Maryland bridges
Maryland bridges are a type of dental bridge that is supported by a metal or porcelain framework that is bonded to the back of adjacent teeth. They are an excellent choice for patients who have healthy adjacent teeth but want to replace a missing tooth or teeth. Unlike traditional dental bridges, Maryland bridges do not require adjacent teeth to be reshaped or prepared, making them a less invasive option.
What is the dental crowns and dental bridges procedure?
Choosing a dental professional
When it comes to dental restorations, it's important to choose a dental professional who is experienced and knowledgeable in the procedure you need. Look for a dentist who has a good reputation and positive patient reviews. If you’re in the Toowoomba area, Garden City Dental has decades of experience with dental crowns and bridges. Book an appointment today online or give us a call on 4634 0664.
Initial consultation
Before the procedure, your dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth and gums to ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure. They may also take X-rays or other diagnostic images to help determine the best treatment plan.
Your Individualised Treatment Plan
With all of this information, we create a unique treatment plan based on your individual smile and lifestyle. It may be the case that treatment is needed to address any oral health issues before placing the tooth crowns and bridges.
The treatment process for both dental bridges
Your dentist will remove any decay or damage and shape the tooth to accommodate the crown or bridge.
For dental ridges, your dentist will begin by preparing your teeth adjacent to the gap for treatment. We then reshape the necessary teeth to allow room for the bridge to be placed over them. Your dental bridge is then checked and adjusted for the perfect fit. At this point, you may be required to visit again to check the fit and bite of your dental bridge, and ensure it’s a proper fit.
The treatment process for both dental bridges
For the dental crowns, using the digital scan from the photos, the dentist creates the dental crown right there in the office. You may have to wait about 1 to 2 hours until the crown is made. Once the crown is ready, your dentist cements it into place. The entire process usually takes about 2 to 4 hours total.
Once the restoration is complete, your dentist will fit and adjust it as needed to ensure a comfortable and natural-looking result.
Your Final Appointment
Once the dental crown and dental bridge(s) have healed, at your final appointment your dentist will ensure that all dental crowns and dental bridges are securely fixed and you have the smile of your dreams!
Aftercare
Proper oral hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to the long-term success of your dental restoration. Be sure to brush and floss regularly, and use an antiseptic mouthwash to help prevent infection.
Follow-up appointments
Your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure that your restoration is functioning properly. They may also recommend additional treatments, such as teeth cleaning or fluoride treatments, to help maintain your oral health.
Long-term maintenance
Dental crowns and bridges can last for many years with the right upkeep. However, they may need to be replaced eventually due to wear and tear or damage. Be sure to schedule regular checkups with your dentist to monitor the condition of your restorations and address any issues that may arise.
Dental crowns and bridges are great dental restorations that can help restore oral function and improve the appearance of your smile.
If you are in Toowoomba and you’re looking to get dental crowns or dental bridges, at Garden City Dental we are here to help maintain your healthy smile. Our experienced dentists have decades of experience creating perfect smiles with dental crowns in toowoomba and dental bridges in Toowoomba.
Give us a call on 4634 0664 or book an appointment online today! We look forward to seeing you soon.
