Crowns & Bridges We may recommend artificial replacements if you have one or several missing teeth. While dentures are a common alternative, they can easily shift, slide, or fall. At Rocket City Prosthodontics, we recommend dental crowns and bridges as viable solutions to teeth replacement. When you come for a consultation, our prosthodontist, Dr. Andres Pappa will likely let the referring dental office complete the procedure. However, we will provide pertinent information to help you determine if you prefer crowns or dentures. We aim to help you improve the quality of your smile by ensuring it is as real and healthy as possible.The Difference Between Dental Crowns and BridgesDental crowns cap decaying or damaged teeth and can be placed on top of a dental implant to replace missing teeth. Implants are metallic fixtures surgically placed into the jawbone below the patient's gums. The implants are anchored to the bone through osseointegration, the infusion of metal and bone. You can eat, speak, and perform other oral functions because of the stability provided by implants. Once the dental implants are surgically installed, your jaw takes up to 12 weeks to heal. The referring dental office can then mount metal posts onto the crown.' Bridges are only used to replace missing teeth. Two crowns are placed on either side, and a bridge of replacement teeth rests on the gums where teeth are missing. The crowns at the end are meant to fuse with existing teeth, or the referring dental practitioner can attach implants. Whichever replacement option you choose, it can be critical to maintaining good oral health. How Do Crowns Work?As mentioned, a crown caps a decaying or damaged tooth, helping it maintain strength, size, appearance, and shape. Before crowns are placed, dental implants need to be installed to provide anchorage. Crowns are usually made from one or a mixture of different materials. Most people opt for metal alloy options like gold alloy, which are cost-effective and durable. However, the referring dental office may opt for acrylic, porcelain, or ceramic crowns for a more natural look. Ceramic and acrylic crowns are durable, but porcelain is more susceptible to damage and chipping. Porcelain crowns can be bonded to a metal shell for enhanced strength without compromising aesthetics. How Do Bridges Work?Crowns repair damaged teeth, and bridges' sole purpose is to replace one or several missing teeth. Regarding bridges, the referring dental professional replaces the caps on filled teeth or dental implants at the outer edges of the affected areas. Replacement teeth, called pontics, fill the space between the caps where teeth are missing. Like crowns, patients have the option of choosing materials for their bridges. The dentist or prosthodontist can help you choose a suitable material based on your needs. It would help if you discussed critical factors like cost, visibility, strength, and care. Now that you know what crowns and bridges entail, contact us at Rocket City Prosthodontics to learn more about other dental replacement options. Call us today on (256) 207-8943 and schedule a consultation with the experts. |
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