Dental crowns and bridges are popular and highly regarded types of dental restoration. Each can play a vital role in helping individuals who have suffered from tooth loss preserve their oral health and restore the aesthetic appeal of their smile.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns, or “caps” as they’re sometimes called, are custom-fitted shells, typically made of porcelain, ceramic, or metal, often providing a protective casing for damaged or weakened teeth to restore their function, strength, and appearance. Additionally, when a patient has lost a tooth, a crown can be fitted to sit atop a dental implant and similarly restore the function and aesthetics of a natural tooth.
How Do Dental Bridges Work?
Meanwhile, bridges are dental prosthetics that feature artificial teeth (usually ceramic) that serve to “bridge gaps” created by tooth loss. Typically, bridges are anchored to remaining natural teeth or dental implants adjacent to the area in a patient’s mouth vacated by tooth loss.
Like crowns, bridges restore the function of a person’s bite, enhance the aesthetics of their smile, prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of alignment, and support facial muscles and structure.
Comparing the Benefits of Crowns and Bridges
Both crowns and bridges are designed to match the shape, size, and color of the natural teeth they’re replacing and surrounded by. With proper placement and care, each integrates seamlessly into a person’s smile, enhances oral function, and offers a renewed sense of self-confidence. But when is each solution the appropriate option?
Here are some instances in which a dental crown is preferable:
- To shield weakened or cracked teeth while restoring proper biting and chewing function.
- To strengthen a tooth after a root canal and ensure aesthetics and long-term functionality.
- To conceal discolored or misshapen teeth and restore smile aesthetics.
Here, now, are some instances in which a dental bridge is the right call:
- To seamlessly fill in gaps–natural and tooth loss-related–and restore both aesthetics and function.
- To help maintain dental alignment by preventing shifting or overcrowding among remaining teeth.
- To restore biting, chewing, and speaking ability and instill confidence in social and professional settings that come with a bright, beautiful smile.
Precisely Placing Dental Crowns and Bridges in Charlotte, NC
If you're in Charlotte and looking for a dentist with experience and expertise in all aspects of cosmetic, preventive, and restorative dentistry, including the precise placement of dental crowns and bridges, contact dentist Dr. Justin Harlow and the team at Harlow Dental to schedule a consultation!