Everything You Need to Know About Dental Crowns and Bridges

While we all wish our perfect, pearly white teeth could last forever, this isn’t the case. Teeth are not indestructible, and sometimes they can become stained, cracked, chipped, or even require extraction. Luckily, there are many ways to restore your damaged and missing teeth and boost your oral health and confidence. At Spy Hill Dental, our NW Calgary dentist offers dental crowns and dental bridges as options for restorative dentistry. Read on to learn more about these options. 

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a custom-designed tooth-shaped cover to snugly fit over the top of a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its appearance and protect it from further damage. 

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge works to replace one or more missing teeth. They are made of several dental crowns stuck to each other, and they use the natural teeth on each side of the gap left behind by the missing tooth or teeth as anchors. Dental bridges can be customized to match your surrounding natural teeth by a dentist near you so that they will blend in perfectly with your smile. 

When Are Dental Crowns and Bridges Necessary?

There are many situations where your dentist may recommend dental crowns and dental bridges in NW Calgary, including: 

• Cosmetic purposes- a dental crown can be used to cover a stained, chipped, or broken tooth and restore its natural and healthy appearance.
• Supporting damaged teeth- if you have a tooth on the verge of breaking apart, your dentist may suggest that you get a dental crown to keep its structure and remain functional in the mouth.
• To replace missing teeth– if you have a missing tooth or require a tooth extraction, a dental bridge is an excellent option for replacing the tooth and restoring the function and appearance of your smile.

How Are Dental Crowns and Bridges Created?

Since dental bridges are made from several dental crowns put together, creating dental bridges and crowns is very similar. To begin, your dentist in NW Calgary will need to file down your natural teeth to make space for the crown or bridge. They will then take impressions of your teeth which will be sent over to a dental laboratory where your custom-designed dental crown or bridge will be made. In the meantime, you will be fitted with a temporary crown or bridge to keep your teeth protected. 

When your custom restoration is ready, you will be invited back to your dental office to have the restoration placed. Your dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the crown or bridge blends in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth and fits comfortably into your bite. 

How Long Do Dental Crowns and Bridges Last?

Dental bridges and crowns can last for decades and even a lifetime with the right care. The best way to get the most out of your dental restoration is to maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine of brushing and to floss each day and visit a dentist at least once every six months for a professional cleaning and checkup. 

You should also avoid eating very hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can chip, crack or otherwise damage your dental bridge or crown. If you ever do require replacement, a qualified dentist will assist you. 

Visit Spy Hill Dental

If you are dealing with a missing, broken, discolored, or cracked tooth, you may benefit from getting a dental crown or bridge. If you would like to learn more about these dental restorations, please do not hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team of dental professionals at Spy Hill Dental. We are happy to provide high-quality dental crowns and bridges to our patients. 

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