Fixed Crowns And Bridges: A Guide To Your Use Of Both At The Same Time

Posted on: 8 February 2017

If you are missing one or more of your natural teeth, modern dentistry has several ways that you can replace them subtly so that no one would know about your dental challenges simply by looking at you. However, some of them can be very expensive and can take months to complete, so that rules them out for many individuals. Fortunately, crowns and bridges tend to be more affordable and both procedures can be completed in a relatively brief period of time. Therefore, when you need to restore the appearance of your smile as soon as you can and at the best price, the following information will be extremely helpful. 

Understanding The Use And Function Of Fixed Crowns And Bridges

It is first important to understand that both crown and bridges are good choices for the discerning dental patient who never wants to risk being seen without their teeth by anyone other than a dental professional or if becomes necessary when getting hypothetical emergency repairs years from now. However, in order for a bridge to become a permanent addition to your smile, it needs to be able to connect to at least one adjacent tooth to gain the necessary support. If a natural tooth is not of adequate strength, size or ability to do so, your dentist is likely to suggest a crown in its place. 

Although you can obviously use both a permanent crown and bridge at the same time, it is best to have a clear understanding of what to expect from both when planning to permanently improve your smile. 

Choosing Your New Dental Crown

Your new crown can best be described as a permanent cover to a tooth that has been severely damaged in the past, received a root canal or that is at an inopportune angle within your mouth. That cover provides extra support to the tooth and will typically prevent new damage from occurring. It is available in different materials and its coloring can be closely matched to the rest of your teeth so that it resembles your natural teeth.  

Benefiting From Your Dental Bridge

When the crown is safely nestled within your gum, it is time to look to your new bridge. Following an assessment of your current needs. your dentist will do a series of x-rays to evaluate the condition of the teeth in question and your jaw. Assuming that either the surrounding teeth are in a good enough condition to permit the use of a bridge or after they have been treated to allow them to serve that function, a mold will be created of your teeth.

That mold serves as a pattern for the bridge and after your dentist receives your bridge, it will be permanently fitted to your mouth. While you are waiting for that to occur, you may be able to get temporary teeth to disguise your missing teeth.      

In conclusion, crowns and bridges are ideal choices for many dental patients who want to replace their missing teeth as soon as possible and need to do so at an affordable cost. If that sounds like your own situation, it is a good idea to be aware of the facts shared above. You can also find out more here.

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