When it comes to your overall dental health, it is always critical to try and understand the techniques that dentists use to protect your teeth. Learning about the various dental procedures will help you to feel more confident and informed when you visit a dentist Laval for a routine checkup or dental treatment. When it comes to restorative dental treatment, the two most commonly used terms are dental crowns and bridges.
Although both of them are restorative dental treatment methods, they are used in different ways, and they also solve different problems. So, what is the difference between a dental crown and a bridge? Read on to learn more about these two terms.
What Is A Dental Crown?
In simple terms, a dental crown is a unique application that is usually used to restore/repair a damaged/badly-broken tooth without the need for dental implantation or tooth removal. A crown is simply a “cap” that is used to restore your tooth to its original shape and appearance to prevent any further damage or decay. Besides covering the damaged tooth, a dental crown can also be used to align your tooth or improve its overall appearance.
Sometimes, your dentist will match the color of your natural teeth to that of the ceramic or porcelain crown to be used in the procedure. Other materials that are used in the manufacture of dental crowns include acrylic, metallic alloys, and even gold. Dental crowns made from metal alloys are stronger compared to their ceramic counterparts, and that is why they will mostly be recommended for back teeth.
However, the most commonly used crowns are the porcelain type since they are both strong and attractive. Your dentist may suggest a dental crown to attach a bridge, restore a fractured tooth, cover a tooth that has recently had a root canal treatment, or repair an already fractured tooth.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Unlike a dental crown, a dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Typically, a bridge uses the neighboring teeth to support a false tooth that has been implanted in the gap between two adjacent teeth. Just like a dental crown, your neighboring teeth will be shaped to receive the dental bridge more comfortably and perfectly.
The primary reason why bridges are recommended is that the gaps left by the missing tooth in your mouth can cause the remaining adjacent teeth to shift or rotate into that space. This movement can result in what is commonly referred to as a “bad bite.” The dental imbalance that occurs as a result of missing one or several teeth can also cause temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ) and gum diseases.
A dental bridge may also be recommended if one of your teeth has been extracted to improve the space left behind. Just like dental crowns, bridges can also offer you positive cosmetic results by restoring your beautiful smile and self-esteem. Sometimes, it can take up to three visits for your dentist Laval to complete your dental bridge procedure. Both dental crowns and bridges can last for up to 15 years if the patient takes good care of them.
