Crown & Bridge FAQ from our Peoria Dentist

Dental Crowns and Tooth Bridges are fixed prosthetic devices used by dentists to make the teeth firmer and look better. Crowns can fully coat a damaged tooth or an implant while bridges can fill in the gaps caused by missing teeth.

 

CROWNS

      A crown can be used as a replacement for a large filling when teeth are missing. They serve protection from fracture and as a tool to repair an already damaged tooth. A crown can also beautify, align or restore a tooth's appearance. 

      Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, gold, metal alloys, and acrylic, depending on the preference of the patients and the advice from our Peoria dentist. Those who want the crown to look natural can use porcelain or ceramic while those who prefer a strong and attractive crown can have alloys or porcelain.

     

BRIDGES

       Bridges fill the space caused by the missing teeth. They are cemented to the natural teeth or implants around the gap to prevent the remaining teeth from rotating or shifting.

       Like crowns, porcelain and ceramic can be the perfect material to match the natural color of the teeth. Our Peoria dentist can advise the most suitable material to use.

 

The Process of Making Crowns and Bridges

The making of a crown or a bridge needs preparation. First, it is necessary to reduce the size of a tooth for the crown or bridge to fit in easily. Second, our Peoria dentist will provide an exact mold using the most appropriate material. Third, the actual crown or bridge is performed in a dental laboratory. Consequently, a temporary crown or bridge is provided while the permanent crown and bridge is being made. Once done, the temporary device is taken out and the new crown/bridge is cemented on the tooth (or teeth).

 

Major Differences of Crowns and Bridges
Both crowns and bridges are excellent options when it comes to restoring your smile, but they both have their own unique advantages. Crowns may be better suites for patients who only need to replace one or two teeth, whereas bridges may be better to restore a row of teeth. Bridges can also be used in conjunction with crowns to be held in place. A bridge can be held in place by an "anchor" tooth, which could be a crown or a natural tooth. They can also be fixed or removable, which can add more convenience to your restorative experience. 
 
Dental crowns are a permanent change to your smile, which may be better suited for someone who is looking for a restoration that is close to a natural tooth. Dental crowns look completely natural and restore function to your smile, and they may be more comfortable than bridges in some instances. Every smile is unique, so talk to our Peoria dentist to find out which option would be better for your smile. 

 

For the crown or the bridge to last a lifetime, it is important to practice good oral hygiene as well as avoid chewing hard foods. A regular visit to our Peoria dentist is also advisable.

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