Dental crowns and bridges are primarily considered to be cosmetic dental procedures. Not only do they help to restore the function of your teeth, but they also help to renew the beauty of your smile. Lovett Dental Webster is here to help those feeling less than positive about your smile’s beauty to find that confidence once more.

While often considered cosmetic in nature, these procedures can also help preserve your natural teeth function and improve overall oral health. Here’s what you need to know about dental crowns and dental bridges and how they can give you something wonderful to smile about.

What are Dental Crowns?diagram shows how dental crowns and bridges will be used

Sometimes referred to as dental caps, crowns cover the entire tooth’s surface, restoring it to its original shape and size. By doing this, the crown also works to strengthen the structure of your tooth while protecting it from further damage.

Crowns are made of many different materials. Porcelain crowns are, by far, the most popular. Primarily because they most closely imitate the appearance of the natural tooth. Below are several instances in which your dentist may recommend dental crowns.

  • Replacing a large filling when there isn’t sufficient tooth surface in place.
  • Protecting weak teeth so they do not fracture or restore fractured teeth.
  • Covering teeth that are poorly shaped or discolored.
  • Securing dental bridges or cover dental implants.
  • Covering a tooth after a root canal procedure.

As you can see, crowns are excellent options, cosmetically speaking, to assist in maintaining the beauty and integrity of your smile while preserving natural teeth and promoting better overall oral health.

What are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are used to replace gaps in your smile caused by one or more missing teeth. They serve many purposes that are beyond cosmetic in nature. Having a bridge prevents the shifting of teeth that can occur when one or more teeth are missing. As the remaining teeth shift into the now empty spaces, it creates an imbalance that can lead to gum disease or even TMJ.

Dental bridges do so much more than fill in gaps in your smile, though. While certainly an important consideration, other factors may make you decide that this is the right choice for you, such as:

  • Restores your ability to properly chew your food (which aids in better digestion).
  • It helps you speak and pronounce words more clearly.
  • Maintains the shape of your face.
  • Restores the alignment of your bite and the distribution of force when chewing.
  • It prevents your remaining teeth from shifting out of place.

Bridges are preferable to removable features, like partial dentures, because they last longer and offer a fixed solution for your needs.

How are Crowns and Bridges Linked?

One of the most common ways to apply bridges is by holding them in place on both sides with dental crowns applied to natural teeth. There are other options for supporting bridges, such as dental implants and bonding the framework to the back of your teeth. However, crowns remain the most popular option among dental patients.

While crowns are used in many situations and circumstances, they are widely used in association with bridges, which link crowns and bridges together in many’s minds.

Find the General Dental Services You Need at Lovett Dental Webster

Texas residents understand the importance of winning, confident, and beautiful smiles. Lovett Dental Webster is here to help you get more from your smile with a variety of cosmetic and restorative procedures, including crowns, bridges, and so much more. Contact us today at 832-932-5584, or contact us online to learn more about the service we offer and how we can help you restore the beauty of your smile today.