Dental Crowns and Bridges: What You Need to Know

Dental Crowns and Bridges: What You Need to Know

Apr 01, 2021

There are several ways of addressing a severely damaged tooth, and the most common is the use of dental crowns. However, if the tooth cannot be saved, it may have to be extracted and replaced with an artificial tooth. Among the most common options for missing teeth replacement is a dental bridge. In this blog, we will discuss dental bridges and crowns in detail to help you make an informed decision.

What is a Dental Crown?

Also known as a dental cap, a crown is an artificial tooth used to restore the shape and functionality of a natural tooth. Typically, dental crowns are used to treat severe cavities and broken teeth. They are also used after a root canal treatment and dental implant procedure. That said, there are several types of dental crowns, and the dentist will help you choose the one that best suits your situation.

Types of Dental Crowns

There are several types of crowns, and they include:

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns are made of porcelain, and they have become the most popular in recent times. The material can be designed to match the color of your natural teeth, and it is durable, lasting for up to ten years. Furthermore, it is stain-resistant. Therefore it will remain sparkly for the longest time. Fort that reason, porcelain crowns are used for front teeth. They can still be sued for back teeth, though.

Metal Crowns

Metal crowns are often made of amalgam, a strong and durable material made of silver, mercury, and a touch of zinc and other metals. Metal crowns are relatively affordable, and they are still quite popular in most dental clinics. However, they are not aesthetic, which makes them not ideal for front teeth. Most people use metal crowns for back teeth.

Resin Crowns

Resin crowns are made of composite resin, a hard and aesthetic plastic. They can be designed to match the color of your teeth, and they are the cheapest option. However, resin crowns are prone to chips and do not last as long as the metal and porcelain crowns.

Gold Crowns

Gold crowns are made of gold, and they are the most durable among the options. They last for up to 20 years. However, gold is expensive, so gold crowns are fairly more expensive than the alternatives.

Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns come with a metal base and a porcelain surface. They are aesthetic and durable, lasting for up to 15 years. However, the metal line may start showing. That’s why many people prefer using them for back teeth.

Same-Day Crowns

Same-day crowns are often made of ceramic, and they are fitted within one dental visit, unlike the other crowns.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are four major types of dental bridges. They include:

Traditional Dental Bridges

Traditional bridges are the most common. For one to use a traditional bridge, he must have healthy teeth on both sides to support it. Alternatively, a dental implant can be used to support a traditional bridge.

Cantilever Bridges

Cantilever bridges are pretty much like traditional bridges. The only difference is cantilever bridges are supported by a single tooth or implant instead of requiring support from both sides.

Maryland Bridges

A Maryland bridge uses two abutments like traditional bridges, one on each side of the gap. However, Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework for support instead of natural teeth. This means they don’t weaken your natural teeth, and they can still last for up to 15 years.

Implant-Supported Bridges

As the name suggests, implant-supported dentures are supported by dental implants instead of natural teeth. Implant-supported bridges are strong and durable. However, the whole procedure takes several months, and it can get expensive.

How Long Does a Bridge and Crown Last?

Depending on the material, a dental crown can last for up to 20 years. Averagely, a gold crown will last for 20 years, while a resin crown will last for about seven years. Porcelain crowns last for up to 15 years. Dental bridges, on the other hand, last for 7-15 years, depending on how you take care of your oral health.

Confluence Dental Wenatchee

If you are looking for an experienced dentist in Wenatchee, WA, you are in the right place. We can help you with emergency dental services, general dentistry, and cosmetic dental services. Book an appointment now.

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