Restore Your Smile With a Crown or Bridge
Dental crowns and bridges are popular restoration options to enhance the function and beauty of your natural smile. They’re a long-lasting solution to keep you smiling freely, enjoying your favorite meals, and speaking without difficulty.
Discover the benefits of these restorative solutions and whether you’re a candidate for a dental crown or bridge.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap used to seal the section of a tooth above the gumline and support the structure of the natural tooth beneath it. They’re crafted from durable porcelain that’s designed to perfectly blend into your smile. Crowns are used in multiple restorative procedures, including:
- Preventing further damage to a cracked or worn tooth
- Protecting against decay and close cavities
- Supporting a dental bridge
- Finalizing treatments like root canal therapy
The Crowning Process
Dr. Moylan will customize your restoration to match the shape, color, and feel of your natural teeth. When your crown is ready, he’ll affix it in place with a powerful dental adhesive. You’ll care for your restoration just like your natural teeth, with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups with your dentist. With appropriate maintenance, you can expect your crown to last for many years without replacement.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge or fixed partial denture replaces a missing tooth with beautiful restorations that look and function like natural teeth. A replacement tooth called a pontic is secured in place of a missing tooth. It’s usually attached to dental crowns that cap natural teeth on either side of the gap. Dental bridges provide reliable tooth replacements for patients with varying treatment needs.
Your dental bridge is customized to seamlessly match the appearance of your smile. You’ll enjoy all the benefits of a completely restored smile that looks just like natural teeth. Like dental crowns, caring for your bridge is similar to taking care of your natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups will help preserve your bridge for years of use.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
In addition to restoring your complete smile, dental bridges offer several functional benefits that support your oral health and quality of life. Some advantages to replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge include:
- Increased comfort and clarity while speaking
- Support for the natural shape of your face
- Enhanced ability to chew and eat
- Prevents shifts in the alignment of your natural teeth
Get the High-Quality Care You Deserve
A dental crown or bridge can be a reliable restoration option to ensure your lasting oral health. Don’t live with damaged or missing teeth, explore your options for restoring a complete smile. Contact Dr. Moylan for a consultation at Alexandria Smile Center by calling (318) 545-7606.
Frequently Asked Questions
For restorations that blend seamlessly into your smile, we can exchange your metal crown for a porcelain alternative. In addition to a more natural appearance, porcelain crowns also guarantee a mercury-free restoration.
Your dental crown or bridge is completely stain-resistant and will not become discolored with time. This means they can’t be brightened with traditional whitening treatments. Consider having your natural teeth professionally whitened before receiving your restoration so they can be crafted to match your teeth at their whitest.
If you notice damage to your crown or bridge, contact Dr. Moylan at Alexandria Smile Center immediately for an examination. He’ll determine whether repairs or replacement is necessary to ensure continued benefits from your restoration.
