Often used in cosmetic & restorative dentistry, dental crowns, and bridges are appliances used to enhance functionality and aesthetics. While both treatments are simple and don’t involve extensive dental surgery, it is okay to feel anxious when visiting a dentist in Scottsdale, AZ. In this post, we have enlisted the differences, uses, and benefits of crowns & bridges.

Dental crowns

A dental crown is an appliance fixed to an affected tooth to encase the entire structure. Crowns are used to restore function & shape after root canal therapy. You could also get a crown to cover a large filling or to enhance the overall look. Crowns made of porcelain are incredibly durable and can be fabricated to match the natural look of your teeth.

Dental bridges

If you are missing one or more teeth, your dentist may use a bridge to fill the gap. The teeth on either side work as the anchors for the bridge. A typical dental bridge features one missing tooth with two crowns on the sides. The adjacent or anchor teeth are covered with crowns, ensuring that the replacement tooth remains in place.

Benefits at a glance

  1. Both crowns and bridges are great for fixing appearance issues and can be used for cosmetic reasons alone.
  2. There is no pain involved, and eventually, the appliances become a part of your dental structure. The procedures don’t usually require local anesthesia.
  3. Dental appliances like crowns and bridges can last 15 years or more, provided one is regular with oral hygiene habits.

What is the procedure like?

If you are getting a crown, your dentist will ensure the tooth doesn’t have an active infection and replace the fillings when necessary. Next, they will take impressions of your teeth to create molds, which are sent to a lab to get custom crowns. On your next appointment, the crown will be permanently fixed to the tooth. If you are sensitive to pain, your dentist may use local anesthesia.

Getting a dental bridge requires a little more work. Besides making molds to fabricate a bridge in a dental lab, your dentist will also need to buff the adjacent teeth to make room for crowns. Once the structure is ready, the bridge is fixed in place using bonding cement.

If you have any concerns related to crowns and bridges, talk to your dentist. Ensure you adhere to all necessary instructions and visit the dental clinic at least once every six months.