Crowns and Bridges
Mitra H. Bral, DDS specializes in restorative dentistry, offering expert care in the placement of dental crowns and bridges. These treatments are essential for restoring the function, appearance, and overall health of your teeth. Whether you're dealing with a damaged tooth that needs protection or a gap caused by missing teeth, crowns and bridges offer effective, long-lasting solutions to enhance your smile.
What Are Crowns and Bridges?
Dental Crowns
A dental crown, often referred to as a cap, is a custom-made covering that fits over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are commonly used for teeth that are significantly damaged by decay, trauma, or large fillings, providing the protection and strength they need to function properly.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of artificial teeth (pontics) anchored by dental crowns placed on adjacent healthy teeth or dental implants. A bridge restores the appearance and function of missing teeth, prevents other teeth from shifting, and maintains proper bite alignment.
Why Do You Need Crowns or Bridges?
Reasons for Crowns
Protection of Weakened Teeth: Crowns protect teeth weakened by decay or trauma, preventing further damage and restoring their strength.
Restoration of Function: After a root canal treatment, a tooth can become brittle and more prone to fractures. A crown restores its strength, allowing you to chew and bite normally.
Aesthetic Enhancement: Crowns can improve the appearance of discolored, misshapen, or otherwise unattractive teeth, contributing to a more uniform, natural-looking smile.
Reasons for Bridges
Replacement of Missing Teeth: Bridges fill gaps caused by missing teeth, restoring your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
Prevention of Teeth Shifting: When teeth are missing, adjacent teeth may shift into the empty space, leading to misalignment and bite issues. A bridge helps keep your remaining teeth in place.
Restoration of Bite Function: A bridge restores the ability to chew and bite effectively, supporting proper digestion and oral health.
