Crowns & Bridges

Smile Restoration With Dental Crowns and Bridges

Living with an incomplete or compromised smile can take a significant toll on your health, comfort, and confidence. At Oyler Family Dentistry, we provide our patients with a comprehensive menu of restorative dental treatments designed to restore the form and function of their smiles - along with their comfort, confidence, and oral health. Two restorative treatments that are commonly recommended and sometimes used together include dental crowns and dental bridges.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown, also called a dental cap, is a hollow, tooth-shaped dental restoration. A crown is designed to fit over a tooth to completely cover or "cap" the exposed, visible portion of a tooth that is above the gum line.

Before receiving a dental crown, a patient's tooth must be prepared. This typically involves shaving down the tooth so that it is a uniform size and shape that will fit a dental crown while creating space to accommodate the dental prosthetic. Dental crowns are permanently attached to a patient's natural teeth using dental cement that creates a secure, long-lasting bond.

How Are Dental Crowns Used?

Dental crowns have several different treatment applications. They can be used cosmetically to create a more aesthetically pleasing smile. More often, however, they are used restoratively to restore a tooth's form and function and preserve a patient's oral health.

Some restorative treatment applications for dental crowns include:

• Protecting a natural tooth after a root canal procedure
• Strengthening and protecting a severely chipped or cracked tooth
• Protecting a tooth with a significant cavity or decay
• Capping a dental implant to replace a missing tooth
• Anchoring a dental bridge

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a restorative dental prosthetic that consists of one or two anchors on the ends and a pontic or bridge of artificial teeth in between. Dental bridges are designed to look natural in a patient's mouth and fit comfortably with neighboring and opposing teeth for a natural bite.

How Are Dental Bridges Used?

Dental bridges are used to replace one or more consecutive missing teeth. They are anchored to neighboring natural teeth or dental implants. The pontic extends between the natural teeth, filling in the gap.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are several different types of dental bridges. The primary difference is the way the various dental bridges are anchored or fixed inside the mouth. The most common dental bridges include:

• Traditional Bridge - This type of bridge is anchored to neighboring natural teeth using dental crowns.
• Implant-Supported Bridge - This type of bridge is anchored using dental implants.
• Maryland Bonded Bridge - This type of bridge attaches to neighboring teeth using a system of wires and dental bonding.
• Cantilever Dental Bridge - This type of bridge has only one anchor point at the end of an arch of teeth.

Dental Crowns and Bridges: Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Whether a dental crown, dental bridge, or a combination of the two treatments is right for you depends on your oral health, treatment goals, treatment preferences, and needs. Patients who are missing multiple teeth in a row or even a single tooth can benefit from a dental bridge that restores their smile. In addition to anchoring some types of dental bridges, dental crowns offer several treatment benefits to restore, strengthen, and protect a patient's natural teeth.

During a consultation, our dentist will examine your teeth and gums, take diagnostic images, and talk with you about your treatment goals and preferences. We can then work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that is designed to help you achieve your treatment goals while working within your budget.

Smile Restoration With Our Dentists in Greendale, IN

Whether your smile has been damaged as a result of an injury, age, disease, excessive wear and tear, medication side effects, or other factors, our dentists at Oyler Family Dentistry can help you restore your smile and your oral health with a comprehensive menu of cosmetic and restorative services. To learn more about dental bridges and dental crowns or to request a consultation with one of our experienced dentists, we welcome you to contact our dental office in Greendale today.