When you lose a tooth, it is important to replace it as soon as possible. Not only does this help to restore your smile, but it also helps to keep your teeth healthy and strong. There are two main options for replacing missing teeth: Richmond crowns and bridges. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to talk to your dentist about the best one.
What are crowns?
They are a type of dental prosthetic that covers the entire tooth. They can be made from various materials, but most dentists prefer to use porcelain because it looks more natural. Crowns are usually used to protect a tooth that has been damaged by decay or injury.
What are bridges?
Bridges are dental prosthetics used to fill in the gap created by one or more missing teeth. They are usually made from porcelain or metal, and they are attached to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Bridges can also be used to protect your remaining teeth from further damage.
What are the advantages of crowns?
There are several benefits of crowns, namely:
They can be used to cover up a tooth that is discolored or misshapen
With discolored teeth, the crown’s color will match your other teeth. And with misshapen teeth, the crown can help give your smile a more even appearance.
They can be used to protect a weak tooth from further damage
If you have a tooth that is cracked or chipped, a crown can help keep it from breaking. You can also get a crown to help hold together a tooth that has been weakened by decay.
They can be used to hold a dental bridge in place
If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge can be used to fill in the gap. The bridge is attached to the crowns on either side of the gap, and it helps to keep your teeth in alignment.
They can be used to cover up a dental implant
If you have had a tooth extracted, you may have gotten a dental implant to replace it. The implant is made of metal and surgically implanted into the jawbone. Once it has healed, a crown can be placed on it.
What are the advantages of bridges?
There are also several benefits to bridges, including:
They can help to restore your smile
If you miss one or more teeth, it can be not easy to smile. Bridges can help fill in the gaps and give you a more natural-looking smile.
They can help to prevent your teeth from shifting
If you have a gap in your teeth, the surrounding teeth may shift. It can cause problems with your bite and make it difficult to eat and speak properly. Bridges can help to keep your teeth in their proper place.
They can be used to support a dental prosthetic
If you have lost all of your natural teeth, you may have gotten a dental prosthetic, such as dentures. The prosthetic can be attached to the bridges, which helps to keep it in place.
When you think of crowns and bridges, it is vital to consult with your dentist to see what is best for you. So between the two options, it is best to consult Juan M. Carrillo, DMD, to know what will work better for your smile in the long term.
