A healthy, complete smile is essential for both function and confidence. Whether you’re dealing with a damaged tooth or missing teeth, dental crowns and bridges offer effective solutions to restore your smile’s functionality and aesthetics. At New Hyde Park Dental, we understand the importance of a healthy, beautiful smile, and we’re here to guide you through these restorative options.
Dental Crowns: Strengthening and Protecting Damaged Teeth
A dental crown, often referred to as a “cap,” is a custom-made restoration that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth. It’s designed to strengthen and protect a tooth that has been weakened by decay, fracture, or other damage. Crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth.
Why You Might Need a Dental Crown:
- Severe Decay: When a cavity is too large for a filling, a crown can provide the necessary support and protection.
- Cracked or Fractured Teeth: Crowns can hold together cracked or fractured teeth, preventing further damage.
- Root Canal Therapy: After a root canal, a crown is often placed to strengthen the treated tooth.
- Cosmetic Enhancement: Crowns can improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, misshapen, or worn down.
- Supporting a Dental Bridge: Crowns are used to anchor dental bridges, replacing missing teeth.
Dental Bridges: Replacing Missing Teeth
A dental bridge is a restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth. It consists of artificial teeth (pontics) that are anchored to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Bridges restore your ability to chew and speak properly, prevent remaining teeth from shifting, and enhance your smile’s appearance.
Types of Dental Bridges:
- Traditional Bridges: These are the most common type, consisting of pontics anchored to crowns placed on adjacent teeth.
- Cantilever Bridges: Used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth.
- Maryland Bridges: Consist of pontics bonded to metal wings that attach to adjacent teeth.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: These bridges are anchored to dental implants, providing superior stability and longevity.
The Process of Getting Crowns and Bridges:
- Consultation and Examination: Your dentist will evaluate your oral health and determine if crowns or bridges are right for you.
- Tooth Preparation: For crowns, the tooth is prepared by removing a small amount of enamel. For bridges, adjacent teeth are prepared to support the restoration.
- Impressions: Impressions of your teeth are taken to create custom crowns or bridges.
- Temporary Restorations: Temporary crowns or bridges are placed while the permanent restorations are being fabricated.
- Placement of Permanent Restorations: Once the permanent crowns or bridges are ready, they are cemented into place.
Dental Implants Crown: A Superior Option
A dental implants crown offers a highly durable and natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth. Unlike traditional bridges, implant-supported crowns are anchored to dental implants, which are surgically placed into the jawbone. This provides superior stability, prevents bone loss, and offers a long-lasting solution.
Benefits of Dental Implants Crown:
- Natural Appearance: Implants crowns look and feel like natural teeth.
- Improved Functionality: They restore your ability to chew and speak properly.
- Bone Preservation: Implants stimulate the jawbone, preventing bone loss.
- Long-Term Solution: With proper care, implant crowns can last a lifetime.
Maintaining Your Crowns and Bridges:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss daily to prevent plaque and bacteria buildup.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups: Schedule regular check-ups and cleanings to monitor the condition of your restorations.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Be cautious when eating hard or sticky foods that could damage your crowns or bridges.
- Wear a Mouthguard: If you grind your teeth or participate in contact sports, wear a custom-fitted mouthguard.
NHP Dental: Restoring Your Smile with Expertise
At New Hyde Park Dental, we are committed to providing high-quality restorative dentistry to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. Our experienced team will work with you to determine the best treatment option for your individual needs.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how dental crowns and bridges can restore your smile’s functionality and aesthetics.
