Find out which dental treatment option, crowns or bridges, aligns perfectly with your oral health goals.
Do you have damaged or missing teeth? Your dentist can help! Restorative dental services can take care of these problems and give you back a healthy, happy smile. A dental crown in Calgary’s SW or a dental bridge in Calgary’s SW are treatment options that can restore the functionality of your oral cavity.
What’s the Difference?
Dental Crown – A crown is a cap that fits over an existing, damaged tooth to bring back the function and strength over time. It can be made from metal, resin, or porcelain.
Dental Bridge – A bridge can be made of ceramic, porcelain, or metal and is anchored by a cap or implants on either end of several missing teeth. It helps the teeth you currently have remain in place and allows you to eat, drink, and speak normally.
Discover Which Dental Treatment is Right for You
There are many aspects to consider when deciding to get a crown or bridge. Your dentist will complete an assessment of your teeth and jaw before proceeding with either treatment. What are the determining factors?
- Healthy existing teeth and bone – Your teeth and bones need to be healthy enough to hold the reinforcements in place.
- Enough Leftover Tooth – Your dentist will need to have enough remaining tooth to reinforce it for the placement of a crown.
- Preference – Choosing between a crown or bridge is dependent on your comfort level, how many teeth are missing, and whether you want implants.
Implants – Why You Need to Know About These
A dental implant is an artificial root surgically placed in your jaw to support crowns and bridges. Implants can be an option if there is not enough natural teeth and bone support to support a crown.
The Cost
When a crown or bridge is required to repair damaged teeth, you may want to consider the cost vs. the aesthetic appeal. The price will depend on the material used and the type of sedation. Crowns take less time to complete (usually between one or two weeks) whereas a bridge may need up to three weeks until the process is finished. Bridges are more expensive because more work is involved to construct the prosthesis. When there is a need for these dental devices, the benefits outweigh the cost.
Why Do You Need a Dental Crown or Bridge?
A dental crown in Calgary’s SW helps prevent a weak tooth from breaking off completely, resulting in further damage and a complicated dental repair. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth to cover the gap left behind. This procedure can help your other teeth stay properly aligned. When you have damaged or missing teeth it is important to get them fixed so you can continue to have a fully functioning mouth.
When You Need a Crown or Bridge
A dental bridge is the recommendation when one or more teeth are missing. A crown, on the other hand, can be used to:
- Restore a fractured or cracked tooth.
- Cover an implant.
- Replace a large filling.
- Strengthen a tooth that previously had a root canal.
Will People Notice A Dental Crown or Bridge?
Your dental work will not be visibly different from your natural teeth. Crowns and bridges are made to look like natural teeth, and though they may take some getting used to, after time they will feel completely normal in your mouth.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Dental Crown Treatment Steps:
Step 1: Prepare the tooth – Some of the natural enamel will be removed from your tooth to make space for the placement of the crown.
Step 2: A putty-like material or digital scanner is used to make an impression of your tooth. This is done to ensure the proper shape and fit of the dental crown.
Step 3: A temporary crown is placed over your tooth until the dental lab has finished creating the new crown. This may take about two weeks to complete.
Step 4: Your temporary crown is removed and replaced with the new crown.
Step 5: The colour, shape, and fit of your crown are checked to ensure everything looks and feels correct.
Dental Bridge Treatment Steps:
Step 1: Some dentin and enamel are removed from the existing teeth to make space for the bridge.
Step 2: A temporary bridge is put on your teeth until a new, permanent one can be made. This usually takes about three weeks.
Step 3: Crowns are placed over the teeth on either side of the gap in your mouth where the bridge will be attached. In the event crowns are not an option, your dentist may attach the bridge to implants.
Step 4: Your permanent bridge is cemented into place.
Step 5: Everything is checked for fit and functionality.
Are You Ready?
Anesthesia is used during treatment for a dental crown in Calgary’s SW or when getting a dental bridge done. This way, you will only experience mild discomfort during the procedure. At Glenbrook Dental, we will have a thorough consultation with you about the options available for damaged or missing teeth. Your comfort is essential, so we make sure you are fully prepared for any of our restorative dentistry procedures.