Quick Summary
When a tooth is too damaged by decay, trauma or cracking for a filling, a crown may be recommended. A crown completely covers and protects the tooth and is bonded in place, customised from impressions so it matches your natural tooth in size, shape and position. A bridge spans a gap left by a missing tooth, cemented onto the bordering teeth, which are trimmed down to hold crowns.
There are times when a tooth is so damaged from decay, trauma, or cracking that a filling isn’t the best choice. In these cases, a dental crown may be recommended for long-term tooth health. If a tooth is missing completely, your dentist may suggest a dental bridge to fill the gap between two bordering teeth.
Dental crowns, or “caps,” completely cover and protect your damaged tooth. It is bonded in place, giving you a stable, strong, and attractive alternative for your original tooth. Because it is customized for you using impressions your dentist makes of your teeth, it is a perfect match in size, shape, and position to your natural tooth.
Dental crowns can be the perfect solution to a severely damaged tooth. You won’t need to worry about pain, tooth stability, or your appearance when you choose a dental crown. Depending on what material is used, your crown can look as natural as your own tooth.
Dental bridges are designed to span a gap caused by a missing tooth. Having a gap in your smile can affect you in more ways than just cosmetics. Chewing and talking can become problematic as teeth adjacent to the gap begin to shift, leaving the potential for gum disease or jaw issues.
Dental bridges literally bridge the gap between two teeth. They are cemented onto the pair of teeth that border the empty space vacated by one or more missing teeth. The bordering teeth act as anchors for the bridge, and are trimmed down to hold a dental crown. Between the two crowns is a replacement tooth, customized for you by your dentist. Once the bridge is in place, you will regain the ability to smile freely while the bridge maintains the shape of your face and lips. You will speak more clearly and be able to eat a greater variety of foods. A dental crown also protects your healthy teeth from issues related to bite alignment.
Dental crowns and dental bridges are excellent choices for overall dental health, and can last a lifetime. To prevent damage to your dental work, avoid chewing things like ice or hard candy. It is also important to maintain regular dental checkups.
We offer dental crowns at our Billerica dental office
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a crown used instead of a filling?
When a tooth is so damaged from decay, trauma or cracking that a filling is not the best choice, a crown may be recommended for long-term tooth health. A crown covers and protects the damaged tooth and is bonded in place.
How does a dental bridge work?
A bridge spans the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It is cemented onto the pair of teeth bordering the empty space, which act as anchors and are trimmed down to hold a dental crown. Between the two crowns is a replacement tooth, customised for you.
What happens if a gap is left untreated?
Chewing and talking can become problematic as the teeth adjacent to the gap begin to shift, leaving the potential for gum disease or jaw issues.
How do I protect crowns and bridges?
To prevent damage to your dental work, avoid chewing things such as ice or hard candy, and maintain regular dental check-ups.
Merry Dental, 337 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821. 978-404-5400. Serving Billerica, Lowell, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Burlington and Bedford.