Chipped, discolored, missing or poorly restored teeth can cause you to appear older than you are, rob you of self-confidence, and affect your ability to properly eat or speak. The problems surrounding these dental health issues go beyond aesthetics. They also can accelerate the development of gum disease, which can lead to even more damaging teeth and gum conditions, and the systemic health risks associated with bacteria and infection in your body.
Unlike dentures or partials, which are removable, crowns and bridges are fixed pieces that remain in your mouth. But before a crown can be placed or bridge work can be completed by your dentist, patients often require some reshaping of their natural teeth.
A dental crown, also referred to as a cap, is custom fitted over your damaged or unstable tooth to restore appearance and structure. Generally, crowns are required for teeth that are:
- Chipped
- Cracked
- Too damaged to support a filling
- Fractured because of trauma or decay
- Root canal treated
When Do You Need a Dental Bridge?
Bridges are natural-looking dental appliances that can replace a section of missing teeth. Since they are custom-made, bridges are barely noticeable and can restore the natural contour of teeth as well as the proper bite relationship between upper and lower teeth.
Bridges keep teeth from moving in the future. This, in turn, will improve your bite, not to mention the beauty of your smile.