Missing or Damaged Teeth? How Crowns and Bridges Can Help

Missing, damaged, or weakened teeth can affect your smile, chewing ability, and confidence. Fortunately, dental crowns and bridges can help restore the appearance and function of your teeth. If you are considering dental crowns in SE Calgary, your dentist can recommend an option based on your oral health and specific needs.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-made restoration placed over a damaged or weakened tooth. It helps restore the tooth’s shape, strength, and appearance while protecting the remaining tooth structure.
Crowns may be recommended for teeth that are:
- Severely damaged or weakened
- Cracked or worn down
- Heavily affected by decay
- Restored after root canal treatment
- Misshapen or discoloured
A crown is designed to fit naturally with the surrounding teeth, helping restore both function and appearance.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by using neighbouring teeth or dental implants for support. The replacement tooth, known as a pontic, fills the space left by the missing tooth.
A bridge can help:
- Fill gaps caused by missing teeth
- Improve chewing ability
- Support proper speech
- Prevent neighbouring teeth from shifting
- Restore the appearance of your smile
If you are looking for dental bridges near you, a dental evaluation can determine whether a bridge is suitable for you.
Crowns vs. Bridges: What’s the Difference?
Although both are restorative treatments, crowns and bridges serve different purposes.
A crown generally restores an existing tooth that has been damaged or weakened. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by connecting a replacement tooth to supporting teeth or implants.
Your dentist will assess your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health before recommending the most appropriate option.
What Are the Benefits of Crowns and Bridges?
Both treatments can provide functional and cosmetic benefits.
Restored Function
Damaged or missing teeth can make chewing difficult. Crowns and bridges can help restore your ability to bite and chew comfortably.
Improved Appearance
Modern restorations are designed to complement your natural teeth, helping create a more balanced smile.
Better Tooth Stability
Replacing missing teeth can help prevent neighbouring teeth from shifting into the open space.
Long-Term Support
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental care, crowns and bridges can provide lasting support for your smile.
What Is the Treatment Process?
The treatment process depends on whether you need a crown or bridge. Your dentist will first examine your teeth and gums and may take digital scans or X-rays.
For a crown, the affected tooth is prepared before the restoration is fitted and adjusted.
For a bridge, the supporting teeth are prepared when necessary, and the bridge is carefully fitted to restore the missing area.
How Should You Care for Crowns and Bridges?
Good oral hygiene is important for maintaining your restoration.
- Brush twice daily.
- Floss around and beneath bridges as instructed.
- Avoid chewing extremely hard objects.
- Attend regular dental checkups.
- Contact your dentist if your restoration feels loose or uncomfortable.
Restore Your Smile at Heritage Smiles Dental
Damaged and missing teeth do not have to affect your everyday life. Crowns and bridges can restore tooth function while improving the appearance of your smile.
If you are considering restorative treatment, visit Heritage Smiles Dental for an evaluation and personalized recommendations. Book your appointment today to discuss your options.
FAQs
How long do dental crowns last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental care, crowns can provide long-term service. Their lifespan varies based on oral health, bite, and daily habits.
Can a bridge replace multiple missing teeth?
Yes. Depending on the location and number of missing teeth, a dental bridge may be used to replace multiple teeth.
Are crowns and bridges comfortable?
Once properly fitted, crowns and bridges should feel comfortable and function naturally. Your dentist can make adjustments if needed.
How do I care for a dental bridge?
Brush and floss regularly, clean underneath the bridge as instructed, and maintain routine dental visits
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