The Uses of Bridges and Crowns
When looking for a dentist in Westlake, make sure you work with someone who is qualified to perform the treatments that you need. Dental crowns and bridges are two safe and common procedures that seek to address both aesthetic and functional shortcomings, helping you revive your smile and improve your oral health. There is some overlap, but bridges and crowns are slightly different treatments and offer their own pros and cons. Continue reading for a closer look at the uses of bridges and crowns.
Uses of Crowns
Before delving into dental bridges, it helps to understand the purpose of dental crowns. When you lose a tooth, several issues may arise; no matter which tooth is lost, all of these issues may exist. A lost tooth leaves a gap behind, and this gap cannot support its neighboring teeth. This gap can also be distracting, taking away from your appearance, and damaging your confidence. When left uncorrected, the empty space can also make eating and speaking problematic. A dental crown seeks to fix all of these problems at the same time. By filling in the empty space, your dental crown will rejuvenate your appearance as well as support your neighboring teeth by filling the empty space.
Uses of Bridges
In some cases, especially when a trauma to the face is involved, you might be missing several teeth in the same area. Since a dental crown can only address one empty space at a time, this situation may call for a dental bridge. A dental bridge can fill the space left by one or more missing teeth, and it may do so with the help of your surrounding naturals. The two anchor teeth, or abutments, sit alongside one or more middle prosthetics. Like crowns, bridges can restore your appearance as well as improve your oral health.
Deciding on a Treatment
Crowns and bridges both have advantages, and bridges can be used whether you are missing one tooth or four; so which do you choose? The only way to make a confident and informed decision about your treatment option is to discuss your needs with your dentist.