What Are Dental Crowns, and When Are They Used?

If your dentist has mentioned a crown or bridge as part of your treatment plan, you might be wondering what that actually means. Don’t worry, we’re here to break it all down in simple terms. Whether you’ve chipped a tooth, had a root canal treatment, or just want to know how to protect your smile, this post will walk you through what dental crowns and bridges are, how they work, and when they’re used.

So, What Exactly Is a Dental Crown?

Think of a dental crown as a little protective cap that covers your tooth. It’s custom-made to fit over a natural tooth and is shaped and coloured to blend right in with the rest of your smile. Crowns are used to restore strength, shape, and function to a tooth that’s been damaged.

Crowns can be made from different materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a mix of both. Your dentist will help you decide which material is best for your situation, especially if the crown is for one of your front teeth, where appearance really matters.

When Would I Need a Crown?

There are a few common reasons your dentist might recommend a crown:

• After a root canal treatment, when the tooth is more fragile and needs protection
  
• To cover a cracked or broken tooth
  
• When a tooth is severely worn down or decayed
  
• To improve the look of a misshaped or discoloured tooth
  
• To support a dental bridge or cover a dental implant

Crowns help restore your bite and prevent more damage. When they’re properly cared for with good oral hygiene, they can last for many years.

What’s the Process Like?

Getting a crown usually takes two visits. Here’s what you can expect:

First Visit:

• Your dentist will examine the tooth and prepare it by removing a bit of the outer surface.
  
• They’ll take an impression and send it to a dental lab, where your custom crown will be made. Alternatively, depending on the clinic, they may have the ability to make it in-house.
  
• While you wait, you’ll get a temporary crown to protect your tooth.

Second Visit:

• Once the permanent crown is ready, your dentist will check the fit and cement it into place.

What Are Dental Bridges?

While crowns cover a single tooth, dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge literally “bridges the gap” in your smile. It’s made up of two or more crowns on either side of the gap (these are called abutment teeth) with an artificial tooth or teeth in the middle.

There are different types of tooth bridges, but the most common kind is anchored in place by crowns on the natural teeth next to the missing space. These bridges are a great solution when you’re missing a tooth and want to prevent other teeth from shifting out of place.

When Would I Need a Bridge?

You might need a dental bridge if:

• You’re missing one or more teeth
  
• You want to avoid a dental implant or dentures
  
• You’re looking to restore your ability to chew or speak clearly
  
• You want to improve your smile and maintain the shape of your face

Bridges help maintain your bite and keep your other teeth aligned. They’re custom-made to look just like natural teeth.

How Long Do Crowns and Bridges Last?

With good care, both dental crowns and bridges can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years—or even longer. The key is to keep up with daily oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. Here are a few tips to help your crown or bridge last:

• Brush and floss daily
  
• Don’t skip dental visits
  
• Avoid chewing ice or very hard foods
  
• If you grind your teeth, ask about a nightguard

Just like natural teeth, crowns and bridges can be damaged or loosened if not taken care of.

Are Crowns or Bridges Right for Me?

That depends on your needs, your oral health, and your goals. Some people need a crown after a root canal treatment, while others may choose a dental bridge to replace missing teeth and avoid a dental implant. Your dentist will go over your options and help you come up with the right treatment plan for your smile.

Final Thoughts

Dental crowns and bridges are more than just cosmetic fixes. They protect your teeth, restore function, and help keep your mouth healthy. If you have damaged or missing teeth, these treatments might be the solution you’ve been looking for.

At Ovation Dental, we’re always happy to walk you through your options and answer any questions you have. If you think a crown or bridge might be right for you, reach out to us today to learn more or book an appointment.