A crown is a porcelain cap that fits over an individual tooth and is cemented in place. At Gentilly Family Dental, LLC, we primarily use crowns when a tooth has been broken due to an accident or it has a cavity that is too large for a regular filling. Bridges are used to fill in the gaps left by one or more missing teeth, and they are anchored to the natural teeth on either side of the gap with crowns. Both of these procedures can dramatically improve the appearance of your teeth, and they can restore your oral function as well.
Dental Crowns
A crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” placed over a tooth to restore its size, shape, and strength. It is cemented in place and fully covers the part of the tooth that is visible above the gum line. Dental crowns can be made from gold, metal alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. The dentist will recommend the best material for your dental health needs and goals.
The Benefits of Dental Crowns
Crowns can strengthen and protect a damaged tooth and they can also be used to improve the appearance of teeth that are misshapen, severely discolored, or have uneven surfaces. Each crown is specifically designed to fit the patient’s unique smile. This means the color, shape, size, and overall aesthetic will be customized to suit the patient’s preferences and needs. This helps ensure the crown looks natural and it does not look out of place compared to the surrounding teeth.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is an artificial tooth held in place by crowns on either side. The artificial tooth in the middle is called a “pontic.” These artificial teeth are usually made from either porcelain or ceramic and can be made to match your other teeth. Dental bridges can last for many years with proper care and maintenance. In addition to filling in gaps in your smile, dental bridges can also improve your speech and ability to chew foods with confidence.
The Advantages of Dental Bridges
A bridge can restore your smile and bite function by replacing missing teeth. Dental bridges are anchored to neighboring teeth, or they can be secured to dental implants. Our doctor can recommend the best type of bridge for your unique needs and goals.
Bridges help prevent adjacent teeth from shifting out of place, preserving your smile. Bridges can also improve your ability to speak and chew properly. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding bone begins to deteriorate. Replacing lost teeth with bridges can prevent bone deterioration and protect your remaining natural teeth.
Both bridges and crowns support damaged teeth, restore chewing function, and improve the aesthetics of your smile. Visit Gentilly Family Dental, LLC, at 2610 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119, or call (504) 482-9919 for the best dental care tailored to your needs.