Crowns and Bridges
Are you exploring options for replacing missing teeth? Or do you need to have a damaged tooth restored? Dental bridges and crowns provide solutions for tooth restoration to help improve your smile.
State Street Smiles offers crowns and bridges in Hackensack, NJ. But which type works best for you? Our dental team can determine whether a crown or bridge is a better option for restoring a damaged or missing tooth — and giving your smile a boost!
What Are Dental Crowns?
Damage or wear and tear can affect how your teeth look and make it possible for bacteria to enter, leading to infections. Crowns are coverings for teeth that offer protection, while also restoring their appearance. They also help make decayed or damaged teeth stronger.
What Are Bridges?
These dental solutions replace missing teeth if you have healthy teeth on either side of these gaps. They include dental crowns that go on the healthy teeth, along with a replacement tooth or teeth. The healthy teeth on either side help anchor the artificial tooth.
When You Might Need a Crown
Our dentists may recommend getting this cap for a tooth for any of the following reasons:
- Restoring damaged, worn, or decayed teeth
- Making weakened teeth stronger
- Preventing infections in damaged teeth
- Providing a cracked or damaged tooth with support
- Protecting a tooth after a root canal
- Covering a dental implant
- Improving the appearance of teeth with severe discolorations
- Keeping a dental bridge secure
When You Might Need a Dental Bridge
We might recommend getting this treatment if you have one or more missing teeth and healthy adjacent teeth to support a bridge. This restoration option is a good solution for stopping the teeth on either side of gaps from moving or shifting position. Bridges are also helpful for restoring your ability to speak and chew if missing teeth have been affecting this.
Types of Crowns
You may not realize that dental crowns come in all kinds of types. These vary in terms of material, cost, and other factors. Some options that are available include the following:
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal that provides a lot of durability and support, along with a natural look
- All ceramic or all porcelain that offer stability, a natural appearance, and strength
- All resin that provide affordability, but aren’t as durable as other materials
- Gold alloy that provides exceptional durability and strength
Types of Bridges
These restoration options also come in different types. Our dentists will determine the right kind to use for replacing your missing teeth. The main bridge types include:
- Traditional bridges with crowns and artificial teeth
- Cantilever bridges with a crown on one side only
- Implant-supported bridges that use dental implants as anchors rather than your natural teeth
- Resin-bonded bridges with metal wings and artificial teeth rather than crowns
What to Expect When Getting a Dental Crown
This usually takes a couple of visits. During your first visit, we prepare your tooth with some enamel removal to make sure the crown fits and remains in place. We also take impressions of your tooth and put a temporary crown on.
Once your permanent crown is made from your impressions, we’ll have you come back to our office. During this visit, we’ll replace the temporary crown with the permanent one and ensure that it fits properly on your tooth.
What to Expect When Getting a Bridge
This may vary, depending on the type of bridge you get. For traditional bridges — the most common type — we’ll start with giving you local anesthesia. We may need to remove enamel from the neighboring teeth to prepare them for crowns.
We’ll also take impressions of your teeth to have the permanent bridge created. You can expect to have a temporary bridge put on until your final one is done. When it’s ready, we’ll have you return to our office to replace the temporary bridge with the permanent one.
If you’re getting an implant-supported bridge, this process is a bit longer and more complex. You’ll need to wait for the implants in your jawbone to heal before getting your permanent bridge.
FAQs on Dental Bridges and Crowns
The following are several common questions you might have about these kinds of dental treatments.
What’s the difference between a crown and bridge?
Bridges are used to replace missing teeth. Crowns are used to cover or restore natural teeth that are worn down, decayed, or damaged. Bridges usually include crowns on adjacent teeth to help support and anchor the artificial tooth.
Am I a good candidate for a bridge or crown?
With so many different types available, most people can get crowns or bridges. In fact, these are some of the most common restoration solutions that our dentists offer. Our dental team can recommend the right option and type for you based on different factors, such as tooth location and cost.
How long do they last?
That can vary, depending on type. Bridges may last up to 15 years, while crowns can last even longer. But you may need to have them replaced if they crack or end up with other damage. Properly caring for them also helps them last longer, such as avoiding sticky or hard foods.
Are there any disadvantages of crowns and bridges?
Yes, there are a few to consider. Bridges may not last as long if the adjacent teeth end up with decay or injuries. You can also develop gum problems if you have a hard time cleaning the area. Crowns can break, especially if they’re made of less durable materials.
What are alternatives to dental crowns and bridges?
For bridges, you might look into getting dental implants to replace missing teeth instead. With implants, you don’t need to worry about having enamel removed from the surrounding teeth. They might also last longer than traditional bridges. If you plan to get crowns to hide stains or for other cosmetic purposes, other options may include veneers, bonding, and teeth whitening.
Do they hurt?
You shouldn’t have any regular discomfort from a crown or bridge. You might have some sensitivity at first after getting a crown — but this goes away. You may have some soreness after the anesthesia wears off during a bridge procedure. Again, this is only temporary. If you keep having discomfort, we can check your crown or bridge and make adjustments as needed.
Schedule an Appointment With Our Hackensack Dentists!
Are you ready to go over tooth restoration options? At State Street Smiles, our dental team is here to guide you in choosing the best solution for a beautiful smile! Visit us for crowns and bridges in Hackensack, NJ.
