What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?
Dental crowns and bridges are a staple of cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Crowns (also known as caps) restore portions of a healthy tooth that have been lost to trauma in an accident or sports injury, or as a result of extensive tooth decay. Bridgework can replace a
missing tooth, restore function and improve the cosmetic appearance of your smile after tooth loss.
Restore a Damaged Smile with Crowns and Bridges
Crowns are custom designed to match your natural teeth so that they are a near replica of the real thing. While they are mainly associated with cosmetic improvements, crowns actually help to strengthen and restore the function of damaged teeth, including improving your ability to chew and even speak clearly, depending on the nature of the damage to the tooth. In cases of severe tooth decay, where the cavity is too large to be filled adequately with a standard dental filling, a crown can save the remaining portion of healthy tooth from extraction, and restore the surface area lost to decay.
Even if you are just missing a single tooth towards the back of the mouth that isn't visible or does not affect your speech or ability to eat, it can still have an effect on your oral health and the rest of your teeth, which can shift out of alignment over time. A bridge consists of three crowns. The one in the middle replaces the missing tooth, and the two on the right and left are placed over the teeth on either side (the abutment teeth) to anchor the replacement crown in place. Modern crowns are so natural looking and durable that no one has to know you are wearing one, unless you decide to tell!
Caring for Your Crowns & Bridgework
Crowns and bridgework require the same conscientious care as your natural teeth. Be sure to brush and floss between all of your teeth — restored and natural — every day to reduce the buildup of dental plaque. When you have crowns, it is even more important to maintain your regular schedule of cleanings at our Morristown, NJ dental office. Avoid using your teeth as tools (to open packages, for example). If you have a grinding habit, wearing a nightguard would be a good idea to protect your teeth and your investment.
Everyone deserves a healthy and beautiful smile. To learn more about your cosmetic and smile restoration options in Morristown, NJ, contact Metro Dental Associates by calling (973) 520-5807 to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists today.
For more information on Dental Crowns & Bridges in the Morristown, NJ area
call Metro Dental Associates at
(973) 520-5807
today!
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