Dental Crown and Bridges in Dallas & Duncanville, TX

Dental crowns and bridges are important in restoring dental health and aesthetics as they help with the alignment and correction of the teeth. They are used to protect damaged teeth and restore their normal functioning. 

Dental professionals have an essential role in helping you choose the right type of dental crown and bridge. Consulting with a dental professional will guide you in making the right decision. 

In this article, we will be discussing extensively how you can choose the right type of dental crown and bridge for your dental needs.

Understanding Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped cap-like structures that are placed over the crown of the damaged natural teeth. It serves the purpose of restoring the functionality of worn-out and decayed teeth.

They are made using different types of materials, such as porcelain, metal, ceramic, and zirconia.

Pros and Cons of The Various Types Of Dental Crown Material

Pros Ceramic crowns

• They are strong
• They have a natural tooth appearance.
• They are mercury-free
• There’s no allergic reaction when used.

Cons 

• They are not as durable as some other types of tooth crowns
• They are not very aesthetically pleasing.

Pros of Porcelain crowns

• They are low maintenance.
• They are visually impossible to spot.
• They help to protect the teeth from further damage.

Cons

• They are fragile.
• They increase tooth sensitivity.

Pros of Metal crowns

• They are extremely durable.

Cons 

• They don’t match the appearance of natural teeth
• They can be quite expensive.

Pros of Zirconia crowns

• They are strong
• They are aesthetically pleasing
• They are stain resistant.

Cons 

• They can reduce the size of the tooth.

Factors to consider when choosing a dental crown material 

Aesthetics

When choosing a crown material for your teeth, you need to consider if the material is aesthetically pleasing or not. You need to check if the material matches your natural teeth’ appearance. If you want a material that matches your teeth’ appearance, you should consider materials like ceramic and zirconia.

Durability

It’s important to choose a material that’s durable enough to withstand chewing and biting forces. You should evaluate the durability of the material before choosing it.

Cost

You should also consider the cost of the dental material before choosing one. The different crown materials have different costs. You should go for a durable one that suits your budget.

Types of Dental Crowns

 

Traditional porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns

This type is created using a material formed by the fusion of a metal alloy to porcelain. This crown combines good strength and aesthetics in restoring the size and shape of the damaged teeth.

All-porcelain crowns

This type is created completely using only porcelain. They are metal free so you won’t need to worry about any allergic reaction. These crowns also have a natural appearance.

All-metal crowns

These are created using only metal. They’re designed to withstand all the pressure from chewing and biting, but they usually don’t have the same shade as natural teeth.

Zirconia crowns

These are created using solid ceramic material. It’s an aesthetically pleasing crown.

Composite resin crowns

These are one of the most natural-looking available ones. They’re produced using a composite resin material. Its shade is similar to that of the teeth.

Comparison of different types of dental crowns

All of the various types of tooth crowns have unique characteristics that distinguish one from the other.

When it comes to aesthetics, tooth crowns differ from each other. While some match the natural shade of teeth, others, like metal crowns, don’t.

The durability and strength of the types also vary. Metal crowns are the most durable, while ceramic and porcelain aren’t as durable.

Zirconia crowns are one of the most expensive dental crowns available. Resin crowns are affordable.

Understanding Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are prostheses used to permanently replace the gap between two healthy teeth. It functions to help the teeth work normally together after losing one or more of them.

Dental bridges are of various types such as traditional bridges, implant-supported bridges, and Maryland dental bridges. Traditional bridges are made up of a dental crown anchored to its two surrounding teeth with a false tooth. Implant supports are used to replace multiple missing teeth, and Maryland dental bridges use metal or porcelain framework as an anchor rather than the dental crown used by traditional dental bridges.

Pros and cons of each type of dental bridge

• Traditional dental bridges have incredible strength, but it requires the modification of the teeth adjacent to them.

• Maryland dental bridges are affordable and conservative but can result in teeth discolouration.

• Implant-supported bridges have solid strength and durability but it requires an extensive recovery period.

Factors to consider when choosing a dental bridge

Location of missing teeth

The location you’re looking to place the bridge in your dentition should also be considered when choosing a dental bridge as this affects its viability and functionality.

Bone density

Dental bridges don’t prevent bone loss. This is why it’s necessary to consider the density of your jaw bone before getting the bridges 

Oral hygiene and health

The soft tissues surrounding the potential location of the dental bridge should be in excellent condition. You need to consider how healthy these tissues are when choosing a dental bridge as you can’t be eligible for one if they’re in poor condition.

Factors to Consider in Choosing Dental Crown and Bridges in Dallas & Duncanville, TX

Location of the tooth/teeth to be restored.

Both crowns and dentures can be used to replace one or multiple missing teeth, but they’re more fitting for teeth in different locations. While you can use dental crowns in any location such may not be the case for bridges.

Aesthetic preferences and concerns

Choosing between dental bridges or crowns will also depend on your personal aesthetic preference. A lot of people prefer the appearance of crowns to bridges.

Bite and occlusion

Both dental crowns and bridges help improve bite and occlusion. Bridges do a much better job than crowns when it comes to this aspect.

Oral hygiene routine

Dental bridges require low maintenance, and crowns may require more maintenance depending on the type you opt for. But generally, you’re still required to practice the proper oral hygiene routine.

Overall dental health and condition

The right choice for you between a dental bridge or crown will depend on your dental health and condition. The bridge is the perfect option for missing teeth in an individual with good oral health but damaged teeth can still benefit from tooth crowns.

Budget and insurance coverage

Dental bridges are much more expensive than crowns which is why you need to consider your budget when it comes to replacing missing teeth. Both dental crowns and bridges are usually covered by insurance.

Discussion with the dentist and their recommendations

Even after considering all the important factors, you still need to seek more knowledge from a professional. Consult with your dentist for recommendations. Discuss your needs and concerns with your dentist to enable your dentist to recommend the best choice for you.

Maintenance of Dental Crown and Bridges in Dallas & Duncanville, TX

Proper oral hygiene routine for dental crowns and bridges

• Brush your teeth in the morning and at night using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
• Gently clean around the crowns and bridges while brushing.
• Floss your teeth at least once daily.
• Rinse your mouth out immediately after eating.

Foods and habits to avoid to prolong the lifespan of dental crowns and bridges

• Stay away from sticky foods.
• Caramel, gum, and other sugary goodies also affect the lifespan of the crowns and bridges.
• Chips, nuts, bones, and hard foods should also be avoided.
• Coffee and wine can discolour dental crowns and bridges.

Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings

It’s also necessary to get your crowns and bridges cleaned by a dental professional once in a while. You should also schedule dental check-ups so that your dentist can check your crowns or bridges after getting them and make the necessary adjustments

Tips for maintaining optimal oral health with dental crowns and bridges

• Practice good oral hygiene.
• Go for regular dental checkups.
• Avoid bad eating and drinking habits.

Risks and Complications

Potential risks and complications associated with these dental treatments are:

• Tooth sensitivity.
• Loose crown.
• Bite problems.
• Gum irritation.

Common issues and how to manage them 

• Sensitivity of the tooth to hot and cold temperatures is a common issue that’s associated with dental crowns and bridges. It resolves after a while.
• Gum irritation is another common issue that can be managed by rinsing the mouth with warm water with salt.
• Poorly fitted bridges and damaged dental crowns and bridges are also common issues. You need to visit your dentist to manage any of these.

Following post-treatment care instructions is essential because it helps minimize the risk of complications and ensure successful treatment results.

When to seek professional help for dental crown and bridge issues

• When the dental bridge or crown breaks 
• When it damages in any other way.
• When risks like tooth sensitivity and gum irritation persist.

Comparing Dental Crowns and Bridges

Key differences between dental crowns and bridges

• Tooth crowns cover an existing tooth, while dental bridges replace one or multiple missing teeth.
• Crowns are best for damaged yet functional teeth, while dental bridges are best for completely lost teeth or teeth.
• Ideal candidates for dental bridges should have good oral health, good oral hygiene and healthy teeth, but it’s not so with dental crowns.

When to choose a crown vs a bridge

You should choose a crown if you’ve damaged tooth or teeth, while a dental bridge is best fit for filling the space left behind by a missing tooth.

Long-term implications and maintenance

Dental crowns are good long-term restorative treatments and last for a long while dental bridges offer long-lasting solutions for missing teeth. Both don’t require too much maintenance. However, they last much longer when properly maintained.

FAQs

How long do dental crowns and bridges last in Dallas & Duncanville, TX?

Tooth crowns can last you for ten years, while bridges can last for seven years.

How much is the cost of dental crowns and bridges in Dallas & Duncanville, TX?

The average cost of a dental bridge is $1,500 while the average cost of a crown is $1000.

Are dental crowns and bridges covered by insurance?

Yes, they are covered by insurance when they’re medically essential.

Can dental crowns and bridges be replaced or repaired?

Yes, you can replace or repair your damaged crown or bridge.

Can I eat normally with dental crowns and bridges?

Yes, you can eat as you usually would with this dental procedure.

How do I choose the right dentist for a dental crown and bridges?

Evaluate their qualifications and experience. You should also check for testimonials and reviews of their previous patients.

What are the alternatives to dental crowns and bridges?

Tooth extraction and tooth fillings are alternatives.

Dental DeLite: Best Dental Clinic to Get Dental Crowns and Bridges in Dallas & Duncanville, TX

Dental crowns and bridges have their distinct functions and are also of different types. It’s important to choose the right one for you so as to maximize the benefits. The best dental clinic to get Dental crowns and bridges in Dallas & Duncanville, TX, is Dental DeLite.

Seeking help from a dental professional is important as they can provide you with expert information and recommendations to help you make better decisions. The key factors to consider in choosing them include oral hygiene, oral health, aesthetics, dental concerns, and others that have been discussed above.

Contact us today or schedule an appointment to get your treatment done.