Chipped enamel, tooth decay, and other structures in the mouth can detract from our overall smile. And when you're ready to invest in your image, you might have considered a bridge to replace a missing tooth or teeth. If you have had a front tooth bridge fitted, consider the right dental crown option for your bridge.
A dental crown is a repair that covers and encases the entire surface area of your existing front teeth, protecting them from further decay or damage while giving them a brand-new look. Front teeth bridge are great options for restoring functionality, but selecting the correct type of crown is essential for achieving the desired look with your bridge.
Today we'll look closer at your dental crown options for front teeth bridges - what's available and which type may be best for you.
Why You Might Need a Front Teeth Bridge?
Do you maintain a hole between your two front teeth? Or do front teeth wear, or chips make them misshapen? If so, consider getting a dental bridge. This cosmetic dental treatment offers a helpful solution for those seeking to fill in gaps or repair cracked teeth. In this article, we'll discuss the two types of bridges: dental crown and front teeth bridge.
Dental crown are incredible for people with significant gaps between their teeth and misshapen front teeth. Crowns cover the entire tooth, providing the look and feel of a natural tooth. When one natural tooth is missing, two peaks can be affixed on the apiece flank of the hole with a manufactured tooth in the centre. The artificial tooth is then held in place by being attached to the adjacent crowns.
Front teeth bridge, conversely, are affixed through resin bonding or by having metal wings that attach to neighbouring healthy teeth that extend out to hold the bridge in place. Bridges are typically used when there are fewer gaps and are suitable for single-tooth and multiple-tooth cases where multiple crowns don't fit properly due to size constraints. With either solution, your dentist will ensure your new bridge looks natural and fits comfortably in your mouth!
The Two Major Kinds of Dental Crowns for Front Teeth Bridges: Metal vs. Non-Metal
Regarding dental crown for the front teeth bridge, there are two main options—metal and non-metal. Each type of crown has unique benefits and weaknesses, so picking the one that best fits your conditions is essential.
Allows us to take a peek at each kind in better detail. Metal crowns are made from various materials, such as gold alloys or porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM). Metal crowns are strong, durable, and provide long-lasting results. However, they may be more noticeable than non-metal crowns and can cause a metallic taste in the mouth if not sealed properly.
Non-metal crowns are usually made from ceramic or composite resin material, providing an esthetically pleasing option that blends in with your natural teeth. However, these heights may not be as durable as metal ones and can be more prone to staining or abrasion over time.
By considering the pros and cons of metal and non-metal dental crown for your front teeth bridge, you can decide which type is best for you.
Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM) Crowns: Pros and Cons
Another option for a front teeth bridge is porcelain connected to a metal crown or PFM. This is an excellent choice regarding strength and esthetics because the metal gives it stability while the porcelain gives it a natural-looking colour. That combination makes PFM crowns one of the best options for your front teeth bridge.
However, there are also some disadvantages. For example, since the metal portion of these crowns is visible along the gum line, they tend to look less natural than other materials. Plus, the metal can become exposed over time as your gums recede. If you want something that looks natural, this may not be what you're looking for.
Still, PFM crowns are famous because they offer good value without sacrificing too much on durability. Before deciding, you talk to your dentist about all the pros and cons.
All-Porcelain Crowns: Pros and Cons
If you're looking for dental crown for your front teeth bridge, all-porcelain crowns might be a good choice. While they have benefits and drawbacks, they are still a popular option.
Pros:
All-porcelain crowns are incredible because they look like natural teeth. They blend well with other teeth without the metal border that different kinds of crowns have. And because porcelain is solid and durable, these crowns can last a long time—up to 15 years on average.
Cons:
The downside of all-porcelain crowns is that they can be more fragile than other dental crown. If you rub your teeth or grasp them jointly, it can cause more damage to your all-porcelain crown than one made from different materials would sustain. All-porcelain crowns may also require frequent dental trips for cleaning and maintenance.
What Is Involved in Getting a Front Teeth Bridge?
Generally, getting a front teeth bridge begins with a talk with your dentist to decide if it's the best option for you. After determining whether a front teeth bridge is the way to go, your dentist will carry pictures of your mug and send them to the lab.
At the lab, they'll construct two crowns and a false tooth, understood as a pontic, in between them. Once ready, your dentist will cement each crown onto the abutment (or anchor) teeth.
When selecting material for your bridge and crowns, there are several options. Some of which include:
- Porcelain fused to metal: It combines ceramic material (porcelain) over metal alloy that helps keep it secure in the mouth. It is less expensive than all-porcelain or zirconia bridges but looks more realistic than an all-metal bridge.
- Ceramic: All ceramic bridges are made from either porcelain or zirconia material and can be colour-matched with surrounding teeth for a more natural look and feel.
- Gold alloy: Gold alloy bridges are one of the most durable options available and can last up to 15 years with proper maintenance. However, they won't blend in naturally as ceramic or porcelain-fused-to-metal bridges would.
- Base metal alloys: Base metal alloys include titanium, cobalt chrome, or nickel-chromium and offer increased strength over gold alloy bridges without looking out of place in the mouth like gold does tend to do when used for dental restoration work.
Caring for Your New Front Teeth Bridge: Dos and Don'ts
When you know about dental crown for front teeth bridge, let's talk about caring for them. It's important to follow your dentist's instructions for proper care and maintenance of your bridge.
Do's
- Gently brush, floss, and use mouthwash as usual. It would benefit if you touched at least double daily and flossed at least once, paying particular attention to areas around the bridge.
- Obtain routine check-ups with your dentist to provide proper cleaning and maintenance. Your dentist will also check the bridge is secure and make any necessary adjustments or repairs.
- If you notice any sensitivity in the area around the bridge, consult your dentist immediately, as this may be a sign of decay or an issue with the gums or other teeth.
Don'ts
- Evade consuming challenging meals, such as popcorn kernels or hard candy, that may damage or dislodge the bridge.
- Do not wait to repair a loose bridge, as this can lead to decay in other teeth nearby and cause further damage down the track.
- Please refrain from smoking or biting on pens or pencils, which can easily chip off part of the crown or dislodge it from fitting in other adjacent teeth.
By following these guidelines for taking care of your dental crown for the front teeth bridge, you can ensure their long-lasting durability and stability!
Conclusion
Dental crown offer a practical, long-lasting solution for creating a front teeth bridge. The crown is securely attached to your remaining teeth, providing a strong, durable, esthetically pleasing bridge. There is a combination of fabrics to select from to ensure the bridge matches the rest of your teeth and looks natural. And, with proper care and maintenance, your dental crown should last many years.
Dental crown may be the correct resolution if you've been considering a bridge to restore your smile. Consult your dentist to discuss all your options and determine the best choice for your circumstances. With the proper care, you'll soon be smiling again with confidence.