Dental crowns and bridges: What are the options and their benefits?

Dental crowns and dental bridges are among the most common dental replacements for severely damaged or missing teeth. They have an important functional and aesthetic meaning. In what situations do we recommend dental crowns to patients? When is a dental bridge the ideal solution? We will help you find your way around and find quick answers to frequently asked questions.

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What is the difference between dental crowns and bridges?

A dental crown is made in cases where the filling cannot replace the missing amount of dentin and the filling in the tooth no longer has anything to hold onto. It is usually a tooth with extensive damage or a broken part, but it can also be a tooth with bad aesthetics or after an injury. The dental crown forms an outer hard shell. It is firmly connected to the ground tooth and made so that it fits in shape and color between the other teeth and looks as natural as possible.

A dental bridge creates a bridge over several missing teeth. We recommend it in case two, three or four teeth are missing immediately behind one another. A connected structure of intermediate members will be created, which will be substitutes for the missing teeth. The structure is firmly attached to the tooth in front of the gap and the tooth behind the gap. The teeth that "line" the gap must be in good condition to support a dental bridge. They often require modification and sanding to the desired shape. They are often referred to as pillar teeth.

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What are the benefits of dental crowns?

If the original tooth is unsightly or only very little is left, a dental crown is a solution that fully replaces the visible part of the tooth. It improves the aesthetics of the teeth, fully restores its functionality and gives confidence to show the teeth to the world. However, it is good to know that the tooth under the crown must be treated and without inflammation.

Creating a crown does not interfere with the surrounding teeth, as is the case with a bridge. The good news is that under suitable conditions, a dental crown can be created on any tooth in the upper and lower row.

As an outer covering, the crown maintains the resistance of the tooth underneath. It is always made exactly to your teeth and is indistinguishable from a real tooth. At least if you decide on ceramic or zirconium crowns, which look much more natural on the front teeth than metal-ceramic crowns. We, in the Alexia creative team, also work with high-quality zircon crowns.

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What are the advantages of a dental bridge?

If you have several missing teeth next to each other in the front or back teeth, you don't have to wait long. Without them, the function of life deteriorates, either from an aesthetic point of view, or due to problems with chewing, biting or articulation. People often then chew on the other side, which can manifest itself in facial asymmetry over time. The remaining teeth move and sink into the gap, which after a while results in a bad position of the teeth, problems with the functionality of the teeth and pronunciation itself. The gaps between the teeth also increase, which means a higher risk of trapping food residues and faster multiplication of bacteria (with them, the risk of caries or gingivitis also increases).

A fixed dental bridge, as a structure attached to the abutment teeth, helps to keep the teeth in place - preventing them from gradually shifting and rotating. The gap members are modeled in such a way that they faithfully simulate your original teeth and are not an obstacle in the oral cavity. They look aesthetic, allow normal chewing and restore the correct distribution of forces between the teeth. The lifespan of a dental bridge is very good, on average 10-15 years.

Are you interested in a dental crown or dental bridge? We are here for you!

Dental prostheses perform several key functions:

• improvement of biting and chewing of food,

• eliminate errors and deficiencies in articulation and pronunciation due to missing teeth,

• they maintain the functionality and stability of the teeth,

• contribute to the protection of surrounding teeth,

• they have an important impact on self-confidence and psychological well-being.

The price for a dental crown depends primarily on the material used. The price for a dental bridge is directly related to the size of the bridge and the number of intermediate members, the preparation of the abutment teeth and related interventions. The Alexia team is ready to provide you with a consultation and then comprehensive dental care. Order with us and you can enjoy a beautiful smile in no time.