Crowns and Bridges FAQ
Q1. Would People Notice That I Have A Bridge or Crown?
A1. Since most crowns and bridges today are made using natural-looking composite materials, nobody would be able to tell them apart from your natural teeth unless you tell them. Hence, you do not have to worry about anyone noticing your bridge or crown.
Q2. How Long Do They Last?
A2. Generally, crowns and bridges last a long time. However, it all comes down to your oral health. If you take good care of your teeth and regularly brush or floss them, they should be able to last very long and will prove effective in the long run. However, if you are unable to avoid unhealthy foods and beverages, you would end up damaging your crown or bridge. Therefore, it is crucial that you avoid sticky foods for preventing decay. In such a case, they would last anywhere from 5 to 15 years.
Q3. How Would the Crowns By Placed?
A3. To ensure proper crown placement, two visits to the dentist are required. Firstly, a thin layer of the enamel coating would be removed and the tooth would be shaped to make room for your crown. The process helps ensure that the crown is placed without creating an uneven bite or crowding the neighboring teeth. Then, the dentist would take an impression of your teeth which would be sent to the lab where the crown would be made using the most advanced materials to provide excellent durability.
Meanwhile, a temporary crown will be placed by the dentist. It would be crafted using resin to protect the teeth while your permanent crown is made. Finally, the temporary crown will be removed during the second visit and the permanent crown would be applied using strong adhesive.
Q4. Is A Porcelain Crown The Best Option When Having a Root Canal And the Tooth Is Quite Discolored?
A4. When you undergo root canal therapy and the tooth is discolored, it means that the nerve inside that tooth has died and the blood pigments have been absorbed by the tooth structure. In such a case, you should consider porcelain options as a ceramic porcelain crown can be placed on your tooth to restore its color so that it matches its neighbors.
Q5. Should I Replace Old Crowns?
A5. When your crowns become damaged or worn out, you need to visit your dentist to get them replaced. The crowns might need to be removed and new temporary crowns will be placed until the permanent crowns have been made.
Now, if you have had your crowns for quite some time and their aesthetics trouble you, you can always get new ones made. Crowns that were previously made used older materials. Hence, they did not look natural as compared to modern crowns. For instance, if you porcelain-fused-to-metal or metal crowns, people would instantly notice that you have had dental work done. Therefore, you might need to get your old crowns replaced to achieve that perfect smile that you have always wanted.
Q6. Which Foods Should I Avoid So That My Bridges Do Not Get Damaged?
A6. Generally, patients that have dental bridges are advised against chewing extensively on foods like ice, hard candies, and raw vegetables. These foods tend to damage the bridge. If the bride cannot be repaired, it would need to be replaced.
Q7. What Types of Dental Bridges Are There?
A7. There are three different types of dental bridges as mentioned below.
- Traditional Fixed Bridge: It is a false tooth that is fused between porcelain crowns for filling the area that has been left by the missing tooth. The procedure helps replace one or more missing teeth. You cannot take out fixed bridges from your mouth as you would with partial dentures.
- Resin Bonded Bridges: Primarily used for the front teeth, resin bonded bridges is a more affordable option. The bridge is used mostly when one has healthy abutment teeth and no large fillings.
- Cantilever Bridges: The areas of the mouth which do not experience a lot of stress like the front teeth can opt for a cantilever bridge. The false tooth is anchored to one side in the procedure.
Q8. Which Foods Do I Need To Avoid If I Have a Temporary Dental Crown?
A8. As acrylic is used to make temporary crowns, they are less strong than porcelain, ceramic, or metal material that is used to make the permanent crown. Hence, you will need to take additional precautions. Make sure to avoid chewing extensively where the temporary crown is placed and avoid hard food items altogether. To learn more about crowns and bridges and find answers to your questions, please check here and here!
