Smiley Dental Lowell

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Crowns & Bridges

Dental crowns and bridges are two of the most common restorative dental procedures. Though both are used to restore broken or missing teeth, each procedure differs in how it’s placed and its overall purpose. Learn more about these two popular types of restorative dentistry and how to find the best family dentist in San Jose.

Crowns and bridges both function to restore a damaged or missing tooth, but each of these restorative dental treatments are different in terms of how they’re placed and the benefits they offer. Understanding the differences between these two dental procedures can help you make educated decisions about your oral health care needs.

Who Should Get a Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges are a great solution for many people with missing teeth, but some types of patients benefit more from them. Good candidates for dental bridges usually have one or more teeth missing in a row and have healthy teeth on either side of the gap.

Specifically, dental bridges are most recommended for:

Individuals who are in good oral hygiene habits, since this plays a key role in maintaining the health of the bridge.

The dental restoration is particularly ideal for people who would prefer to avoid the more invasive dental implant treatment or are poor candidates for dental implants because they lack the necessary bone density in the area of the missing teeth.

Who Should Get a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns can be an incredibly versatile type of restorative dentistry treatment that can address a variety of dental problems — making it an option that can work for many patients. Patients who are good candidates for dental crowns will likely fall into one or more of the following categories:

Why Do Some Teeth Need Dental Crowns or Bridges?

Dental crowns and bridges are both prosthetics that dental patients get to restore their teeth and help them chew better. A dental crown is placed over a tooth as a way to replace the enamel covering of the tooth. This is needed when the enamel is no longer strong enough to perform its function of protection.

Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and is made to withstand the thermal, chemical and mechanical forces that teeth are exposed to when a person eats and drinks. It is, however, not invincible.

The enamel can be weakened by cracks, acid erosion and decay from very large cavities. A weak tooth may also be caused by any of these conditions. Teeth grinding during sleep and patients who have just undergone root canal treatment are also good candidates. A crown will then be recommended to prevent further damage to the tooth.

Longevity and maintenance

A dental crown or bridge is a huge investment that you make for the benefit of your mouth’s health. With proper care, your dental crown can last for up to 15 years. Crowns and bridges with regular care often last over a decade. Routine brushing with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning under the margins and regular dental checkups all make the difference. Special floss threaders or interdental brushes clean around the pontic of a bridge, so gums stay healthy. A night guard will protect restorations if you grind your teeth. Maintaining small consistent habits will protect a big investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do crowns and bridges last?
With proper care, they last 10–15 years or longer.
Yes. Modern porcelain crowns are matched precisely to your natural shade.
Local anesthesia ensures comfort throughout the process.
A crown restores one tooth; a bridge replaces one or more missing teeth using crowns as anchors.
Yes, once fully healed. Avoid extremely sticky foods.

Get in Touch with Us

If you’re looking for quality dental care in Lowell or surrounding communities such as Dracut, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Billerica, Tyngsborough, or Methuen, contact Smiley Dental Lowell today at 978-999-9000. Our team is here to help you achieve a smile you’ll love.