It’s a sunny afternoon in the heart of Florida, you’re walking out of a dental exam Orlando, and your mind is spinning. The dentist just told you that you need a dental bridge or crown. What does that even mean? You feel like you’ve entered an alien universe where words don’t make sense anymore. Well, hold on. It’s okay. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the ins and outs of dental bridges and crowns. No jargon, no fancy words, just simple, straightforward information.
What Are Dental Bridges and Crowns?
Picture a bridge in your mind. It’s connecting two points, right? In dentistry, it does the same job. A dental bridge ‘bridges’ the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It’s made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap.
Now, imagine a crown. Yes, the kind that kings and queens wear. In dentistry, a crown isn’t much different. It’s a ‘cap’ placed over a damaged tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, and size, and improves its appearance. Crowns also strengthen the tooth while protecting it from further damage.
Why Might You Need Them?
Ever bit into an apple and felt a crack? That’s a damaged tooth calling for help. Crowns come in handy when a tooth is broken, worn down, or weakened by decay. They also cover discolored or misshaped teeth.
On the other hand, bridges are the go-to solution when you have missing teeth. They help maintain facial shape, restore the ability to chew and speak effectively, and prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
How Are They Placed?
The process is straightforward. For a crown, your dentist first prepares your tooth by removing its outer portion. Any decay is also removed. An impression is made to provide an exact model for the crown. You’ll get a temporary crown while the permanent one is being made.
For a bridge, the teeth on either side of the gap are prepared for crowns. An impression is made to serve as a model from which the bridge will be made. You’ll also get a temporary bridge to wear until the permanent one is ready.
A Final Word
Remember, it’s okay to be overwhelmed. It’s okay to have questions. After all, it’s your smile on the line. Just remember you’re not alone. Dentistry may feel like an alien language, but with a little help, we can all become fluent. So, let’s keep learning together.
