Not sure if you’re looking for dental crowns, dental bridges, or dental implants?
Contrary to popular belief, tooth loss is actually very common in both young and older adults.
There are endless causes behind tooth loss, the most common of them being gum disease, physical injury or trauma, and poor eating habits.
When you lose a tooth, it’s crucial that you get it replaced as soon as possible, since the structure of your mouth can change rapidly, causing your existing teeth to shift. When teeth are shifted at odd angles, it can alter your bite and cause problems with chewing and speaking.
Replacement teeth will help maintain your facial structure, as well as keep the rest of your teeth aligned.
When you visit a dentist because of a missing or damaged tooth, you’re presented with three options, dental bridges, dental implants, and dental crowns. But which one is the most suitable for you?
Dental Crowns
Unlike dental bridges or dental implants, dental crowns are mainly used if you have a damaged or cracked tooth.
Acting like a cap, a dental crown is placed over the injured tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. This appliance fully encases the visible portion of the tooth and can be color-matched to complement your natural teeth.
Dental crowns can be made using different materials, including porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, and metal. The material of the crown is determined based on the location of the tooth, the position of gum tissue, and the function of the tooth that needs the crown.
Dental Bridges
Just as the name implies, dental bridges are used to “bridge” the gap between your teeth using dental crowns as supports.
A dental bridge typically consists of two crowns that are placed on the surrounding teeth, with the false tooth in between.
The synthetic tooth will successfully bridge the gap and prevent any bacteria and food particles from going inside the hole. To better fit the crowns, the anchoring teeth may need to be filed down and reshaped.
The average lifespan of a dental bridge is 10 years, however, with the proper care and a good oral hygiene routine, you can prolong its life.
Some of the benefits of getting a dental bridge include restoring your beautiful smile, regaining the ability to chew and talk normally, maintaining the shape of your face, and preventing teeth from shifting.
Dental Implants
If you’ve lost a tooth due to periodontitis or an injury, the best way to restore that tooth is by getting a dental implant.
Being the most realistic and permanent option, the appliance has a titanium post that acts as a tooth root that gets fused with your jawbone. This procedure will allow the implant to stay anchored, with the false tooth protruding above the gum line.
One of the biggest benefits of dental implants is that there is no need for additional support on surrounding teeth, unlike dental bridges.
It’s also less of a hassle to clean, as the appliance does not need to be removed and you can maintain it just by brushing your teeth as you normally would.
Explore Your Tooth Replacement Options at Affinity Dental
Unsure what kind of tooth replacement is best for you?
At Affinity Dental, we take a personalized approach to each treatment, making sure you receive an appliance that is most suitable for you. With the help of our expert team of dentists and advanced clinic, we strive to provide you with the highest quality of dental care.
Reach out to us to learn more about our tooth replacement options in Orleans and book your consultation today.