What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown, often called a “cap,” is a protective covering that goes over a damaged or weakened tooth. In dental terms, “crown” can mean two things: the part of your natural tooth that you see above the gum line, or a custom-made restoration placed over that part of a tooth when it’s been compromised.
At Brisa Dental Arts in Kissimmee, FL, we use crowns to fully cover and protect a tooth that has lost its strength due to decay, cracks, or wear. These crowns are shaped and shaded to match your natural teeth, giving your smile a seamless look.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It works by anchoring an artificial tooth (called a pontic) to the natural teeth on either side using crowns. For example, a three-unit bridge would use two healthy teeth as supports to hold one replacement tooth in between.
Bridges are made from the same materials as crowns and are permanently cemented in place. While they aren't removable like dentures, they do require good daily care and special flossing tools to keep the area clean. At Brisa Dental Arts, we offer bridges as a great alternative for patients who may not be candidates for dental implants or prefer a quicker solution.
Why Would I Need a Crown or Bridge?
Crowns are often recommended when a tooth is too damaged for a filling. This may be due to:
- A large cavity
- A cracked or broken tooth
- A tooth that had a root canal
- Severe wear from grinding
Bridges, on the other hand, are used to fill in the gap left by missing teeth. Replacing missing teeth is important—not just for looks, but also for chewing, speaking, and preventing other teeth from shifting out of place.
What Happens During the Crown and Bridge Procedure?
Getting a crown or bridge at Brisa Dental Arts typically takes two appointments:
Visit 1: Preparing the Tooth
- We start by numbing the area with local anesthesia for your comfort.
- The tooth is shaped, and any decay or old filling is removed.
- If needed, we rebuild part of the tooth to support the crown.
- We use a digital scanner to take a 3D image—no messy impressions.
- A temporary crown or bridge is placed to protect the tooth while your final restoration is being made.
Visit 2: Placing the Final Crown or Bridge
- We remove the temporary and clean the tooth.
- The final crown or bridge is tested for proper fit and bite.
- After any necessary adjustments, it is permanently cemented in place.
Caring for Your Crown or Bridge
Crowns and bridges can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or more, depending on how well you care for them. Here’s how to keep them in good shape:
- Brush and floss daily to prevent decay around the edges.
- Use special flossing tools for bridges to clean under the artificial tooth.
- Visit us regularly for cleanings and checkups.
- If you grind your teeth, we may recommend a nightguard to protect your dental work.
Frequently Asked Questions
A crown is used when a tooth is damaged, weak, or has had a root canal and needs to be strengthened and protected. A bridge is used when you’re missing one or more teeth and need a replacement that connects to nearby teeth or dental implants. At Brisa Dental Arts, we’ll examine your smile and recommend the best solution for your needs.
