Everyday life can be hard when you are missing one or more teeth. At Rightway Dental, we understand this. We want to help you reach your dream of a healthy smile. With the help of a crown or bridge, you can improve the way you speak, eat, and feel. There are a number of reasons that a patient may need a crown or bridges. Below we break down the information you need to know before choosing a dental crown or bridge.

A dental crown, also called a cap, that looks like the rest of your teeth and can be placed over an existing tooth. Dr. Ruiz may place a crown to cover a tooth with too much decay for a filling, to hold together a cracked tooth, to improve the appearance of a broken or yellowing tooth, or to secure a bridge. There are a number of materials that a crown can be made of such as, metal, ceramic, porcelain fused to metal (PFM), Zirconia, or porcelain fused to Zirconia. Talk to Dr. Ruiz and her team to find the best material for your crown. With average oral care, your crown can last up to 7 years; however, with great oral care, they could last up to 40 years. The important point to remember is that brushing and flossing can protect the tooth below the crown and stop cavities from developing.

Similar to dental crowns, dental bridges can restore the look, feel, and function of your tooth and smile. They can improve your confidence, speech, and ability to eat. A dental bridge is different from a dental crown, because they usually are two or more crowns attached together to cover one or more gaps in your smile. There are three different types of dental bridges, a traditional bridge, Maryland Bridge, or a Cantilever bridge. Your bridge could be used with an implant placed in your jaw or attached to your natural teeth. Talk to Dr. Ruiz and her team to find the best bridge option for you. With good oral care, your dental bridge can last for many years.

A dental implant is a more invasive procedure than getting a dental bridge. Both options can replace one or missing or weak teeth; however a placing a dental implant is a surgical procedure while placing a dental bridge is not. Dental bridges are placed when there is a large gap between the teeth. If this is not treated right away it could lead to speak problems, headaches, earaches, and sore throats. Talk to Dr. Ruiz and her team at Rightway Dental to find out if you need a dental bridge or implant. In most cases, dental implants are a more invasive procedure that requires a higher commitment to care than a dental bridge.

You can care for your dental crown or bridge in the same way that you care for your natural teeth. Use a soft bristled brush and antibacterial toothpaste everytime you brush. Remember to brush two times a day for two minutes each. Then, floss at least once per day. This will keep bacteria and decay away from your teeth to prevent gum disease or cavities. Dental crowns and bridges last longer with the right care and treatments. Lastly, remember to visit Rightway Dental for regular visits. We can monitor the progress of your dental crown or bridge to quickly find problems if they arise.

A dental crown or bridge can improve the look, feel, and function of your entire smile. If you have one or more missing or weak teeth, it may be time to think about getting a dental crown or bridge. For more information about how Rightway Dental’s treatments can help you or to plan your next visit, call us at (281)-232-1801,