Dental Crowns & Bridges in Gypsum, CO

Tooth loss can occur for many reasons, including periodontal disease, dental trauma, or tooth decay. Regardless of the cause, it’s essential to replace damaged or missing teeth as quickly as possible. If damaged or missing teeth are not replaced sooner than later, oral health concerns like shifting of remaining teeth may occur. Before this becomes the case, our team at Altitude Family Dental often recommends dental crowns and bridges. Dental crowns and bridges are a quick way to restore your smile, contact our office today to learn more!

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What is a dental bridge?

If you’ve experienced the loss of more than one tooth, a dental bridge may be the key to restoring your smile. Dental bridges consist of artificial teeth, known as pontics, which anchor to the adjacent natural teeth or dental implants (abutments). These artificial teeth effectively fill the gaps left by missing teeth. Dental bridges not only restore your smile’s aesthetics but also improve functionality, speech, and bite alignment!

What happens during the dental bridge procedure?

The dental bridge procedure typically involves several steps. First, the abutment teeth, which are the natural teeth adjacent to the gap, are prepared by removing a portion of their enamel. This minor removal will ensure the dental bridge will fit correctly. Then, impressions of the teeth are taken to create a custom bridge. A temporary bridge may be placed to protect the exposed teeth. In the next appointment, the permanent bridge is fitted and adjusted for proper bite and comfort. Once satisfied with the fit, it is permanently cemented in place, restoring the appearance and function of the missing teeth.

Dental Bridge vs. Crown

While dental crowns and bridges can replace damaged or missing teeth, they each offer something unique. A dental bridge is used to replace missing teeth by spanning a gap, while a crown covers a single damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape and function. Bridges involve multiple teeth and require the support of adjacent teeth or implants. Crowns are for a single tooth. Ultimately, the choice of dental bridge vs. crown depends on the specific dental issue and patient needs.