Whether due to natural wear and tear or age, teeth can become damaged enough that they need dental crowns or bridges. It’s important to know your options. Here at Lovett Dental Baytown, our dentists can install dental crowns and bridges to replace missing or broken teeth. This helps prevent decay in nearby teeth and restores your smile. Call 281-838-8400 to schedule a consultation and discover just how our team of experienced and compassionate dental experts can help you.

Dental Crowns and Bridges

dental crowns and bridges for teethDental crowns and bridges both use porcelain material to repair teeth, but they are also very different. A crown repairs a damaged tooth, whether that be from decay or broken in some way. A bridge is the same material, but it is used to replace a missing tooth. Both procedures make your teeth look better and improve your smile. More importantly, they also help you keep your face’s shape and help you chew food adequately. Crowns often connect bridges, so the two work together.

Crowns normally last around 10 years for most people. Your teeth cleaning habits, eating habits, and several other things can make that longer or shorter. Bridges are intended to be permanent and should last the rest of your life. Both bridges and crowns are ways to restore your teeth. They serve different purposes, so you may not be choosing one or the other.

Why You May Need Dental Crowns

A crown is a false tooth that retains as much of your natural tooth as possible, as well as the root structure. The tooth is filed down, and the decay is removed. From there, the tooth is rebuilt to the size it needs to be, and the crown is a cap that is put on top. The crown is cemented onto the tooth that has been rebuilt. The tooth can be made to match the rest of your teeth’ color and texture, so you have a uniform smile when it is done.

Some reasons you might need a crown include:

  • A large dental filling wearing out or is loose
  • Excessive tooth decay
  • Cracks or chips in the tooth
  • Root canals
  • Connectors for bridges

When Dental Bridges Are Necessary

A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth. Missing teeth can alter your face’s appearance and cause your teeth to move from their natural position. A bridge is a false tooth made of porcelain that has been fused to metal. Teeth on either side normally are prepared by installing crowns. The bridge is then connected to the two crowns. Once this is done, the bridge functions like a normal tooth. Reasons you might want a dental bridge include:

  • Missing teeth
  • Preventing teeth from drifting
  • Improving smile and facial construction
  • Replacing a partial implant

Let Lovett Dental Baytown Help

If you are not certain what to do, make an appointment with Lovett Dental Baytown today to get a consultation. Our cosmetic dentists can examine your teeth to inform you about what should be done. We may do X-rays and other procedures to help us make the best recommendations for your situation. Crowns may be needed, and implants are another option that many people consider. Bridges are related and could be needed if you have missing teeth.

Call Lovett Dental Baytown at 281-838-8400 to schedule a dental appointment. We can restore your smile’s appearance. You will also be smiling because your mouth feels better, and you will enjoy eating more. Better chewing also promotes overall health as it helps digest the food you eat. So, if you or a family member are looking for a dentist in Baytown, we can help.