This Is Why Your Dentist Wants You To Get Crowns For A Dental Bridge

If you're interested in getting a dental bridge to help replace some missing teeth, it might confuse you to learn that your dentist wants you to have at least two dental crowns as well. If you're wondering why you should spend the extra time and money on this one step, then here's what you need to know.

The Old Way

When dental bridges were initially used, they weren't utilized with dental crowns. Instead, your own teeth would act as the anchor point for the bridge on either side. This allowed them to take the brunt of the force that was dealt out every time you chewed on a dental bridge.

At first, a dental bridge would be no big deal. However, over time, with more and more chewing, those two supporting teeth could become damaged from being attached to the bridge. Sometimes they would even become crooked after being pulled in one direction for too long. Needless to say, a solution was needed.

The New Way

Now before you swear off dental bridges completely, rest assured that this scenario is no longer the case. But that's exactly why your dentist wants you to have a pair of dental crowns.

Dental crowns are designed to go over your existing teeth. They're utilized for things like cavities, but they can also be used to help shield teeth that are damaged or in danger of being damaged, like teeth missing dental enamel or those that are about to be used with bridges.

By putting a porcelain dental crown over your real tooth, you take the pressure off of it and transfer it to the crown instead. Any wear and tear that would have been dealt to your real tooth is instead done to the crown, which is made out of stronger material than tooth enamel. As a result, it holds up well and you don't have to worry about the condition of your teeth.

What to Expect

Getting dental crowns is a painless process. Your dentist will measure your teeth and take X-rays so that custom crowns can be made to fit over your teeth. This may also require a molding process.

Once your custom crowns are ready, they'll be shipped to your dentist's office and will be ready to apply to you. Custom dental crowns are simply applied with dental cement, so you don't need to be numbed and you don't need to worry about pain.

From there, your dentist will be able to attach your new bridges, ensuring a seamless-looking smile that looks the way you remember it.

For more information, reach out to a company like Four Corners Dental Group.