A healthy smile is important for both appearance and confidence. If you have damaged or missing teeth, it can affect how you eat, speak, and smile. In Aberdeen, dental solutions like Crowns & Bridges Aberdeen help restore your teeth. These treatments are safe, effective, and designed to bring back a natural-looking smile. This guide explains what crowns and bridges are, how they work, their benefits, and what to expect during treatment.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged or weak tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made from different materials, such as ceramic, porcelain, or metal. They are custom-made to fit perfectly over your tooth and match your natural colour.
Dentists recommend crowns for teeth that are cracked, broken, or heavily filled. They are also used after root canal treatments to protect the remaining tooth structure. With a crown, you can chew comfortably and smile confidently.
How Crowns Work
The process of getting a crown usually takes two visits to the dentist. First, the tooth is prepared by removing any decay and shaping it to fit the crown. An impression of the tooth is taken, which helps create a custom crown in a dental lab.
While waiting for the permanent crown, a temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth. On your second visit, the dentist fits the permanent crown and checks the bite to make sure it is comfortable. Once placed, the crown is cemented securely.
Crowns are durable and can last for many years with good care, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a solution for missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth called pontics, which are anchored to the natural teeth on either side. These natural teeth, called abutments, support the bridge and keep it in place.
Bridges are made to match the colour and shape of your natural teeth, so they blend in seamlessly. They help restore your ability to eat and speak properly and prevent surrounding teeth from shifting into the gap left by a missing tooth.
How Bridges Work
To fit a bridge, the supporting teeth are prepared by removing a small amount of enamel. This ensures the crowns that hold the bridge fit securely. An impression is then taken to create a custom bridge in a dental lab.
Once the bridge is ready, your dentist checks the fit and appearance before cementing it in place. Bridges provide a strong and reliable solution for replacing missing teeth, improving both function and aesthetics.
Benefits of Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and bridges offer many advantages for patients:
- Improved Appearance: They restore your smile and make teeth look natural.
- Better Function: You can eat, chew, and speak more comfortably.
- Durability: High-quality crowns and bridges can last for many years.
- Protection: Crowns protect weak or damaged teeth from further harm.
- Prevent Movement: Bridges prevent adjacent teeth from shifting into empty spaces.
These benefits make crowns and bridges an effective solution for restoring dental health and confidence.
Crowns vs. Bridges: What’s the Difference?
While both treatments restore teeth, they serve different purposes. Crowns are used to cover or protect a single damaged tooth. Bridges, on the other hand, replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to surrounding teeth.
Choosing the right option depends on your dental needs. Your dentist will examine your teeth and discuss the best solution for your smile.
Who Can Get Crowns and Bridges?
Most adults can benefit from crowns and bridges if they have damaged or missing teeth. People with weak teeth, large fillings, cracks, or missing teeth are ideal candidates. Your dentist will assess your oral health, check your bite, and make sure your gums are healthy before recommending treatment.
Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are important to maintain crowns and bridges and ensure they last for many years.
Caring for Crowns and Bridges
Taking care of crowns and bridges is simple but essential:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss around crowns and bridges carefully to remove food and plaque.
- Avoid chewing hard items that can damage the restorations.
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleaning.
Following these steps helps maintain the appearance and function of your crowns and bridges.
How Long Do Crowns and Bridges Last?
With proper care, crowns and bridges can last 10–15 years or longer. Their lifespan depends on factors such as oral hygiene, diet, and regular dental visits. Some materials may last longer than others, but all require good care to stay in optimal condition.
Conclusion
Crowns and bridges in Aberdeen provide a reliable and effective way to restore your smile, protect your teeth, and improve oral function. Whether you have a damaged tooth or missing teeth, these treatments can enhance your confidence and quality of life.
At Holburn Dental, patients receive expert care and tailored treatment plans designed to restore natural function and beauty. By speaking with your dentist about crowns and bridges, you can find the best option to suit your needs. With proper care and attention, your new teeth can last for many years, giving you a healthy, natural-looking smile that you can be proud of.
