Dental Crowns and Bridges – Thorndale, PA

Dental crowns and bridges have been the standard solution for restoring significantly damaged or missing teeth for a long time. Whether you’re tooth is badly damaged by cavity-causing bacteria or you’ve experienced a dental injury that left your inner tooth exposed, dental crowns and bridges can give your smile hope again. Dr. Simeone, his fellow dentists and his team members always take the time to make sure that your new restoration feels comfortable, looks natural, and protects your teeth for many years to come. Contact his dental office to get your smile and your oral health restored with dental crowns and bridges in Thorndale, PA!

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a restoration designed to cover teeth damaged by decay or injury. While they have been made up from a variety of materials over the years, dentists have been increasingly shifting to metal-free restorations in order to improve their overall appearance. Tooth-colored crowns are made from dental ceramic, while metal crowns are typically made from specific alloys like nickel, silver and gold. Out of all the types of dental restorations dentists use, crowns are by far the most common because of their versatility and durability.

When is a Dental Crown Needed?

The most common scenario that calls for a dental crown is tooth decay, typically enough to where a simple filling is not enough to restore the tooth. However, broken or cracked teeth as a result of forced trauma may also require a crown. These restorations are designed to prevent future damage of teeth, but they are also used to restore dental implants and protect teeth following root canal therapy.

What are the Benefits of a Dental Crown?

The most significant benefit of dental crowns is their ability to restore the standard functionality of your natural tooth. No tooth replacement option can simulate a real tooth exactly, so it’s always better to keep your natural tooth when possible and restore it if it becomes damaged. Additionally, dental crowns can restore your bite by keeping it even. Uneven bites can lead to added stress on the jaw joints as well as accelerated enamel erosion if left untreated.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a more complex restoration designed to replace extracted or knocked-out teeth. Bridges consist of three crowns, one on either side which fit on top of natural teeth, and one in the middle that fills the gap in your smile. All three crowns are attached together, effectively bridging the gap left over from the extracted tooth. The device is fixed, so there’s no need to remove the restoration regularly for cleaning. On average, they last for about 10 to 15 years before a replacement may be needed.

When is a Dental Bridge Needed?

Bridges are called for when one or two teeth have been extracted. They are also used in order to prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the open space. Teeth will naturally do this as a way to compensate, however, this will also negatively affect your overall bite.