A Guide to Dental Implants – Crowns, Bridges and Implants
A Guide to Dental Implants – Crowns, Bridges and Implants
If you’ve lost teeth through an accident, tooth decay or simply through the aging process, it can affect everything from your confidence to what kind of foods you can eat. Missing teeth can also impact your overall health, leading to issues such as bone loss. Fortunately, with modern dentistry techniques, there are a range of effective solutions to address the problem of missing teeth. Below we look at three solutions – dental implants, bridges and crowns. Each of these cosmetic dentistry solutions are great for replacing missing teeth for different scenarios.
Dental Implants
Modern dental implants look, feel and fit just like the natural tooth they replace, as well as functioning in the same way. Unlike other options like dentures or removable plates, you won’t need to worry about your new teeth ever falling out or having to remove them to clean or sleep. Dental implants remain securely fixed for life, taking the stress out of replacement teeth.
Dental implants are an ideal long-term solution for missing teeth and improving your smile. They’ll last a lifetime when properly cared for. Simply treat them like real teeth with daily brushing and flossing, and regular visits to your dentist.
Crowns
Crowns are an ideal way to restore and repair broken or damaged teeth, creating an improved smile. Crowns may be recommended by your dentist following a root canal, where your existing tooth is no longer strong enough or when the amount of cosmetic work required is quite significant and cannot be addressed by veneers. While crowns are considered cosmetic dentistry, they are also restorative, both strengthening and protecting the natural tooth.
The procedure for installing a dental crown will normally take place over two separate dentist visits. During your first appointment, your dentist will take an impression or 3D scan of the tooth which will be sent away to have a permanent, custom crown made. During the first visit, the dentist will file down your tooth to prepare it and may fit a temporary crown on it if needed. Once ready, the permanent crown is fixed permanently to your tooth at your second appointment.
Bridges
Bridges are another effective way of replacing one or several missing teeth. Bridges utilise a false tooth called pontics, which are supported by implants or crowns fitted over existing natural teeth either side of the gap. Bridges come in a variety of forms, including:
- Cantilever bridges, which are supported in place by a crown on one tooth
- Implant-supported bridges, which use dental implants to support the bridge
- Maryland bridges, which are held using a framework of either metal or porcelain bonded onto the backs of the teeth adjacent to the gaps.
The appropriate type of bridge depends on which teeth are missing, how many, the condition of existing natural teeth and more. Your dentist can advise you on the best option for you.
Schedule an Appointment with Dentist on the Gold Coast
To find out more about which cosmetic dentistry option is right for you, call Dentists on the Gold Coast today on 07 5531 2053 to schedule an appointment or make a booking online. Our dedicated team provides a range of general, cosmetic, emergency and preventive dental care.