Dental crowns are custom-made caps designed by our dentist in Austin, TX, to encase damaged or weakened teeth, restoring their strength, functionality, and appearance. They are crafted from various materials and protect and preserve the underlying tooth structure, preventing further decay or fractures while enhancing aesthetics. Bridges, conversely, are prosthetic devices used to replace one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap between adjacent natural teeth or dental implants.
Both crowns and bridges offer transformative solutions for individuals struggling with dental issues, benefiting those with damaged, decayed, or missing teeth by restoring oral function, improving aesthetics, and enhancing overall oral health and quality of life. 
The Benefits of Crowns
The advantages of crowns extend far beyond mere aesthetics. Not only do crowns restore the structural integrity of damaged teeth, but they also provide vital protection against further decay, fractures, and infection.
Crowns shield vulnerable areas from bacterial infiltration and external trauma by encasing the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line, preserving the underlying tooth structure and preventing extraction. Additionally, crowns can improve bite alignment, chewing function, and speech clarity, allowing individuals to enjoy a restored sense of confidence and comfort in their smiles. Contact us today to learn more!
Types of Dental Crowns
Porcelain Crowns
- Porcelain crowns are highly aesthetic restorations that closely mimic the natural appearance of teeth.
- They are an excellent choice for front teeth or visible areas of the mouth due to their ability to blend in seamlessly with surrounding natural teeth.
- Porcelain crowns are stain-resistant and biocompatible, making them a popular choice for individuals with metal allergies.
- While porcelain crowns are aesthetically pleasing, they may be less strong than metal-based crowns and more prone to chipping or fracture under heavy biting forces.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
- PFM crowns combine the natural-looking aesthetics of porcelain with the strength and durability of metal alloys, typically containing a base of gold, nickel, or chromium.
- The metal substructure provides excellent strength and stability, while the porcelain overlay offers a lifelike appearance.
- PFM crowns are versatile and suitable for front and back teeth, balancing aesthetics and durability.
- However, over time, the metal substructure may create a dark line near the gumline, detracting from the restoration's natural appearance.
All-Metal Crowns
- All-metal crowns, often made from gold alloys, offer unparalleled strength, durability, and longevity.
- They are highly biocompatible and require minimal tooth structure removal for placement, making them ideal for individuals with a strong bite or those who grind their teeth.
- All-metal crowns resist wear and fracture, making them suitable for posterior teeth subjected to heavy chewing forces.
- While highly durable, the metallic appearance of all-metal crowns may not be suitable for visible areas of the mouth and may be preferred for posterior teeth.
Composite Resin Crowns
- Composite resin crowns are tooth-colored restorations made from plastic and glass materials.
- They are often used for temporary crowns or restoring front teeth in a single dental visit.
- While composite resin crowns offer aesthetic benefits and minimal tooth preparation, they may be less durable and more prone to wear than other types of crowns.
- These crowns are typically not recommended for posterior teeth subjected to heavy biting forces.
The Transformative Impact of Bridges
The transformative impact of dental bridges extends far beyond restoring smiles; it encompasses benefits such as improved oral health, enhanced functionality, and increased confidence. By replacing missing teeth, bridges in Austin, TX, prevent adjacent teeth from shifting out of alignment, thereby preserving dental stability and preventing further tooth loss. Moreover, bridges restore proper chewing function, allowing individuals to enjoy a diverse and nutritious diet without restrictions.
From boosting self-esteem to facilitating clear speech and restoring facial harmony, bridges empower individuals to embrace life's moments with renewed confidence and vitality.
Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional Bridges
- Traditional bridges consist of one or more artificial teeth, known as pontics, suspended between two dental crowns, placed on the natural teeth adjacent to the gap by our dentist at Jester Village Dental.
- The crowns serve as anchors or abutments, providing stability and support for the bridge.
- Traditional bridges are an effective solution for replacing one or more missing teeth in a row when natural teeth are available on either side of the gap.
- Depending on aesthetic preferences and functional requirements, they are typically made from porcelain fused with metal (PFM), porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys.
Cantilever Bridges
- Cantilever bridges are similar to traditional bridges but are supported by only one dental crown on one side of the gap rather than two crowns on both sides.
- This type of bridge is used when only one natural tooth is available adjacent to the gap or when placing two crowns is not feasible due to structural or aesthetic considerations.
- Cantilever bridges are less common than traditional bridges and may not be suitable for areas of the mouth subjected to heavy biting forces.
Maryland Bridges
- Maryland bridges, also known as resin-bonded bridges, consist of one or more pontics attached to metal or porcelain wings placed on the backside of the adjacent natural teeth.
- Unlike traditional bridges, Maryland bridges do not require the removal of enamel from the adjacent teeth for crown placement, making them a conservative option.
- Maryland bridges are typically used to replace missing front teeth. They are less invasive than traditional bridges and preserve more of the natural tooth structure.
Implant-Supported Bridges
- Implant-supported bridges are supported by dental implants surgically placed into the jawbone.
- Instead of relying on natural teeth for support, implant-supported bridges are anchored to dental implants, providing a stable and long-lasting solution for replacing multiple missing teeth.
- Implant-supported bridges offer several advantages, including improved stability, durability, preservation of adjacent teeth, and prevention of bone loss in the jaw.
Crowns and bridges represent cornerstone treatments in restorative dentistry, offering transformative solutions that enhance oral health and quality of life. Visit Jester Village Dental at 6507 Jester Blvd #303, Austin, TX 78750, or call (512) 418-9150 to explore the benefits of dental crowns and bridges.