Tuesday, May 20, 2014

How Long Do Dental Crowns and Bridges Last?

Quality-made dental crowns and bridges are the solution if you have damaged or discolored teeth and need their appearance and shape to be improved. Another good reason is if you have gaps where teeth have been removed, and you don't want the remaining teeth to spread out into those areas and create a bad bite.

Crowns also are needed for a variety of reasons, including

  • keep teeth strong for biting and chewing
  • help to prevent a tooth from fracturing
  • restore a tooth that has fractured
  • cover a tooth that has previously had a root canal
  • protect a discolored tooth,
  • cover a broken one
  • hold a dental bridge in place
  • cover a dental implant

Cosmetic dentists are trained for this specific work and are ready to professionally correct such problems and make you and your mouth smile!

Dental crowns, often commonly called "caps", provide a tooth-like shape and structure that covers the entire tooth, strengthen the tooth, and are very functional. They are made by a special machine in a dental laboratory or sometimes right in the dentist's office if he or she has the equipment and staff.

Ceramic and porcelain crowns are meticulously matched to the color of your natural teeth so that they easily blend in and are not obvious. Porcelain fused to a metal shell is both attractive and strong. However, other materials such as metal and gold alloys, ceramic and acrylic are stronger than porcelain and are often especially recommended for back teeth.

Bridges replace one or several missing teeth and are cemented to natural teeth or implants, which serve as anchors for the bridge. Replacement teeth are attached to a crown that covers the abutment.

Crowns Can Last 15-20 Years With Proper Care

Research has shown that approximately 90 percent of crowns will not require major treatment within five years, and 50 to 80 percent of crowns will last between 15 and 20 years, which is a long period of use.

The length of time varies greatly depending on a multitude of factors including the most important of all, which is good oral hygiene. The failure of crowns and bridges can be due to the formation of a cavity where the crown and tooth meet. A bridge may lose support if the bone or tooth that is holding it in place gets damaged from dental disease. If you tend to grind or clench your teeth, ask your dentist how this could affect your crown and what you can learn to do about it.

Another factor is good nutrition. Avoid refined carbohydrates and sugars because they promote an acidic environment in the mouth. Instead, stick to a diet which is anti-inflammatory, alkalizing and rich in antioxidants.

You need to keep your teeth and gums healthy and follow the good dental hygiene practices of brushing thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily including under your bridge, avoid chewing sticky and hard objects, and seeing your dentist and hygienist at least twice a year for examinations, follow-up care and professional cleanings.

The Chandler AZ dentists at Shumway Dental Care are experienced with cosmetic dental procedures and can help you determine the best route for you to take when fixing your teeth. Visit the site at http://www.mychandlerdentists.com to learn more.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Genie_Fletcher

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