Understanding Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged tooth completely, protecting it while restoring its original shape, size, and strength. Think of it as a protective helmet for your tooth—it shields vulnerable areas from further damage and handles the pressure of biting and chewing.
Dr. Fernandez recommends crowns in several situations. Large cavities that compromise too much tooth structure for a filling need crowns to hold everything together. Severely cracked or fractured teeth require the complete coverage a crown provides. After root canal therapy, teeth become more brittle and need crowns to prevent breaking. Crowns also restore worn teeth and improve the appearance of misshapen or severely discolored teeth.
Modern crowns look incredibly natural. Dr. Manzanares uses high-quality materials like porcelain, ceramic, and zirconia that mimic real tooth enamel’s translucency and color variations. Most people won’t be able to tell the difference between your crown and your natural teeth.
What Dental Bridges Do
Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. The restoration consists of artificial teeth (called pontics) held in place by crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap. These supporting teeth, called abutment teeth, anchor the entire bridge securely.
Missing teeth cause problems beyond the obvious gaps in your smile. Remaining teeth tend to drift or tilt into empty spaces, which throws off your bite and can lead to jaw pain and uneven wear. Your facial structure may change as bone loss occurs in areas without tooth roots. Chewing becomes difficult, forcing you to favor one side of your mouth or avoid certain foods entirely.
Bridges restore your ability to chew properly and speak clearly while preventing these complications. They distribute bite forces evenly across your teeth, maintain your facial shape, and give you a complete smile.
Types of Bridges Available
Traditional bridges are the most common type, using crowns on the natural teeth on either side of the gap. These bridges work well when you have healthy teeth adjacent to the missing tooth space that can support the restoration.
Cantilever bridges attach to just one abutment tooth, which works when only one adjacent tooth is available. Dr. Fernandez typically uses these in areas of the mouth that don’t experience heavy chewing forces.
Implant-supported bridges use dental implants instead of natural teeth for support. This option preserves your healthy teeth since they don’t need to be prepared for crowns, and the implants prevent bone loss in the jaw. Dr. Manzanares often recommends implant bridges when you’re missing several consecutive teeth.
The Traditional Crown and Bridge Process
When CEREC isn’t the right option for your situation, Dr. Fernandez uses traditional methods that involve working with a dental laboratory. The process begins with preparing the affected teeth by removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the restoration. He takes detailed impressions from a skilled lab technician who handcrafts your crown or bridge.
You’ll wear a temporary restoration while the lab creates your permanent one, typically taking two to three weeks. During your second appointment, Dr. Manzanares removes the temporary, checks the fit and appearance of your new restoration, and cements it permanently.
Traditional crowns and bridges offer certain advantages in complex cases. Lab technicians can handle intricate color matching and create restorations for situations beyond what in-office technology can accomplish.
Materials That Last
The materials used for dental bridges and crowns in Albuquerque play a huge role in how natural they look and how long they last. All-ceramic and porcelain crowns provide the most lifelike appearance, making them ideal for front teeth. Zirconia offers exceptional strength while still looking natural, working well for molars that handle heavy chewing forces.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine strength with aesthetics, though they may show a slight dark line at the gumline over time. Dr. Fernandez helps you choose the best material based on the tooth’s location, budget, and aesthetic goals.
Caring for Your Restorations
With proper care, crowns typically last 10 to 15 years, and bridges can last just as long or longer. Brushing twice daily and flossing carefully around your restorations removes plaque and prevents decay in the remaining natural tooth structure. Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or other extremely hard objects that could crack or damage your crown or bridge.
Regular checkups let Dr. Manzanares monitor your restorations and catch any potential problems early. Professional cleanings remove buildup that home care misses, keeping your gums healthy around the restoration margins.
Dental Bridges & Crowns in Albuquerque
Call our office at 505-898-8063 and schedule a visit with our dentist and team to learn more. Dr. Gilbert Fernandez and Dr. Michael Manzanares are ready to discuss how dental bridges and crowns in Albuquerque can transform your damaged or incomplete smile into one that’s healthy, functional, and beautiful.
