Dental Crowns and Bridges: Manufacturing Process and Care

Jul 10th, 2013
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Once you and your dentist have decided that a dental crown or bridge is the appropriate option to address your dental healthcare needs, you will likely have questions about the crown or bridge manufacturing process. New crowns or bridges are permanent tooth replacements that will be present in your mouth for years to come so you want to make sure that you are educated about their manufacturing processes and that you know how to properly care for your new teeth.

How Are Dental Crowns and Bridges Made?

When getting a new crown or bridge placed, your dentist will file down your damaged tooth or teeth in order to make room for the new prosthesis. After an initial filing, a mold is taken of your teeth. This will act as a shaping device for your new crown or bridge. The mold is sent to the dental laboratory where skilled technicians form your prosthetic. A temporary crown or bridge will be fitted while the permanent device is being made. A temporary crown or bridge is often made of acrylic or stainless steel, while a permanent crown or bridge is usually manufactured out of metal, porcelain, or ceramic. Metal is a good choice for non-visible teeth in the back of the mouth because of its durability, while porcelain or ceramic are the best choices for visible teeth. These materials can be matched to your natural tooth color. After approximately 2-3 weeks, the crown and/or bridge is ready to be installed.

Your dentist will gently remove the temporary crown or bridge and place the permanent one with cement. When a bridge is installed, the pontic, the main part of the bridge, it is attached to two anchoring teeth, called abutments, that have been covered with crowns.

How Long do Dental Crowns and Bridges Last?

A crown or bridge can last a lifetime with proper care. It is important to practice good dental hygiene after you have been given a new dental crown or bridge. Make sure that you brush and floss at least twice a day, and attend regularly scheduled check-ups with your dentist. Avoid hard foods such as ice and raw vegetables, sticky foods such as caramel, and habits that are hard on your teeth such as biting your nails or using teeth to open packages.

Now that you better understand the manufacturing process and proper caring techniques for dental crowns and bridges, you are ready to take the next step in your journey to better dental health. Let the professionals at The Dental Center at Easton assist you! We serve patients in Columbus, Ohio and surrounding areas that include New Albany and Gahanna. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

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