Crowns
Crowns, or caps, are protective covers that protect teeth with extensive damage.  Cracks, large cavities and fractures are just a few issues that might require a crown to resolve.  Crowns restore the size and shape of the tooth and allow you to return to normal chewing and biting without damaging the tooth further.  Think of crowns as a football helmet for your tooth: a hard, outer shell that protects something vulnerable underneath.  Crowns can be made from several different types of material, from composite to metal to ceramic.  Different types of crowns are more suitable to different environments, so your situation (front tooth, back tooth, heavy grinder, etc) will change the type of crown that is most suitable for you.

Bridges
Bridges are a series of crowns that are connected together to replace a missing tooth. When an adult loses a tooth, the space that is created can lead to several problems. Teeth need a buddy to bump into to prevent them from moving too much. A tooth that's fallen out or been pulled creates a gap, meaning your other teeth lost their buddy. This allows those teeth to move and drift over time. Without a tooth to chew against, teeth in the opposite arch begin to erupt more. Teeth behind start to tip forward. Teeth in front start to rotate. This can result in damage to those teeth and pain for you. A bridge is an effective placeholder and keeps those teeth from moving around.

Fixed versus removable bridge
A fixed bridge is cemented in place and does not move.  Fixed bridges can be attached to teeth or implants (but not both at the same time.)  They very closely mimic a natural tooth.  A removable bridge is also known as a partial denture and can be removed for cleaning or sleeping.  Removable bridges are a less costly option, and they are the same price regardless of how many teeth are being replaced.  However, their disadvantage is that they are not stable.  They move, as does the bone that supports them.  They are not as robust as fixed bridges, so are more likely to be damaged or break than their fixed counterparts.

Implant Supported Crowns & Bridges
Implants act as a false root. Crowns act as a false tooth. Coupled together with an abutment (connecting piece), they can be a match made in heaven. Implant crowns and bridges are a special type of prostheses that are typically screwed into place. This makes accessing and repairing any problems much easier. Implant crowns are a sturdy and reliable way to restore missing teeth that are much closer in form and function to a natural tooth.

If you have been told you need dental crowns or you have a missing tooth that needs to be replaced, call At Ease Dental at (479) 553-9225 to discuss your options.