Crowns, Bridges, and Partial Dentures: Which Option Fits Your Smile?

Whether a tooth is cracked, worn down, or missing entirely, there's usually more than one way to fix it. Here's how the most common options compare.

Dental Crowns: for a damaged tooth

A crown is a custom cap that covers a tooth to protect and strengthen it. Crowns are often recommended for:

• A tooth with a large filling that's starting to fail

• A cracked or broken tooth

• A tooth that's had a root canal

• A badly worn tooth

Getting a crown usually takes two visits. At the first, the tooth is shaped and you leave with a temporary crown. At the second, your permanent crown, made by a dental lab, is fitted and cemented. Crowns come in several materials, and we'll recommend one based on where the tooth is and how you bite.

Bridges: for one or more missing teeth

A bridge fills a gap by attaching a replacement tooth to crowns on the teeth on either side. It's fixed in place, so you don't take it out. A bridge can be a good choice when the neighboring teeth already need crowns.

Partial Dentures: for several missing teeth

A partial denture is a removable appliance that replaces several missing teeth. It attaches to your remaining natural teeth and comes out for cleaning. Partials are usually less invasive than other options and are often more budget-friendly. Most people need a short adjustment period to get used to wearing one.

Dental Implant Crowns

An implant replaces a missing tooth's root. The implant itself is placed by a specialist. After it heals, Dr. Jaicks restores it with a custom crown that looks and works like a natural tooth. We coordinate with the specialist so the process goes smoothly.

Why replace a missing tooth at all?

A gap can cause the teeth around it to drift and tilt, change the way your teeth fit together, and make chewing harder. Over time, the jawbone in that area can also shrink.

What about insurance?

Many PPO plans cover part of the cost of crowns, bridges, and partial dentures. We'll check your coverage and go over costs with you before any treatment begins.

Not sure which option is right for you?

The best choice depends on your teeth, your health, and your budget. Call [(407) 767-0633] (tel:+14077670633) to schedule an exam, and Dr. Jaicks will walk you through your options.

Magnolia Springs Dentistry

703 Magnolia Drive, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701

[(407) 767-0633] (tel:+14077670633)

*This article is general information, not a diagnosis. Please call us to schedule an exam.