Dental Crowns and Bridges Explained: What Patients Need to Know

Missing or damaged teeth don’t just affect how your smile looks—they can impact how you eat, speak, and even how you feel about yourself. That’s where dental crowns and dental bridges come in. These trusted restorative treatments are offered by your experienced dentist in Wichita, KS, at Auburn Family Dental to rebuild smiles, restore function, and provide long-lasting relief from discomfort.

Understanding the Purpose of Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a custom-made cap placed over a tooth that’s been weakened due to decay, trauma, or after a root canal. At our dental office in Wichita, we recommend crowns for several common reasons:

• To protect a tooth with a large filling

• To restore a broken or worn-down tooth

• To cover a misshapen or discolored tooth

• To support a dental implant or hold a bridge in place

Crowns are often made from porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys and are designed to blend in with your natural teeth. Thanks to modern dental technology, patients can expect crowns to last between 10 and 15 years with proper care, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Dental Bridges: Filling the Gap for Missing Teeth

When one or more teeth are missing, a dental bridge offers a reliable solution to close the gap. A bridge consists of two or more crowns placed on the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth (known as abutment teeth) and a false tooth or teeth in between. This not only restores your smile but also prevents remaining teeth from shifting out of position.

Many patients choose bridges because they:

• Improve chewing and speaking

• Help maintain facial structure

• Prevent bite problems and uneven tooth wear

For patients not ready for dental implants, bridges provide a stable, non-surgical alternative. A report from the American College of Prosthodontists states that around 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth, making bridges a common and effective solution.

Choosing the Right Option for Your Smile

Whether you need a crown or a bridge depends on your individual dental health. At Auburn Family Dental, we take the time to evaluate your condition thoroughly and create a personalized treatment plan. If you're experiencing ongoing sensitivity or discomfort, we offer tooth pain relief in Wichita through comprehensive evaluations and emergency services.

Factors we consider include:

• The health of surrounding teeth and gums

• The extent of tooth damage or decay

• Your oral hygiene habits and medical history

We use advanced imaging and digital impressions to ensure every crown and bridge fits perfectly and looks natural.

Benefits of Crowns and Bridges at Auburn Family Dental

Patients choose us for restorative treatments because we combine expert care with the latest technology in a comfortable setting. Our practice focuses on affordable dental care, compassionate service, and high-quality results.

Benefits include:

• Natural-looking results

• Durable materials for long-term use

• Fast recovery and improved oral function

• Preventive care to support long-term success

Explore more about our restorative dentistry services and how we address issues like missing teeth and tooth damage by visiting our services page.

Get Started with Restorative Care Today

If you’ve been living with damaged or missing teeth, there’s no need to wait. Dental crowns and bridges provide dependable solutions that look great and function just like natural teeth. Contact our trusted dental office in Wichita to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.

Whether you need cosmetic improvements or tooth pain relief in Wichita, we’re here to help with personalized care and proven results.