Care of crowns and bridges
While crowns and bridges can last a lifetime, they do sometimes come loose or fall out. The most important step you can take to ensure the longevity of your crown is to practice good oral hygiene. Keep your gums and teeth healthy by brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and flossing daily. See your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.
To prevent damage to your new crown or bridge, avoid chewing hard foods, ice or other hard objects.
Procedure
All ceramic and porcelain fused to metal crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. A bridge is mounted onto a space where teeth are missing and is attached onto adjacent teeth. These teeth, called abutments, serve as anchors for the bridge. As with crowns, you have a choice of materials for bridges. Your dentist can help you decide which is best for you, based on the location of the missing tooth (or teeth), its function, aesthetic considerations and cost.
