7 Ways Crowns and Bridges Bring Strength Back to Damaged Teeth

If you’re missing a tooth right in the front of your smile, you probably aren’t inspired to go around smiling at everyone. Or a missing tooth in the back might make you dread mealtime. But here’s the deal: It can also throw off your entire bite. Dr. Katie Burggraaf at KB Family Dentistry can help with crowns or bridges to keep your teeth strong and fully protected. 

1. Damaged Teeth Restored, Weakened Teeth Protected

Dental crowns are like caps that fit over your damaged tooth. If you’ve got a tooth that’s broken, chipped, or just worn down from years of use, a crown can restore its shape and strength. Dr. Burggraaf often recommends crowns after root canals, too. 

2. How to Know if You Need a Crown Replaced

Crowns last a super long time, but not forever. Signs you might need a crown replaced include:

• Pain or sensitivity around the tooth that has a crown.
• Cracks or chips that are visible.
• The crown feels loose when you touch it.
• Discomfort when you bite down on the crowned tooth.
• Dark lines at your gum line.

3. Crowns Can Support Bridges

When you are missing a tooth, a dental bridge can fill that gap. Bridges require two anchor teeth: either your natural teeth reinforced with crowns or dental implants topped with crowns. This setup keeps everything stable, allows for normal chewing and clear speech. It also keeps your bite aligned so your adjacent teeth stay where they belong and do not shift around.

4. Dental Crowns Near Me: A Comfortable and Painless Procedure

Zero pain with getting a dental crown. That’s a promise. Dr. Burggraaf uses local anesthesia to get the area nice and numb. So you won’t feel much during the procedure. Most of her patients are surprised at how comfortable the process is. And any lingering sensitivity afterwards typically goes away quickly. It helps to use over-the-counter painkillers and to avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks. 

5. Crowns Last a Decade or More

Once your crown’s in place, it’s going to last you a very long time. For most people, anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Sometimes longer if you take super good care of your teeth. Brushing and flossing like normal. Checkups every six months. Avoiding hard candy and other hard foods. Oh, and Dr. Burggraaf also recommends not using your teeth as tools to open things—just an example. 

6. Give Yourself a Smile You’ll Fall in Love With

Crowns can definitely improve your tooth’s functionality. But they can also change the way your smile looks. If you’ve got a tooth that’s discolored or shaped differently from the others, a crown can completely cover it up. Crowns are made to match the color and shape of your other teeth; nothing stands out. 

7. Care That Feels Personal: Crowns and Bridges in Grand Rapids, MI

The team at KB Family Dentistry treats every patient like family. Dr. Burggraaf listens to what’s bothering you and works with you to find the right solution for crowns and bridges in Grand Rapids, MI. Give them a call at (616) 219-2659 or stop by 3167 Kalamazoo Ave SE #208, Grand Rapids, MI 49508 to schedule your appointment.

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