Top Dentist in St. Louis, MO Provides Affordable and Quality Dental Crowns & Bridges Karen J. Harris & Associates announces the opening of a new dental practice that will specialize in dental bridges and dental crowns in St. Louis, MO. Dr. Karen J. Harris heads the practice that takes pride in employing cutting-edge equipment and techniques. Dr. Harris has 34 years of experience in the dental health industry and has also taught dentistry at Washington University. The Difference Between Dental Crowns and Bridges The purpose of a dental crown, or a dental cap, is to cover and restore a damaged tooth without extracting or implanting any teeth. The dentist places the crown over a damaged tooth before cementing it in place. On the other hand, a dental bridge helps to replace one or more missing teeth and utilizes the neighboring teeth as support. A dental bridge comprises at least one false tooth with a crown on each end of the bridge. Both dental bridges and crowns play an integral role in maintaining oral health. Gaps between teeth can cause healthy teeth to start shifting into the empty spaces, leading to a bad bite. Missing teeth can also result in gum disease and temporomandibular (TMJ) disorders. How Crowns Are Made Making a crown starts with the dental professional making a model of the patient’s bite. The dentist then sends the model to a dental lab, where a custom crown is made for the patient. It takes a few weeks for the crown to be ready. Some dental professionals have Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) or Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) equipment for making crowns in their offices, meaning a patient can get their crown in a single appointment. How Bridges Are Made Before making a bridge, the dental professional reduces the size of the teeth at the outer edges of the affected area to ensure the bridge fits on them correctly. The dental professional then takes an impression to create a perfect-fitting mold for the bridge. The dental professional will use the mold to custom-make the patient’s bridge either in-office or at a dental lab. The patient will have to wear temporary bridges or crowns to cover the prepared teeth as they await their bridge. Benefits of Dental Crowns and Bridges Aesthetics: Missing teeth causes an unattractive smile and may lead to loss of self-confidence. Having a crown or bridge makes a patient’s teeth look great, restoring their self-confidence. Convenience: Patients don’t have to take their crowns or bridges out when cleaning them. Bridges and crowns only need brushing twice a day to keep them clean. Durable: With proper care, bridges and crowns can last up to 15 years. Patients should maintain regular dental checkups to ensure there are no issues with their crowns or bridges. For More Information To find out more about dental bridges and dental crowns in St. Louis, MO, or to schedule an appointment with a dental professional, please contact Karen J. Harris DMD Cosmetic & General Dentistry at (314) 230-8364.[press_release_images][/press_release_images] [press_release_distributions id="85494"][/press_release_distributions]