Dental Crowns
If you struggle with teeth that are decayed, damaged or stained, a dental crown may be a great option for you. A dental crown (often called a cap) covers the tooth and restores it to its original color, shape and size. Decay is removed and cleaned from the tooth and a highly accurate impression is made from the prepared surface. This impression is used to create a model of the tooth which is then sent to a special laboratory that will create a gold or porcelain (tooth-colored) crown. The crown is then cemented onto the prepared surface of the tooth.
Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth-colored) are the most popular because they resemble your natural teeth. They are highly durable and with the proper care will last many years. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size and color of your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.
A dental crown offers many benefits to patients. Its restorative capabilities include the ability to:
- Support a tooth that has been badly damaged by tooth decay
- Restore a tooth after root canal therapy
- Hold together a severely cracked or broken tooth
- Protect a worn tooth
- Anchor a dental bridge
- Add length or width to misshapen teeth
- Mask tooth discoloration
- Cover dental implants
Bridges
A dental bridge is a great way to replace a missing tooth or teeth without the hassle of removable dentures. A bridge is a single appliance that is generally attached to two teeth on each side of the space where a tooth is missing. An artificial tooth attached in the middle of the bridge fills in the gap where the missing tooth was. The teeth on either side of the gap are prepared for crowns and a highly accurate impression is made from the prepared area. This mold is used to create a gold or porcelain (tooth-colored) bridge in a special laboratory. The bridge is then cemented onto the prepared surface of the teeth, effectively creating the appearance of a “new” tooth.
In some instances, a resin-bonded bridge may be used. For a resin-bonded bridge, metal bands are bonded to the surrounding teeth with resin and used to hold a plastic false tooth in place. This type of bridge is typically used in areas of the mouth that undergo less stress, such as the front teeth.
A dental bridge offers many benefits to patients. Its restorative capabilities include the ability to:
- Replace your missing teeth
- Restore the function of your teeth like chewing and speaking properly
- Prevent your remaining teeth from shifting
- Reduce your risk of bone loss thus maintaining the natural structure of your face
- Be permanently fixed thus preventing it from moving like dentures
If you are interested in undergoing a dental treatment such as placement of a dental crown or bridge contact our office today. Dental crowns and bridges are a great way to improve the appearance of your smile.