If you are in need of dental restorations, visit our office for dental crowns and bridges. If you crack or chip your tooth, we have the restorations available to provide you with a fully-functioning and natural-looking smile. To determine the type of restoration that is going to be ideal for your teeth, visit our office.
We will conduct an examination and take X-rays before customizing a treatment to your needs. Dental crowns and bridges are two of our more popular options. Here are answers to patient questions about both treatment options.
Dental Crown and Dental Bridge Information
What is a dental crown?
A crown is a cap that surrounds the visible portion of the tooth. We will design the crown to the exact specifications of the patient’s mouth. This is to ensure that you can bite down comfortably. Every ridge must be an exact fit with the teeth above and next to it. This exact fit will help ensure that your bite does not change after placing the crown.
Why would I need a dental crown?
Since a crown is a cap, it is possible to cover and restore a severely cracked or chipped tooth. In this way, a dental crown is the most comprehensive and durable of dental restorations. When a dental filling is not enough, we will often recommend a dental crown. We will also use dental crowns to hold a dental bridge in place.
How is a dental crown placed?
We will first prepare the tooth by removing a portion of the enamel. Typically, a patient will wear a temporary crown until the permanent one is ready for us to bond in place using dental cement.
Are crowns all silver?
No. While it is common for dental crowns to consist of silver or gold, people are now making most dental crowns with tooth-colored materials like porcelain. By using tooth-colored options, we are making it possible to improve the appearance of a smile as well as the functionality.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a permanent way to replace missing teeth. With a dental bridge, we can restore partial tooth loss as an alternative to a patient wearing partial dentures.
Does a dental bridge look natural?
Yes, the actual bridge is a gum-colored base that we secure natural-looking artificial teeth onto. This treatment will lead to a restoration that blends in with the other teeth.
How is a dental bridge placed?
To place a dental bridge, we will need to take measurements along with an impression of the mouth. Then, we will have a dental lab create the crowns and bridge using the measurements. We will prepare the surrounding teeth by removing a portion of the enamel to make proper room for placing the crowns. These two teeth and crowns will then serve as anchors to hold the bridge in place.
How long do dental crowns and bridges last?
Dental crowns and bridges can last for decades or for the rest of your life with proper care and maintenance. Visiting our dentist office for regular exams will help to prolong their lifespan by improving your overall oral health.
