Dental Crown & Dental Bridge

Crowns are hollow, tooth-shaped structures that completely cover a damaged tooth to restore its strength and appearance. Crowns are also commonly called “caps.”

A bridge is a fixed prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth. It is a joined unit made up of crowns for the teeth on either side of a space and an artificial tooth in between.

When Is A Crown Or A Bridge Needed?

Teeth that have large cavities or fillings might need a crown to preserve the strength of the tooth. Broken teeth, either from decay or an accident can also benefit from having a crown to restore the shape and function.

If you have had a root canal treatment on any tooth, a crown is recommended because these teeth are more prone to breaking. Crowns can also be used to improve aesthetics of discolored or misaligned teeth. If you are getting an implant, a crown will be made to attach to the dental implant post.

Crowns look and act like natural teeth and are custom made to match your mouth. A crown can be done on a single tooth, or as part of a bridge.

If you have one or more missing teeth, you may be considering your options to fill the space. Missing teeth can cause a variety of problems such as loss of confidence, jaw pain, and difficulty with chewing and speaking. It is very important to fill the spaces left by missing teeth. If you are not a candidate for dental implants, a bridge might be a good option for you. We can consult with you to find which option would best meet your needs.

It is always best to try to keep your natural teeth. If a compromised tooth does break, it might not be able to be repaired and could need extraction. If you have a tooth that is structurally compromised, a crown will restore the strength of the tooth and prevent it from breaking.

What Is The Process For A Crown & Bridge?

Usually, they take two appointments to complete. First, your tooth is reduced to make room for the crown to fit over it. An impression is taken of your teeth and sent to a lab where your crown or bridge is made. We place a temporary crown or bridge that will stay on until you return to have the permanent crown or bridge cemented.

Crowns can be made from various materials; some common ones are; porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, ceramic or gold. We will choose the best type of crown for your needs.

You care for a crown the same way as a natural tooth, making sure to brush and floss carefully. A bridge needs to be cleaned very well, and you will need to clean under the artificial tooth daily. A dental professional can show you how to properly clean your bridge so you can take care of your investment and help it to last for many years.

If you think you would benefit from a crown or bridge, or have any questions, please call us today.