Crowns and Bridges

Crown and Bridge

Bridges and crowns replace and restore lost teeth and support your natural teeth, all while assisting you in maintaining good dental health.

If you have lost a tooth, you could be a candidate for crown and bridge treatment. Replacing a missing tooth with a crown or bridge can help prevent problems that arise when just one tooth is missing, such as periodontal disease, bone loss, shifting of your natural teeth and decay.

What is a crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" that is placed over a tooth – covering the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and/or to improve its appearance. When cemented into place, a crown fully encases the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.

Crowns serve many functions, including being used to strengthen a tooth to accommodate the attachment of a fixed bridge, to support the tooth when there is no longer sufficient tooth structure left to place a fitting and to protect the structure of a broken or cracked tooth.

Gold Crowns

Porcelain Crowns

What is a bridge?

Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge is made up of two crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap. These two anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth, and a false tooth/teeth goes in between. These false teeth can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants.

Before

After

3-Unit Bridge

Why are dental crowns and bridges necessary?

A dental crown may be needed in the following situations:

• To protect a weak tooth (for instance, from decay) from breaking or to hold. together parts of a cracked tooth.
• To restore a broken or severely worn down tooth.
• To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn't much natural tooth structure left.
• To hold a dental bridge in place.
• To cover misshaped or severely discolored teeth.
• To cover a dental implant.

A dental bridge can:

• Restore your smile.
• Restore your ability to properly chew and speak.
• Maintain the shape of your face.
• Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth.
• Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.

How are the treatments performed?

Once it is determined that a bridge or a crown is needed, a series of appointments will be scheduled for you. It is imperative that you keep these appointments to prevent any delays in treatment. The first appointment involves a thorough oral examination, including an evaluation of your dental history. Any necessary X-rays also are taken at this time.

During the restorative procedure, we first anesthetize the area to be treated. Next, we carefully contour and shape the tooth or teeth to be crowned to allow the crown or bridge appropriate space for proper fit and appearance. Finally, we make an impression of the area and fit the teeth involved with a temporary crown or bridge to protect them until your next appointment.

At the next appointment, we test the permanent crown or bridge for proper fit before placing it. This may involve making a few final adjustments. Other factors we carefully consider at this time include:

• Aesthetics- color match and appearance, compared to the natural teeth.
• Function- chewing and biting accuracy.
• Tissue compatibility- the bridge’s contour must conform to the surrounding tissue in a natural, healthy position.

Caring for crowns and bridges

The beauty of crowns and bridges is that just as they appear to be natural teeth, they can be cared for in the same way you care for your natural teeth. Regular dental hygiene appointments coupled with flossing at least once a day and brushing twice daily will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Crowns and bridges are an investment in your dental health. To protect that investment, it's important that you follow our recommendations, which include making adjustments to your diet. We recommend avoiding sticky foods like caramels, gum and taffy, and crunchy foods like hard candy. And please, don't chew ice cubes!

We are eager to answer any questions that arise throughout the process of your crown and bridge treatment. We also will work to ensure your comfort. It is our mission to do our part to help you to preserve your smile for a lifetime