DENTAL CROWNS AND BRIDGES
Gold and silver dental crowns have long been used to improve damaged and decayed teeth, but it’s no secret that they make a less-than-desirable mark on your smile. Because of modern breakthroughs in dentistry, you have more solutions for restoring a healthy and beautiful smile. We are pleased to offer dental crowns and bridges crafted from high-quality porcelain that are both durable and natural-looking. No matter what your requirements are, our dentists will craft your porcelain dental restorations to address your individual troubles and goals for a beaming and seamless smile.
Porcelain (Metal-free) Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are caps placed over teeth to repair function and appearance to a tarnished tooth. Dental crowns could be used to:
Strengthen a weakened tooth
Replace a large filling
Ensure stability when attached to a dental bridge
Cover a dental implant that takes the place of a missing tooth
Porcelain Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are fixed dental repairs used to replace one or more missing teeth. They can be used to:
Fill in gaps because of missing teeth
Restore correct chewing and speaking capability
Reduce the chances of teeth from shifting in the mouth due to missing teeth
Decrease jaw pain and other problems brought on by an irregular bite from missing teeth
There are various types of dental bridges; our dentists will make their suggestions based on which is most suitable for your unique needs. We offer the following types of bridges:
Traditional bridge: consists of an artificial tooth supported on either side by a dental crown. The dental crowns are positioned on the teeth adjacent to the opening.
Maryland-bonded bridge: contains a simulated tooth with two dental crowns located next to each other.
Cantilever bridge: commonly used for the front teeth. It is composed of an artificial tooth affixed to two metal bands. The bands are adhered onto the backsides of the teeth on either side of the gap.
Zirconium All-White Substructure Crowns and Bridges
In addition to porcelain restorations, we also provide dental crowns and bridges made of all-white zirconium, which offers the strength of metal with the added benefit of a tooth-colored aesthetic. Zirconium has been indicated to be stronger than porcelain while still providing a natural-looking appearance. The option of crafting your dental restoration using zirconium or porcelain will be up to you and your dentist and will depend upon a variety of factors, including the placement of the dental restoration, your esthetic goals and finances.
Procedure Details
Dental crowns and bridges are traditionally placed over the course of two visits. During the first visit, your dentist will prepare the tooth or teeth that will acquire the dental restorations. This involves eliminating decay and reshaping the tooth or teeth that will surround the bridge. Next, we will make an impression of your tooth or teeth, which will be sent a dental laboratory where your tailored dental crown or bridge will be crafted. We will place a short-term restoration over your tooth or teeth while you wait for your long-term ones. Two weeks after your first session, you will come back to our office so we can place your permanent restoration. We will make changes to your restoration as needed so it can complement the color and shape of your natural teeth. Once in place, your dental restoration will be virtually indistinguishable from the surrounding teeth.
Caring for Your Dental Restoration
Dental restorations are designed to be sturdy and durable. With proper care, they can last for many years. Like natural teeth, your dental restoration will need to be brushed and flossed regularly. We advise avoiding chewing ice, hard foods or objects (e.g., pens), which can sometimes crack and damage your dental restoration. Routine dental checkups with our team are vital so we can observe the function and health of your dental restoration.