Bridges and crowns are fixed prosthetic are used to “cap” a damaged tooth or cover an implant. Bridges are commonly used to cover a space for missing one or more teeth. They are cemented to natural teeth or implants.
Although there are several types of crowns, porcelain (tooth colored crown) are the most popular, because they resemble your natural teeth. They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.
Reasons for dental crowns:
- Broken or fractured teeth.
- Cosmetic enhancement.
- Decayed teeth.
- Fractured fillings.
- Large fillings.
- Tooth has a root canal.
What does getting a crown involve?
A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate molds (or impressions) that will be used to create your custom crown. A mold (measurement) will also be used to create a temporary crown which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.
While the tooth is numb, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Once these details are accomplished, your temporary crown will be placed with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you are biting properly.
At your second appointment your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed to ensure the spacing and bite is accurate. You will be given care instructions and encouraged to have regular dental visits to check your new crown.
Do crowns look natural?
Sometimes with an older crown, a dark line may be noticed at the gum-line. This is usually the underlying metal substructure that shows due to the receding of the gums. However, modern materials and technology make this a thing of the past.
Advantage of BRIDGES & CROWNS
Bridges and crowns can be used to improve a tooth’s aesthetic function and dental occlusion. Gaps left by missing teeth can cause the remaining teeth to shift, which can result in a bad bite. Bridges and crowns help prevent these problem.