Crowns & Bridges

Crowns

A crown (cap) is a dental prosthesis which covers the entire tooth and typically restores aesthetics and functionality of the overall dentition. Crowns can look much like the original tooth (porcelain, tooth colored) or a crown could be fabricated from gold or many different metals. Crowns often help restore teeth that have severe decay, are broken or can help improve our smile aesthetically.

If you have questions and would like to know if you are a candidate for a crown, please call for a dental evaluation.

Bridges

A permanent bridge fills a space or gap between 2 or more teeth in the mouth. A bridge is composed of abutment teeth which are located on either side of the gap as well as the teeth called “pontics”, which are located in the middle of the bridge that represent the missing teeth.

Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or implants. There are many benefits to bridges, including aesthetics, restoring your ability to eat and speak properly, maintaining the shape of your face, distributing the chewing force in your mouth, and holding remaining teeth in position.

What is the Process of a Dental Bridge Procedure?

During the first visit, the abutment teeth are prepared, and an impression of your teeth is taken and sent to a laboratory. A dental laboratory will then fabricate a model from this impression. From the model a permanent crown will be made.

The dentist will make a temporary bridge for the patient to wear until the permanent bridge is cemented in place.

During the second visit, the temporary bridge will be removed and the new permanent bridge will be checked, permanently cemented and adjusted if necessary to insure proper fit.

You are now ready to enjoy your new bridge. Please continue to brush and floss daily under your bridge to ensure its longevity.