Crown and Bridge
Effective Procedure for Replacing Missing Teeth
Learn More About Bridges
Bridges are natural-looking dental appliances used to replace a section of missing teeth. Bridges are custom-made and barely noticeable, and can restore the natural contour of your teeth, as well as the proper bite.
Bridges are sometimes called fixed partial dentures, as they are semi-permanent and bonded to existing teeth or implants. There are several types of fixed dental bridges, including conventional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges, and resin-bonded bridges. These types of bridges cannot be removed yourself.
Porcelain, gold alloys, or a combination of materials are usually used to make bridge appliances. Implant bridges are dental appliances that are attached to an area below the gum tissue or bone. Contact Taylor Drive Dental Care to learn more about bridges or to request an appointment!
Learn More About Crowns
Crowns are synthetic caps placed on the top of your tooth, usually made from porcelain. They are typically used to restore a tooth’s function and appearance after a restorative procedure, such as root canal. Crowns are often used to restore a tooth when decay has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth have to be removed.
Crowns can also be used to attach bridges, cover implants, prevent a cracked tooth from becoming worse, or when an existing filling is in danger of becoming loose or dislocated. They can also be used aesthetically; applied when a discolored or stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural appearance.
How Crowns Are Placed
A tooth has to be reduced in size to accommodate a crown. After that, an impression is made from the existing tooth to create a custom-designed crown. The impression is sent to a laboratory, which then manufactures the crown. In some cases, a temporary crown is placed until the permanent crown is ready. Permanent crowns are cemented in place.
Crowns can sometimes be confused with veneers, but in reality they are quite different. Veneers are usually applied only to relatively small areas.
Caring for Your Crowns
A good-quality crown can last up to eight years or longer with proper care. You will need to floss in the area of the crown in order to avoid excess plaque or collection of debris around the restoration. Certain behaviors such as clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth (bruxism) will significantly reduce the life of a crown. It is also important to note that eating brittle foods, ice, or hard candy can compromise the adhesion of a crown or cause damage to the crown.