Crowns and Bridges
What is dental crown
A dental crown surrounds and covers a damaged tooth like a snuggly cap (some people call them caps). Crowns are designed so that the height and tip of the walls of the tooth create a snug fit. A dental crown reconstructs the structure of a tooth after a fracture, heavy wear, large cavity or large existing filling, making it possible to prolong the tooth’s life and preserve its root.
What dental crown is made of
Traditionally crowns were made of all metal and were gold or silver in color. Eventually, we started layering tooth-colored porcelain over the metal, but these crowns still had a black or grey band of metal at the edge where it was against the tooth. Today we have porcelain materials that have equal strength and durability to the metal. All porcelain crowns are more esthetic and are safe for patients who have an allergy to metal or are simply concerned about the metal.
Why porcelain crowns
A dental crown covers the entire tooth, reshaping and replacing its surface while leaving the root and base of the natural tooth intact. This is a viable solution for issues like:
• Weak or brittle teeth
• Extensive tooth decay
• Extensive wear or damage to teeth
• Cracks or fractures
• Failed fillings
How do I know whether a dental crown, filling, veneer, or implant is the right choice?
- Dental bonding is used to repair the smallest areas of damage or decay removed from a tooth.
- Veneers cover the surface of the tooth to repair or enhance cosmetic appearance, but don’t do anything to support tooth structure or repair damage.
- Dental implants are used to replace a tooth when the root is damaged so extensively that it needs to be removed
I have an old crown that came loose. How do I know that won’t happen again?
A crown that is poorly made or badly fitted to the tooth can come loose, sometimes popping off while you’re eating or allowing bacteria and decay to spread under it. Crowns are designed so that the height and tip of the walls of the tooth create a snug fit. Our crowns are custom-made for each patient using state-of-the-art technology, and are carefully bonded to your teeth to ensure a perfect, lasting fit.
Missing a tooth? A bridge can cover the gap.
If you have a missing tooth, a bridge can get you smiling again. In cases where an implant can’t be safely used, crowns are often used on healthy teeth to anchor dental bridges. A bridge is basically two dental crowns connected by lab-made tooth that stands in for your missing one. The crowns cap the teeth on either side of your missing tooth and the center tooth bridges the gap in your smile.