A dental crown or bridge may be one of the best treatments for restoring damaged teeth. With a little time, these restorative procedures can help you get your smile back on track.
A crown is a cap that covers the entire visible part of a tooth. It can be used to replace a large filling, repair a damaged or decayed tooth or fix a dental implant.
Historically, dental crowns were made of metal but today they’re created from strong, durable, tooth-colored ceramic. These dental crowns can completely cover a damaged tooth to provide structure, strength and an attractive, natural appearance.
During your first visit, your dentist will reshape the abutment teeth – the teeth on either side of the gap where a missing tooth was. This is done to ensure the new bridge, pontic and crowns will fit correctly. The dentist will also take impressions or a digital scan of your teeth to create a model from which the bridge, pontic and crowns will be made by a dental lab.
Impressions are a great way to show your doctor what you want your final bridge, pontic and crowns to look like. We’ll use them as a guide to make sure your new bridge, pontic and crowns look natural and blend in with your other teeth.
The abutment teeth are usually prepped by removing a small amount of enamel to allow for the crown to be placed over them. This will allow the crown to sit comfortably against your gums and to protect your abutment teeth from damage during the healing process.
Next, your dentist will bond the crown to the abutment teeth with special material. This will also allow the crown to hold against your other teeth while you heal and to be used as a foundation for your bridge.
Your dentist will then seal your new crown with a special material that will protect it from bacteria and food particles. This sealant will also help the crown to last a long time, as it’s very resistant to stains and discoloration.
Crowns are available in several different materials, including gold alloy, titanium and base metals. The material of the crown you choose will depend on your specific needs, such as durability and cost.
Porcelain is a popular choice because it can be colored to match the color of your other teeth. It’s also very durable, and it can be bonded to a metal shell for extra strength.
You’ll need to take very good care of your crowns and bridges to keep them in good condition for a long time. Brushing twice a day and flossing between the crowns will keep them clean and healthy.
Having a crown or bridge can improve your oral health and enhance your confidence. It will also allow you to enjoy eating your favorite foods without worrying about chipped or cracked teeth. A good dentist will offer you a variety of options to treat your teeth and restore your smile, so book an appointment with us today to find out which treatment option is right for you!