Crowns & Bridges

Crowns

Crowns are fabricated to strengthen and improve the appearance of teeth. They look and behave like real teeth. They are extremely strong and can last can last for many years.

If a tooth is severely decayed, broken, worn or brittle, then a crown may be used to rebuild the tooth and restore it’s function. This is a painless procedure that takes two or three visits.

If the roots and base of the tooth are strong, then the tooth is prepared for the crown by shaping a portion of the enamel and dentin. If the tooth is severely decayed, or weak, then it may be necessary to strengthen the tooth first by building up a core. In some cases it may be necessary to perform root canal therapy, and a post would be fitted to gain strength and support from the root.

Since the crown must be carefully constructed to match the opposing tooth and ensure a correct bite, several impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a laboratory that will construct the crown. A temporary crown will be applied to protect the tooth until the next appointment. At the second visit, the crown is tried in the fit, bite and contact points are checked ; and then the crown is cemented into place.

Crowns are among the strongest and most aesthetic restorations available in modern dentistry, & depending on the materials used in construction, a crown should last from 10 years to life.

Bridges

If a tooth has been lost and you would like to replace it with a tooth that looks and behaves like a real tooth then replacement options are either implants or bridges. A fixed bridge is an appliance made of porcelain designed to replace missing teeth in the most natural way possible.

The procedure to make a bridge usually takes from two to three appointments to complete, and the process involved is similar to having a crown placed on a tooth. Since the bridge must be carefully constructed to match the opposing tooth and ensure a correct bite, several impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a laboratory, which will construct the bridge. Temporary restorations are applied to protect the teeth between appointment’s. At the second visit, the bridge is fitted; and cemented into place.

Bridges are very strong and durable and last for many years.