Crowns Bridges

A crown is a prosthetic covering positioned over a tooth to create a smoother look and to enhance strength and durability. When a tooth is cracked, has an old filling, or is severely decayed, the placement of a crown is often recommended. Crowns strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and can improve the appearance of your smile. Types of crowns include the full porcelain crown (ideal for use on the front teeth), the porcelain-fused-to-metal crown and the all-metal crown (ideal for use on the back teeth).

The Dental Crown Procedure

Before placing the crown on the tooth, we trim the tooth down to make room for it. Then an impression of the tooth and the surrounding teeth is taken. A temporary acrylic crown is placed on the tooth. When the permanent crown is ready (1-2 weeks normally), the temporary crowns are replaced. A crown may last up to 40 years.

What are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are used to replace and/or fix a missing tooth or teeth. Missing teeth need to be replaced to prevent problems in the future such as:

• Shifting teeth
• Difficulty chewing food

The Dental Bridge Procedure

At your appointment, we will perform a thorough examination, which will include taking x-rays and examining your teeth to determine if and what type of dental bridge is right for you. There are four types of dental bridges:

• Traditional Dental Bridge (Three Unit Bridge)
• Cantilever Dental Bridge
• Bonded Dental Bridge (Maryland Bridge)
• Dental Bridge with an Implant

The most common type of dental bridge is a traditional bridge, also known as a three-unit bridge. A traditional three-unit bridge is used to replace missing teeth when teeth are available on both sides of your missing tooth. A traditional three-unit bridge consists of three parts. A pontic (fake tooth) is held together by two abutments (crowns) and is custom made in the dental laboratory to accurately fit your teeth. The pontic replaces the area where your missing tooth was and the two abutments (crowns) are attached to the two teeth surrounding your missing tooth.

Another type of dental bridge is a cantilever. A cantilever bridge is used when there are teeth on only one side of the empty space. A cantilever bridge involves attaching the pontic to one or more adjacent teeth with one or two abutments (crowns).

A bonded dental bridge also known as a Maryland dental bridge is often used when teeth are missing in the front of your mouth. A bonded dental bridge involves fusing the pontic to metal bands and bonding the metal bands to the back of the abutment teeth.

A dental bridge with an implant is used when the teeth and gums surrounding your missing teeth are in good condition and free of periodontal disease. A dental bridge with an implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into the jawbone to hold a dental bridge.

A dental bridge is made of porcelain fused to metal or all porcelain. All porcelain bridges are made entirely of porcelain and look identical to your natural teeth which eliminates the dark blue line at the edge of the gums that occurs with porcelain fused to metal dental bridges. Also it is easier to place an all porcelain crown above the gum line allowing for healthier gums and teeth. All porcelain bridges used to be a bit fragile, but with the development of stronger pressed porcelain, today all porcelain bridges are similar to porcelain fused to metal bridges in terms of strength and durability.

Once we determine which dental bridge is right for you, we will take impressions of your mouth to use as a model to ensure that your bridge fits your teeth and bite precisely. We often place a temporary bridge, while your are waiting for your bridge (1-2 weeks). Once your bridge is made in the laboratory, we will call you to schedule an appointment to apply your bridge. At your appointment, we will make sure the bridge fits your mouth and your bite is correct before we cement or bond the bridge into place. It may take two or more appointments to complete the process of getting a dental bridge.

Contact us today to set up an appointment with Dr. Dayton today to get his opinion on your need for dental crowns or dental bridges.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss any aspect of your dental health - we don’t charge for giving advice!