Restore Your Damaged Teeth

If you have a decaying tooth that needs partial restoration, we will likely recommend a crown cap for that tooth. If you are missing multiple teeth, you will want to look into the option of a bridge. While dentures are a possible restoration option, bridges and crowns that attach to dental implants are preferred since they are secure and don’t slide around or fall out as dentures can. Bridges and any sort of implant with a crown act more like actual teeth, making them more desirable.

When Are They Necessary?

• Tooth decay is a common dental problem that can lead to significant damage if left untreated. When decay progresses to the point where the tooth’s structure is compromised, a dental crown or bridge can prevent further damage and restore your tooth’s function.
• Fractured or cracked teeth can occur due to accidents, trauma, or excessive biting force. If your fracture is severe, this restoration can protect your tooth’s nerve and prevent it from becoming infected.
• Root canal treatment is a procedure used to save a tooth that has become infected or damaged. After we remove your infection, we can use a crown to strengthen the weakened tooth and prevent it from fracturing.
• Cosmetic reasons can also be a factor in deciding whether to get a dental crown or bridge. If you have teeth that are discolored, misshapen, or worn down, these restorations can improve your smile’s appearance.

The Difference Between Dental Crowns and Bridges

A dental crown is used to cap either a decaying tooth or a dental implant. Our crowns consist of porcelain and a white substrate called zirconium. Some of the crowns are made of zirconium for extra strength, while some are made entirely of porcelain. All materials are tooth-colored so that the restorations will blend in and match the natural appearance of your other teeth.

Bridges, on the other hand, are used solely to replace missing teeth and never in a partial restoration of a natural tooth. There are two crowns on either end of the bridge. These crowns rest in the gaps along the gum line where there are missing teeth. The crowns at the end of the bridge can be fused to existing teeth or attached to dental implants. Our bridges are composed of porcelain fused to zirconium, so it is all tooth \-colored material. However, in some cases, we will do porcelain with a metal substrate.

Regardless of the type of replacement options you choose, restoration, in general, is vital for your oral health. Leaving gaps (missing teeth) can cause further tooth loss as well as an off-bite, bone loss, gum disease, and TMJ disorders. 

Understanding How Crowns Work

When placed on a weak or decaying tooth, Crowns are used to help protect that tooth and provide strength and promote aesthetics around the size, shape, and appearance. In the case of missing teeth, crowns are used to cap the dental implant.  

The Benefits

• They’re designed to be strong and durable to provide a protective covering for your damaged tooth.
• They can restore the proper chewing function of your damaged tooth.
• We can match these restorations to the color and shape of your natural teeth.
• Covering your weakened tooth can help prevent your tooth from fracturing or breaking.

Understanding How Bridges Work

Bridges work to replace one or more missing teeth. The bridge is either fused to existing healthy teeth, or the teeth are filed down, caps are placed, and the bridge is then fused to those caps. Our dentist will create an impression, and then the final piece will be created from that impression before being placed securely in the mouth. 

The Benefits

• Bridges are used to replace missing teeth to prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting.
• They can help restore your ability to chew and speak clearly.
• They can complete your smile to boost your self-esteem and confidence.

How Long Does This Restoration Last?

Crowns and bridges can become loose or fall out due to chewing hard foods or, in some cases, periodontal disease that causes further tooth or bone loss. With good oral hygiene and the proper diet, crowns, and bridges can last a lifetime. 

We Want You To Smile With Confidence

If you have any more questions about tooth restoration and the options available, give us a call today. We look forward to helping you on your smile journey!