Crowns & Bridges
The Architecture of Your Teeth
Your teeth are the building blocks for good dental health. Each tooth
performs a
specific
function. When a tooth becomes weakened, it affects more than just the
appearance, because teeth are designed to complement and support each
other. For a healthy, functional and attractive smile, each of the
building blocks must be in good condition. If a tooth becomes damaged, a
crown is needed to rebuild and repair the tooth. If a tooth is removed
for other than orthodontic reasons, it needs to be replaced.
What Is A Crown Or A Cap?
A crown or cap is a restoration that
covers the part of the tooth that is visibly present in the mouth. The
root, which is the part of the tooth anchoring the tooth in the bone,
remains as it is. A crown is constructed to completely surround the
tooth with the edges fitting snugly around the gum line. A crown
strengthens the tooth and protects it from further break-down or
fracture.
What Is A Bridge?
A bridge is a restoration that replaces a tooth that has been removed.
When a bridge is placed, it is anchored to the teeth on either side of the space.
The bridge not only prevents tipping and drifting of teeth, but allows for
normal chewing function. The bridge is anchored to the adjacent teeth in a
number of ways depending on the condition and position of these teeth.
Advantages Of Crowns and Bridges:
- Restores and corrects the shape, contour, and function of a teeth.
- Provides strength to a compromised tooth so it can withstand the stressing of chewing.
- Corrects the way the teeth fit together in normal chewing function.
- Restores the appearance to a white, natural looking tooth.
- Corrects poor spacing and makes crooked teeth look more even.
State Of The Art Materials
Crowns and bridges
can now be made with no metal lining and still be extremely strong. With
the many new materials available, a natural look is achieved. With the
older technology, the metal underlining the crowns and bridges created
esthetic problems with eventual black lines along the gum line and
crowns that didn’t match the adjacent teeth. Also, there are new
stronger bonding materials for attaching the restorations to the
teeth. With the new materials we can confidently restore teeth,
that in the past may have been removed.
How Does The Process Work?
Four appointments are scheduled. The first is an examination and smile
design appointment. The second appointment involves preparing the teeth,
taking impressions and placing temporary restorations. The third
appointment involves placing the restorations. The fourth appointment is
for the final artistry and occlusal adjustments. All porcelain crowns
and bridges may last from seven to twenty years. Again, longevity
depends on many factors. Crowns and bridges are strong and beautiful.