Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and Bridges
A crown is a synthetic cap placed over a tooth to restore the tooth’s function as well as its appearance. Crowns are often placed on teeth following procedures such as a root canal, to cover implants, attach bridges, to repair a cracked or decayed tooth, to hide stains or discoloration, and to prevent a filling from become dislocated. Crowns can be easily mistaken for veneers, however veneers usually cover a much smaller area.
Procedures
Crowns are custom fit and manufactured in a lab, so a cast of the existing tooth must be made and sent by the dentist. Sometimes a temporary crown is installed while the permanent one is made. When ready for the crown, the tooth must be reduced in size so the crown can fit. The crown is then cemented in place.
Caring for your Crowns
To avoid collecting debris as well as the build up of plaque around the crown, it is important to floss around the crown. Crowns can last up to eight years, although jaw clenching or teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, could reduce the life of the crown. Also avoid eating ice, hard candy, or brittle food.
Made of gold alloy, porcelain or a combination of materials, fixed partial dentures, or bridges, are structures used to replace missing teeth. Bridges are designed to be nearly unnoticeable with natural colors. They are also used to restore the bite association between the lower and upper teeth. While most bridges are placed to replace the natural line of teeth, implant bridges can be placed in the bone or under the gum line.
Bridges are semi-permanent. Some bridges can be removed by the wearer for cleaning while others can only be taken out by a dentist.