Crowns
A Crown/Cap is the portion of a tooth above the gum line that is covered by enamel. The artificial cap can be made of porcelain, composite, or metal and is cemented on top of the damaged tooth. Porcelain is the most popular choice because it is tooth colored and resembles your natural teeth. Much like fillings, crowns are highly durable and will last you many years, but they may need to be replaced in the future.
Typical reasons for a crown include: a tooth that has had a root canal, decayed teeth, fractured or large fillings, broken teeth, or for cosmetic enhancement.
We replace existing crowns and fillings with restorations that look and feel like your natural teeth. Where damage to a person’s teeth is extreme and may be beyond repair, we can use porcelain or porcelain “pasted-on-gold” crowns to make the smile appear like new. This is an extremely reliable technique for repairing the most severe dental problems, even permanently replacing missing teeth to offer a complete smile and a functional bite. We are renowned for the quality of our work and the fantastic changes we make for people using this technology. These treatments are used for a long-lasting correction of major dental problems. It is usual for these treatments to last for 20 to 30 years
Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to our office. Initially, we will remove decay, shape the tooth, and fit it with a temporary crown of either plastic or metal.On the subsequent visit, we will remove the temporary crown and then fit and adjust the final crown. Finally, we will cement the crown into place and you have a new beautiful looking tooth.
Bridges
A bridge is a device used to replace missing teeth attaches artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth, called abutment teeth. Bridges are a stationary (non-removable) dental prosthesis fixed to teeth, adjacent to a space. They are cemented or bonded to supporting teeth or implants to replace one or more missing teeth. These are also called a fixed partial denture. Just like fillings, there are many types of bridges and you and your dental team will discuss the best options for your case. The most popular bridge is made of porcelain because it most resembles your natural teeth. They are very durable and will last you many years, but like other dental restorations they may need to be replaced. Bridges are chosen to fill in spaces of missing teeth, to help restore your smile, as an alternative to removable dentures, or to help retain normal chewing and speaking. Bridges are either permanently attached (fixed bridges) or they can be removable (removable bridge).
Fixed bridges are applied by either placing crowns on the abutment teeth or by bonding the artificial teeth directly to the abutment teeth. Removable bridges are attached to the teeth with metal clasps or by precision attachments.
If you are missing one or more teeth, you may be aware of their importance to your appearance and dental health. Your teeth work together for many daily functions from eating to speaking. With missing teeth, it is difficult to do these things. Missing teeth can and should be replaced. Fixed bridges are a great way to restore your dental health and appearance.
The attachment procedure usually takes two or three appointments to complete. At the first appointment, the doctor will prepare the teeth on either side of the gap by removing a portion of the enamel and dentin.Since the bridge must be fabricated very precisely to ensure correct bite and to match the opposing tooth, impressions of the teeth are taken and sent to a lab where the bridge will be constructed.
Fixed bridges are typically cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth. A pontic (false tooth) replaces the lost tooth. Crowns, which are cemented onto the natural teeth, provide support for the bridge.Bridges can be constructed from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. Porcelain is often bonded to either a precious or non-precious metal.