Crowns & Bridges
Crowns
Crowns or "caps" as they are sometimes referred are custom laboratory fabricated restorations that are used to increase the strength, improve the esthetics, and protect natural teeth and implants. Crowns can be fabricated with a variety of materials from all-porcelain crowns to cast gold. There are advantages to each material and we will assist you in deciding on which material would be best for you. We will be happy to show you some pre and post-treatment photos of cases that we have completed.
All-porcelain crowns - the most esthetic of the materials. This type of crown transmits and reflects light very similar to enamel and oftentimes is hard to differentiate from natural teeth
Porcelain fused to metal crowns - high strength and good esthetics. This type of crown has a metal framework supporting the porcelain and has greater strength than an all-porcelain crown; however, can appear opaque and less translucent.
Cast gold crowns - used in high stress areas (molars) where esthetics is not a concern. This type of crown is the strongest and most durable and requires the least amount of tooth reduction.
What is the process?
The appointment sequence for a crown is usually over 2 appointments. At the first appointment, any decay and previous dental material is removed, the tooth is built up with a composite material and prepared for the crown. An impression is made of the tooth using a impression material and a temporary crown is fabricated and cemented.. The impression is sent to one of our state-of-the-art laboratories to fabricate the crown which typically takes about one month.
On the second visit, the temporary crown is removed and we try-in the final crown checking the fit, shade and contour. If the crown is a perfect fit, it is cemented at this appointment.
Bridges
Bridges are fixed non-removable replacements for missing teeth that use the existing teeth to support artificial teeth. Bridges look and feel very much like natural teeth and are an excellent replacement. In addition to improved esthetics in replacing missing teeth, bridges can prevent shifting that can occur with tooth loss as well as assist in the support of the lip and tissues.
What is the process for a bridge?
The appointment sequence for a bridge is usually between 2-4 appointments. At the first appointment, the support teeth are built up and prepared as the "abutments" for the bridge. An impression is made of the area and a temporary bridge is fabricated and cemented. The impression is sent to one of our state-of-the-art laboratories to fabricate the bridge which typically takes about one month. On the second visit, the temporary bridge is removed and we try-in the final bridge checking the fit, shade and contour. In most cases, the bridge is sent back to the laboratory for the final finish and polish and the bridge is cemented at the next appointment.
How long does a crown or bridge last?
Many factors influence how long these restorations can last. The most common reason for replacement in the future is decay formation where the crown joins the tooth - patients with poor oral hygiene and infrequent exams will always need replacement earlier. The type of material used will also influence the longevity - gold restorations are more durable than all-porcelain restorations in the back teeth. Finally, the bite relationship or occlusion of the patient influences longevity of crowns and bridges.