Crowns, Bridges, and Veneers
If you have a damaged or decayed tooth, our dentists can help you choose the best solution. Crowns and bridges are custom-fitted tooth prosthetics that function and look like natural, healthy teeth. Veneers are a less invasive alternative, but may only be a solution for those with slight tooth damage or discoloration.
When these procedures are completed a margin exists between the natural tooth and the prosthesis and is sealed with a dental cement. Just as there exists the chance of cavities to form on fully natural teeth, there still exists the chance for cavities to form at the margin of the natural tooth and crown if proper at-home hygiene is lacking and professional preventive care is skipped.
Crowns
A crown, otherwise known as a cap, is custom-fitted to your bite and is placed over your natural tooth or dental implant. We recommend this procedure for those who have an intact tooth without root rot. The tooth may be damaged or decayed on the surface.
Procedure:
We will reshape the problematic tooth for a proper crown fit
An impression will be taken of your bite for crown fabrication
The color of porcelain is chosen to match surrounding teeth
We will fit you with a temporary crown until the lab creates your permanent one
You will come in again for delivery of your permanent crown
Bridges
To replace a missing tooth that has neighboring teeth with decay and/or large fillings, or a tooth that has been missing for a long time (i.e., with gum recession around the area), we recommend bridges.
Types of Bridges:
Traditional — Crowns are bonded over teeth that lie on either side of the missing tooth
Cantilever — Crown is bonded over a single tooth next to the missing tooth
Resin-bonded — Porcelain teeth that are supported by ‘wings’ on the back side of teeth adjacent to the missing tooth
Veneers
If you’re looking to cosmetically correct or enhance the appearance of one or more teeth, veneers are an option. They are very thin, porcelain or resin shells that you can customize in color and shape. They are non-invasive and resistant to future stains.
Common uses for veneers:
Chipped or broken teeth
Misshapen or irregular teeth
Teeth that do not respond to traditional whitening treatments