Crowns
Crowns are used to restore teeth that have fractured or decayed when a filling is no longer an option. They are also used for cosmetic purposes when a patient would like to restore their smile with natural looking porcelain crowns that can reshape teeth to cover chips, stains, and old fillings. Crowns cover the entire visible surface of your tooth and add durability and strength.
The procedure for a crown usually involves two appointments. At the first appointment, the tooth is prepared for the crown by reducing the tooth enamel. An impression (or “mold”) of the tooth is taken and sent to the lab, where the crown will be made. The patient leaves the initial appointment with a temporary crown while the permanent crown is being fabricated by the lab. At the next visit, we remove the temporary crown and then fit and adjust the final crown. Finally, we cement the crown into place and you have a beautiful new tooth. Crowns can be constructed with gold alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials.
Bridges
Fixed Bridges are used to replace spaces from missing teeth. A fixed bridge is permanently cemented and looks just like your natural teeth. Because all of your teeth are important in speaking, chewing and maintaining proper alignment, it is important to replace missing teeth. A fixed bridge is a great solution for restoring your smile while maintaining functionality. The process of a fixed bridge is very similar to a crown. The teeth next to the space from the missing tooth are prepared for “abutment crowns” by reducing the tooth enamel and taking an impression to be sent to the lab, where the bridge will be constructed. The permanent bridge will have abutment crowns on both sides of the missing tooth that are attached to a false tooth or “pontic” which replaces the missing tooth. At the final appointment, the bridge is permanently cemented and the patient no longer has a space from the missing tooth. Bridges can be constructed with gold alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain dental veneers are commonly used for cosmetic dentistry. Veneers can correct teeth imperfections including chips, stains, cracks, and misalignments. They are custom-designed for the most precise fit possible and are bonded to the tooth so they are very strong and durable. The process will take two appointments and is similar to a crown. Porcelain dental veneers are matched to the color of your surrounding teeth and look so much like your natural teeth that even you may not be able to tell the difference.
Advantages of Crowns, Bridges and Veneers
- Restoring teeth with strength and durability
- Natural looking porcelain options
- Excellent long-term results
- Great option for improving your smile
“Over the years we had discussed veneers many times, but I was hesitant. However, my only regret now is that I waited so long. He took in to consideration many things that were important to me like keeping them looking natural. I love them and I am proudly smiling big now”. C.A.