Service: Crowns and Bridges

What is a Crown?

A crown, or cap, is a laboratory fabricated, custom restoration that reproduces the tooth structure exposed in the mouth outside of the gums, while holding together and replacing the damaged and weakened tooth structure that it is cemented over. Crowns are generally constructed for severely damaged and/or worn teeth, for teeth that have very large broken down fillings, or teeth that have had root canal therapy. They are also made to cover the tops of dental implants used to replace a whole missing tooth.

Treatment consists of numbing the tooth, and removal of old fillings and decay (cavities). Deeper areas of missing tooth structure are replaced before shaping of the tooth begins.

Shaping and contouring is the main procedure of crowning a tooth and the most time consuming. After shaping is completed, a very accurate impression (mold) is created of the prepared tooth structures. A temporary crown is then made and cemented over the prepared tooth to protect it while the permanent (real) crown is fabricated by the dental laboratory.

Crowns can be made of different materials to achieve different results. If the crown is in an area of cosmetic concern, it can be made with high quality, natural looking porcelain to match the surrounding teeth. In cases where there is no cosmetic concern, a crown can be made of gold.

What is a Bridge?

If you're missing one or more teeth, you may notice a difference in chewing and speaking or may have developed migraine and TMJ pain. There are options to help restore your missing teeth. Bridges help maintain the shape of your face, as well as alleviating the stress in your bite by replacing missing teeth.

Sometimes called a fixed partial denture, a bridge replaces missing teeth with porcelain or gold teeth, they look and feel great, and they literally “bridge” the gap where one or more teeth are missing. The restoration can be made from gold, porcelain or a combination of these materials and is bonded onto surrounding teeth for support.

Depending on which type of bridge you receive, its success depends on its foundation. So it's very important to keep your remaining teeth healthy and strong by keeping them clean with brushing, flossing, and regular exams and professional cleanings from you dentist.

Most crowns and bridges made at our office are 100% ceramic (all porcelain), although you do have your choice of which one you want. Ask to see our Crown and Bridge Menu to make your selection easier. Most, as stated above, go with the all ceramic crown. But to save 5-10% you can get either a solid metal (mostly gold) crown/bridge or a porcelain fused to metal crown/bridge. With any choice you make you can be assured of a strong, long lasting and beautiful restoration.

Our Work

We are experts in crown and veneer work. Don't hesitate to contact us!