Dental Crowns

What are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are a restorative solution designed to cover and protect damaged or weakened teeth. Also known as "caps," crowns encase the entire visible portion of a tooth or tooth implant, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits. Crafted from materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination, dental crowns restore the tooth's shape, size, strength, and appearance, making them an essential part of modern dental care.

When is a Crown Needed?

Crowns are typically recommended in the following situations:

• Missing or Misshapen Teeth:  To improve the appearance and functionality of teeth that are irregularly shaped or absent.
• Discolored Teeth:   To conceal significant discoloration or staining that cannot be improved with whitening.
• Post-Root Canal:  To protect a tooth that has undergone a root canal treatment, reinforcing it and restoring its full function.
• Large Broken Fillings:  To cover a tooth that has a large filling, providing additional strength and stability.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth:  To repair and restore teeth that have suffered damage or trauma.
• Decayed Teeth:  To replace significant portions of a tooth that have been lost due to decay.

If you have any of these conditions, consulting with your dentist can help determine if a crown is the best option for your dental needs.

Procedure for Getting a Dental Crown

• Tooth Preparation:  The affected tooth is shaped and prepared to ensure a proper fit for the crown. This involves removing any damaged or weakened parts of the tooth.
• Impression Taking:   Detailed impressions of your teeth are taken to create a custom-fit crown that matches the contours of your tooth and your bite.
• Temporary Crown:  A temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth to protect it while the permanent crown is being fabricated.
• Crown Placement::  The custom-made crown is bonded to your tooth, providing a natural look and restoring functionality.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

• Strengthens Damaged Teeth:  Crowns provide reinforcement for weakened or damaged teeth, allowing them to function normally.
• Restores Functionality:   By covering and protecting a tooth, crowns restore its ability to chew and speak effectively.
• Enhances Appearance:  Crowns improve the appearance of discolored, misshapen, or damaged teeth, contributing to a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
• Durable and Long-Lasting:  Made from durable materials, crowns can withstand everyday wear and tear, making them a long-term solution for tooth restoration.

Dental crowns offer a versatile and effective way to address a variety of dental issues, helping to maintain both the health and beauty of your smile.

Porcelain Bridges: Restoring Your Smile

Porcelain bridges are an effective and aesthetic solution for replacing missing teeth. They consist of an artificial tooth or teeth (known as pontics) supported by crowns placed on the adjacent natural teeth. This "bridge" spans the gap created by the missing teeth, restoring both function and appearance.

How Do Dental Bridges Work?

Dental bridges are designed to fill the space left by one or more missing teeth. The bridge includes:

• Abutment Teeth:  These are the natural teeth on either side of the gap that are prepared to support the bridge. They are capped with crowns to anchor the bridge securely.
• Pontics:  These are the false teeth that replace the missing teeth. They are attached to the crowns and fill the gap in your smile.

Once in place, a well-fitted dental bridge should blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making the bridge virtually imperceptible.

Materials for Pontics

The false teeth (pontics) in a dental bridge can be made from various materials, depending on your aesthetic preferences and functional needs:

• Porcelain:  Provides a natural look and can be color-matched to your existing teeth for a seamless appearance.
• Metal Alloys:  Known for their durability but less commonly used for visible areas due to their metallic appearance.
• Gold:  Offers excellent strength and durability but is less commonly used for visible teeth.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are several types of dental bridges, each suited for different situations:

Traditional Bridges:

• Materials:   The most common type of bridge. It involves placing crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap, which support the pontic in between. Typically made from porcelain fused to ceramic or metal.
• Usage:   Ideal for replacing one or more missing teeth, with natural-looking results.

Resin-Bonded Bridges (Maryland Bridges):

• Description:   This bridge features a framework with wings that are bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth. It is less invasive and often used for front teeth.
• Materials:   Can be made from porcelain fused to metal, complete porcelain, or plastic teeth and gums supported by a metal or porcelain framework.
• Usage:   Suitable for cases where minimal alteration to the adjacent teeth is preferred.

Cantilever Bridges:

• Description:   Used when there are only teeth on one side of the gap to anchor the bridge. The pontic is attached to the single abutment tooth.
• Materials:   Often made from porcelain or metal.
• Usage:   Generally used in areas of the mouth where less pressure is exerted on the bridge, such as the front teeth.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

• Restores Functionality:   Bridges help in restoring the ability to chew and speak properly, improving overall oral function.
• Aesthetic Enhancement:   They provide a natural-looking replacement for missing teeth, enhancing your smile and confidence.
• Prevents Tooth Movement:   By filling the gap, bridges prevent adjacent teeth from shifting out of alignment.
• Durability:   With proper care, dental bridges can last many years, providing a long-term solution for tooth loss.

Complete Dentures

What are Complete Dentures?

Complete dentures are removable dental appliances designed to replace all the teeth in either the upper or lower jaw, or both. They consist of artificial teeth set into a base that mimics the appearance of natural gums. Complete dentures restore the function and appearance of your smile, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile with confidence. They are custom-made for a comfortable fit and to provide support for facial structures, enhancing both aesthetics and oral health.

Procedure:

• Initial Consultation   Assessing the mouth and planning the denture design.
• Impression Taking   Taking detailed impressions of your gums to create custom dentures.
• Trial Fitting  Trying in a wax model to ensure proper fit and comfort.
• Final Placement   Placing the final dentures and making necessary adjustments for a perfect fit.

Benefits:

• Replaces Multiple Missing Teeth
• Improves Oral Function
• Removable and Convenient