Crowns & Bridges
Crowns and bridges are a permanent and attractive solution to the problem of damaged or missing teeth. At our Tustin, CA dental office, we perform all our work to both solve the problem safely and effectively and also to give a beautiful aesthetic result.
Recent advances in dental technology have considerably improved the appearance of crowns and bridges so that they look completely lifelike and practically indistinguishable from your own natural teeth.
What Are Crowns?
A crown is an artificial tooth that is placed over your own natural tooth to protect and support it and improve its appearance. Some of the occasions in which we might use crowns are:
- To protect the tooth following a root canal
- To cover a tooth that has been damaged by trauma
- To repair a tooth with extensive decay
- To cover a misshapen or severely discolored tooth
- As part of a dental implant system to replace a missing tooth
To place a crown, the tooth is prepared by filing and shaping the tooth to provide room for the crown to fit discreetly among your other teeth. Once your tooth is prepared, we’ll take impressions and photos to send to the lab that will be creating your crown. If necessary, a temporary crown may be placed to protect the tooth and reduce sensitivity. When your crown comes back from the lab, we’ll place the crown on your tooth, and you’ll be able to continue with your life.
Crowns are available in a variety of materials. Gold, stainless steel, ceramic-fused-to-metal, and all ceramic. We recommend all ceramic crowns for the best aesthetic results, especially when the tooth that needs repair is easily visible.
Dental Bridges
Bridges are a cost-effective, permanent option for “filling in the gaps” left by missing teeth. The realistic artificial teeth are held in place using crowns that are either affixed to the adjoining teeth or to dental implants. Unlike partials or dentures, the bridge remains in your mouth all the time.
Different styles of dental bridges are available, and the kind we’ll use for you will depend on the location of the missing teeth as well as how many we need to replace. We’ll discuss these options with you so you know which style we will use and why.
Maintainance of Your Crown or Bridge
Continue to brush and floss your teeth as normal. While a crown or bridge will not decay, your natural teeth still can, and these prosthetics do not prevent gum disease. See us for regular checkups and cleanings to prevent your crown or bridge from becoming stained and so we can check for any damage or problems. If you have any concerns about the fit or appearance of your bridge or crowns, call us immediately.
While crowns and bridges are made to be durable, excessive force (such as when you bite down on a foreign object) can damage them. If your crown or bridge cracks or comes loose, call us so we can get you in quickly for an emergency dental appointment.
To learn more about crowns and bridges and to find out how they can improve the appearance and functionality of your smile, call our office today to schedule your examination and consultation with Dr. Keith Reber.
