Missing teeth can allow the surrounding teeth to become displaced and make brushing and flossing more difficult.
Cracked or damaged teeth should be fixed to save as much of the tooth as possible, and to ensure that
the teeth are easy to clean.
By taking care of dental problems immediately, you minimize the risk of future problems.
Crowns fix and protect teeth that are so damaged or diseased that they need more support than a simple filling. Crowns restore substantially damaged teeth with crowns made of aesthetic porcelains or a combination of tooth-strengthening materials.
Bridges replace missing teeth and offer support for the surrounding teeth to help retain the integrity of the jaw and face structure. Bridges replace missing teeth with aesthetic porcelain fused to metal that attaches the artificial teeth and uses sound teeth on either side for supports.
Dental Crowns
Crowns, also known as caps, restore damaged teeth. A crown covers a tooth
and mimics the shape, size and color of the surrounding teeth. Crowns are
indicated for cracked teeth and teeth with deep cavities; to protect teeth
that have been filled by root-canal treatment; to provide extra support for
bridges; and to cover poorly shaped or colored teeth. Crowns may be made of
metal, porcelain, or newer restorative materials. They are custom-made and fitted
for each patient to conform with the patient's bite, and the size and length of the
natural teeth. Crowns typically last five to eight years, but can last much longer
with proper oral hygiene.
Dental Bridges
A bridge stabilizes the bite of a patient who is missing one or more teeth. Bridges prevent
the surrounding teeth from moving or shifting in the mouth. A missing tooth that is not replaced
may cause surrounding teeth to become unstable and require removal, or make the teeth harder
to clean, compromising oral health, or change the shape of a face and diminish the beauty of a smile.
Unlike partial dentures, bridges are permanent; patients cannot remove them.
There are three main kinds of bridges. In a traditional bridge, the pontic ("false tooth") is fused between
the two crowns of the abutment teeth on either side. In a Maryland bridge, a metal band (hidden from view)
binds the pontic to the abutment teeth. A cantilever bridge is necessary when there is an abutment tooth
on only one side of the pontic. Maryland bridges work best when the teeth are front teeth adjoining healthy
teeth that do not have large fillings.
Full and Partial Dentures: Full dentures are used if no teeth are left for support
in conjunction with the gums and jawbone; partials are used if some serviceable teeth
are present for support.
On lays: These large fillings restore severely damaged teeth;
porcelain materials are used to match your tooth color.
