Crowns And Bridges Specialist

What are crowns and bridges?

A crown is a piece of metal, plastic, ceramic, or porcelain that covers a damaged tooth. It's shaped to look like the natural tooth and improves the tooth’s appearance and strength. The crown acts as a protective covering over the original tooth, encasing the visible portion. It's sealed in place with dental cement.

A bridge replaces decayed or missing teeth by connecting the replacement to other teeth in your mouth. Dental bridges close the gap between teeth by using either wires, crowns, or dental implants. Both crowns and bridges are durable, fixed prosthetic devices.

Why would I need a crown or a bridge?

There are a variety of reasons why the experienced team at Shine Dental may suggest a crown. A crown covers a stained, damaged, or decayed tooth. When your tooth has a large filling with little natural tooth remaining, a crown prevents breaking or cracking.

If you have one or more missing or decayed teeth, a dental bridge connects the replacement teeth to crowns or your natural teeth. Shine Dental may suggest a bridge if you need:

• One or more teeth replaced

• The shape of your face restored

• Help with proper chewing

• To keep teeth in the correct position

Whether you need a crown to improve the look of your smile or a bridge to replace missing teeth, a dental crown or bridge can safeguard your teeth. Crowns and bridges give you a complete smile and boost your confidence.

What are the different types of crowns and bridges?

Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including:

• Stainless steel

• Gold or another alloy

• Porcelain fused to metal

• Resin

• Ceramic

Stainless steel is primarily used for temporary crowns or baby teeth. Gold and other metal alloys work best in molars because of durability. Porcelain fused with metal crowns blends in with your other teeth, but over time, you may notice the metal showing at the gumline.

Resin and ceramic are both non-metal options if you have a metal allergy or want a long-lasting crown that matches the color of the rest of your mouth. Your Fremont dentist at Shine Dental can discuss your crown options with you to best determine your individual needs.

What are the different kinds of dental bridges?

Bridges replace more than one tooth. Your Fremont dentist may recommend a traditional, cantilever, Maryland, or implant-supported bridge.

• Traditional bridge - holds replacement teeth in place on both sides

• Cantilever bridge - holds replacement teeth in place on only one side

• Maryland bridge - holds replacement teeth using a metal framework

• Implant-supported bridge - uses dental implants to support the bridge

The Shine Dental team will explain which bridge works best for you based on your needs.

What’s involved with a dental crown procedure?

A dental crown procedure generally requires at least two visits to your Fremont dentist. The first visit will include X-rays so the Shine Dental team can evaluate the tooth in question.

Next, your Shine Dental dentist uses a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and its surrounding tissue. The tooth is filed down or built up so that the crown will fit properly and securely. After the tooth is prepared, your dentist takes an impression of your teeth. The impression will go to the dental lab and be used to create a custom crown.

Your Fremont dentist will cover your tooth with a temporary crown until the permanent custom crown is finished. If you need a dental bridge, it is secured in place during your second visit.

Getting a dental crown or bridge can be a simple, easy process. To discuss your crown or bridge options, contact the experienced team at Shine Dental or make an appointment online.