Dental crowns and bridges are considered fixed prosthetic restorations. As an alternative to removable appliances like dentures that must be removed and cleaned daily, single-tooth crowns and multi-unit bridges are permanently bonded to your natural teeth or dental implants.
A crown is useful when it is necessary to provide complete coverage for a weak or damaged tooth. In addition to reinforcing damaged teeth, a new dental crown can also enhance its shape, color or position. A crown often represents the finishing touch on a dental implant to create a natural shape and to provide proper function. Crowns also serve as a measure of protection for teeth that have undergone the root canal procedure.
Dental bridges can effectively replace missing teeth and are designed in a manner that is similar to a single crown. In fact, a bridge is essentially a group of three or more crowns that are linked together in order to span across the gap created by a missing natural tooth.
Porcelain (or high-quality ceramic) crowns and bridges are great choices when aesthetics are most important, since they can be designed to mimic the appearance of natural enamel.
Single-tooth crowns and multi-unit bridges are permanently bonded to your natural teeth or dental implants.
Occasionally, full metal crowns or bridges may be recommended for the back teeth rather than porcelain, where strength and durability are paramount.
Porcelain can be fused to a metal base in order to create a restoration that is stronger than full porcelain and more attractive than a full metal restoration.
To find out if a crown or bridge may be right for you, contact our office today for an appointment.
