Bridges & Crowns

Crowns are a protective covering over a tooth that creates a smoother, cleaner look. The main reasons crowns are recommended are to provide strength and durability to teeth that are fractured or for teeth that have been severely damaged by decay. Crowns not only strengthen the remaining tooth, but also can improve the look of your smile and cover large dark fillings. Types of crowns include full porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, and all metal. Crowns are usually completed in two appointments. All porcelain crowns are typically indicated for front teeth and these can immediately improve your smile. The first appointment involves reshaping of the tooth to be crowned, followed by the placement of a temporary provisional. After about three weeks, the final crown is cemented in place.

Bridges are an option to replace missing teeth and can be constructed with the same materials as individual crowns. Replacing missing teeth with bridges can prevent teeth from drifting out of position which can lead to bite changes, decay and gum disease. Bridges are cemented in place and cannot be removed. The procedure is similar to an individual crown in that we reshape the teeth needed for the bridge and a temporary provisional bridge is placed. Three weeks later we cement the bridge.