Our dentists at Alexis Dental offer dental crowns and bridges to patients looking to change the appearance of chipped or missing teeth.
Crowns
A dental crown, also known as a “dental cap”, is a tooth-shaped cap that is cemented over a tooth to restore its strength, shape, and appearance. Crowns are used to hold weak or broken teeth together to prevent further fracturing. They are also used to support large fillings, to attach a bridge, or to cover discolored or deformed teeth. In some cases, crowns can even be placed over dental implants.
Two dental visits are normally required to install a crown. On your first visit, we prepare the tooth or implant for the crown. Next, we make an impression of the tooth and surrounding gums, which is then sent to a dental laboratory so that the crown can be created. A temporary crown is fit over the tooth until the permanent crown is ready. During the second visit, we remove the temporary crown and cement the permanent crown onto the tooth.
Crowns last about five to eight years, and may last even longer with proper oral hygiene. A crown can help strengthen your teeth and change the appearance of your smile.
Bridges
A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth in your mouth. Dental bridges are fixed on the supporting teeth, or on the dental implant that has been placed next to the missing tooth.
Like crowns, two dental visits are normally required to complete a bridge. On your first visit, we prepare the supporting teeth for the bridge. This is done to make room for the crowns which will slide over the supporting teeth. These crowns serve as holders of the pontic, which is the missing tooth's replacement. Next, we make an impression of the supporting teeth and insert a temporary dental bridge to protect the supporting teeth as well as the space between them. On your second visit, the permanent bridge is placed and adjusted to ensure proper fit. If you are happy with the fit, we cement the bridge into place.
Bridges typically last up to a decade, and sometimes longer, with good care. If you think you may be a candidate for a dental bridge, contact our office to book an appointment.
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