CROWNS & BRIDGES
Crown A crown is a dental restoration that completely covers or "caps" a tooth. It is used in many situations including:
Crowns are made of various materials including metal alloys, ceramics, porcelain, composite resin, or a combination of these materials.
The three common types of crowns are:
Based on the location of the tooth, the color and shade, and the amount of tooth that shows when you smile, the position of surrounding gum tissue and the function of the tooth, we will discuss with you the best material for your crown restoration.
Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. Other materials include gold and metal alloys, acrylic and ceramic. These alloys are generally stronger than porcelain and may be recommended for back teeth. Porcelain bonded to a metal shell is often used because it is both strong and attractive. Generally two visits are needed for a crown. The first visit is to prepare the tooth. Then an impression is made to provide a model of the tooth. At this visit, the dentist will place a temporary cap until the final crown is made. When the final crown is ready, the dentist places the crown, makes any necessary adjustments and cements it in place.
Dental Bridge Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. They span the space where the teeth are missing. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. These teeth, called abutments, serve as anchors for the bridge. A replacement tooth, called a pontic, is attached to the crowns that cover the abutments. As with crowns, you have a choice of materials for bridges.
We can help you decide which to use, based on the location of the missing tooth (or teeth), its function, aesthetic considerations and cost. With a traditional bridge, a false (pontic) tooth is created, with a dental crown on either side. The crowns are then fitted over the remaining teeth to hold the false tooth in place. Porcelain or ceramic bridges can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.
A fixed partial bridge is used when one or more teeth have been lost. It is cemented to the natural teeth next to the space left by the missing teeth. A false tooth replaces the lost tooth. Bridges are natural in appearance and usually require only two visits to your dentist. A fixed bridge looks and feels like natural teeth, and is not removed. With regular care, your fixed bridge can last up to ten years or more.
A bridge is used to:
For information or to schedule an appointment, call (978) 535-3800, or request an appointment online by clicking here.
Dental Crown Diagrams
Dental Bridge Diagrams
Porcelain Dental Bridge
