Crown And Bridge Specialist

What is a crown?

A crown is an artificial tooth cap. Crowns are affixed to existing root structures, like a natural tooth root or a dental implant, and cover up the entirety of your tooth above the gumline. They’re used to restore a tooth that’s suffered significant damage or decay, or is otherwise unsightly.

Crowns feel and function just like a natural tooth and can even look like a natural tooth depending on the material used.

What is a bridge?

A bridge is a prosthetic device that replaces a tooth that’s entirely missing. They’re made up of a fake tooth, called a pontic, with a crown attached on either side. 

The crowns are affixed to your natural teeth next to the space left by the missing tooth, literally “bridging” the gap between teeth.

If your neighboring teeth can’t support crowns, alternative bridges are available. A cantilever bridge is a pontic that’s attached to only one crown, while a Maryland bonded bridge attaches to the backside of your neighboring teeth with a metal framework.

What are crowns and bridges made of?

Some of the more common materials for crowns and bridges include:

• Porcelain or ceramic
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal
• Silver amalgam
• Cast gold

Each of these materials has different advantages and disadvantages, depending on where in the mouth your crown or bridge is going to go. Your dentist at A One Day Dentures can work with you to select a material that’s best suited to your particular needs, preferences, and budget.

What’s the process for getting a crown or bridge?

First, your dentist anesthetizes the area in your mouth where you’re getting your crown or bridge, then prepares your teeth by shaving off some enamel. 

In the case of a crown, your dentist shaves off enamel from your tooth-to-be-crowned. In the case of a bridge, they shave off enamel from the neighboring teeth.

Once your tooth or teeth are prepared, your dentist takes an impression of your mouth. They send that impression off to a lab, where your crown or bridge is fabricated to fit comfortably in your mouth and blend in seamlessly with your smile. 

Your dentist fits you with a temporary crown or bridge to wear during the few days or weeks that it takes for your permanent restoration to come back from the lab.

When your permanent restoration is ready, you come back to have it placed. Your dentist seals it to your prepared tooth, or teeth, with dental cement and sends you on your way. You’ll be able to eat, speak, and smile with confidence as soon as you leave the office.

Get your crown or bridge today by scheduling an appointment with A One Day Dentures. You can book your visit by phone or online.