Crowns are a type of dental restoration used for damaged teeth. A crown is basically a cap, and it restores the strength and appearance of the damaged tooth. There are many different types of dental crowns available, each of which provides unique benefits and setbacks. Here, we’ll outline three of the most common dental crowns and what you can expect from each. 

Gold Crowns

Gold crowns are usually used for teeth at the back of the mouth. One of the main benefits of gold dental crowns is strength and longevity, given that gold can withstand a high amount of force from chewing. However, many patients don’t like the look of a gold crown, and patients with metal allergies may be allergic to some of the types of alloy used to create gold crowns.  [Read more…]

Porcelain crowns are a commonly used dental restoration for damaged teeth. With a natural look and comfortable feel, porcelain crowns will make you feel like you have a brand-new tooth. However, to ensure that your porcelain crown lasts for as long as possible, it’s important to care for it properly. 

Caring For Porcelain Crowns

 

The Do’s

Brush and Floss

One of the most important aspects of caring for a porcelain crown is the same as caring for your natural teeth: Brush and floss every day. While the crown itself isn’t a natural tooth, the tooth beneath it requires cleaning to prevent decay. Plus, plaque can form on porcelain crowns. Brushing and flossing the crown diligently will remove the food particles that can lead to plaque formation, as well as irritation to the gums.  [Read more…]

Many people think of a crown as something that saves a tooth from being extracted. However, crowns are also used in dental implants. In fact, the dental implant is made up of three parts: the implant, the abutment to hold the crown, and the crown itself. Here’s what you need to know about crowns before you get dental implants.

What Is a Crown?

A crown fits over an abutment, which holds the crown in place after bonding. A crown looks just like a normal tooth, and it can be made to match the shade of the rest of your teeth. The crown is made of porcelain, so it lasts quite a long time. You still have to practice good dental hygiene with a crown because failing to do so will wear it down faster. [Read more…]

If you are missing two or more teeth in a row, a dental bridge can be a good option for restoring both your appearance and the ability to effectively chew. A dental bridge is an appliance made up of artificial teeth that attaches permanently within the mouth. Dental bridges, although called permanent fixtures, do have a lifespan and will need to be replaced every several years.

There are two types of dental bridges. A traditional bridge attaches to the teeth you have remaining on either side of the gap. Crowns are fashioned with the artificial teeth between them. Enamel is removed from the two teeth on either side of the gap, and the crowns affixed. The other type of dental bridge is implant supported. Implants are placed in the mouth on the edges of the gap, and the bridge is affixed to the implants.

Longer Lasting

Implant supported bridges typically last longer than traditional bridges. An implant supported bridge routinely lasts more than ten years, and sometimes lasts up to 15 years. The implants themselves last for a lifetime, unlike the teeth that your traditional bridge would be attached to.

When a traditional bridge is used, it will only last as long as the anchoring teeth remain healthy. Because some enamel has to be removed from the anchoring teeth to accept the crowns needed for the bridge, decay is more likely to occur over time. Good oral hygiene plays an important role in how well your crowns and the anchoring teeth hold up to the test of time.

With an implant supported bridge, your bridge is supported by permanent implants. When the implants are initially placed, there will be a healing period before you receive your bridge. After this healing period, the implants are well rooted and can easily support the bridge for many years. You never have to worry about the crowns breaking or the health of anchor teeth.

Available in More Situations

Some patients are not good candidates for a traditional bridge. If you do not have healthy anchor teeth for the traditional bridge, or if you are missing too many teeth, a traditional bridge will not be a viable option. Implant supported bridges are a viable option for everyone. As long as you do not have a deformity of the jaw or problems with healing, your mouth can accept the implants and you can replace as many teeth as necessary.

For more information about how you can restore your smile with an implant supported bridge, contact us today.

Now more than ever before, the technology exists to repair nearly any dental issue. This is especially true of missing and damaged teeth, which can be efficiently replaced or covered with crowns and bridges. Both are fixed prosthetic devices that are permanently placed in the mouth. Unlike other devices like dentures that can be removed at home, crowns and bridges can only be removed by a dentist. Depending on the damage inside of your mouth, crowns, bridges, or both could be exactly what you need to smile with confidence once again.

Crowns Cap Damaged Teeth and Replace Missing Teeth

A crown is a valuable tool to improve the appearance and function of a damaged tooth. It covers or “caps” your damaged tooth to provide a more appealing and consistent appearance. This strengthens the tooth during chewing and speaking, enhances the tooth’s shape, and even improves its alignment. If you have an implant, a crown is affixed to the implant to mimic the natural shape, structure, and function of the tooth you lost. [Read more…]