Crowns also referred to as caps, are structures that cover the entire tooth to restore it to its original shape, size, and strength. When fillings alone are not enough to support a substantially damaged tooth, a crown (here we use porcelain) is created to fix the issue with a natural-looking solution that lasts a long time. Durable and undetectable, crowns are the cornerstone to a souped-up smile.
Why do people get crowns? Am I a good candidate?
Crowns are placed for people with broken, fractured, or decayed teeth, used for cosmetic benefits, and to protect large or fractured fillings. They may also be used on a tooth that has undergone a root canal. You can speak with Dr. Bowen to determine if you’re a good candidate for a crown, or if there’s a more suitable procedure to perfect your smile.
What’s the procedure like?
You’ll need to come in for two appointments. The first will involve taking impressions of your tooth or teeth to fit you for the crown. To begin, your tooth will be cleaned and shaped for an accurate fit. Don’t worry, you won’t feel any pain since we’ll numb the area. You’ll get a temporary crown while the permanent one is designed in the lab. When you come back for your second session, the tooth will be cleaned again and the crown will be put in place permanently.
Bridges
When you have missing teeth, a dental bridge is a natural-looking repair remedy to turn a less-than-perfect smile into one you can’t wait to show off. We install fixed (non-removable) bridges for our patients, crafted from porcelain and fused to metal. You’ll need to be fitted for crowns on the anchoring teeth (on either side of the bridge) as well as pontics (artificial teeth) which will be put in place of the missing tooth or series of teeth.
What are the benefits of a bridge?
-Fill in spaces and gaps due to missing teeth
-Preserve facial shape and structure
-Keep remaining teeth in place and prevent drifting
-Aid in speaking and chewing
-Replace a partial denture for a permanent solution
-Create a more aesthetically-pleasing smile
How will the process go?
You will need to come in for at least two visits for us to fit you for a bridge. During visit #1, we will numb your mouth and prepare and fit the anchoring teeth for crowns. We will make a mold for the bridge to be designed from at the lab, and place a temporary bridge for you to wear in the interim. When you return, we’ll cement the permanent bridge to your mouth, or we may only temporarily cement it to give you time to adjust. Once your teeth and tissues are used to the fixture, we’ll cement it in. Your new bridge will be the beginning of a brand new you!