Fixed Bridges

A Solution to missing teeth

Tooth loss, significant decay and fractures can dramatically affect your appearance and the health of your other teeth.  A bridge can be the solution to replace missing teeth and prevent the repositioning of remaining healthy teeth.  When a tooth is missing, adjoining teeth tend to shift into the available space.  The opposing tooth will begin to grow up or down into that space also.  These movements will cause significant bite problems and create an unflattering appearance.  Having a bridge, which replaces one or more natural teeth, will prevent this occurrence and keep your smile healthy.  In addition, bridges improve chewing and facilitate correct speech articulation as well as provide structure to the face to give you a more youthful appearance.

What is a Fixed Bridge?

It is a unit that consists of pontics (false teeth) and crowns for adjoining teeth that is cemented to your natural teeth.  With proper care, a fixed bridge may last at lease 8 to 10 years.

If you have any questions about bridgework, call us.  We will be happy to discuss appropiate options for you.

Crowns: Royal treatment for your teeth

Do you have a cracked, decayed or severly worn tooth?

If you do, then we can restore it to its natural contour with a crown.

A crown fits over the remaining tooth structure and provides both strength and stability to the tooth while protecting it from futher damage.

Crowns can also be placed to prevent the fracture teeth that have large fillings.

Crowns are made from a variety of materials including porcelain and precious metals.  We use the material that is most appropiate for each individual patient.  With our computer shade system, we can place a crown that will precisely match the shade of the adjacent teeth.  And if you choose to whiten your teeth prior to the placement of the crown, we can match the new color of your teeth.

Once crowns are placed, they require the same care as natural teeth.  Conscientious brushing and flossing along with routine dental cleanings will protect crowns from plaque buildup and subsequent decay.

Procedures

A tooth must usually be reduced in size to accommodate a crown. An impression is made of the existing tooth and an impression is made. The impression is sent to a special lab, which manufactures a custom-designed crown. In some cases, a temporary crown is applied until the permanent crown is ready. Permanent crowns are cemented in place.

Crowns are sometimes confused with veneers, but they are quite different. Veneers are typically applied only to relatively small areas.

Caring For Your Crowns

With proper care, a good quality crown could last up to eight years or longer. It is very important to floss in the area of the crown to avoid excess plaque or collection of debris around the restoration.

Certain behaviors such as jaw clenching or bruxism (teeth grinding) significantly shorten the life of a crown. Moreover, eating brittle foods, ice or hard candy can compromise the adhesion of the crown, or even damage the crown.