Restorative Dentistry

Crowns

Crowns and bridgework are very reliable solutions for major dental problems. Problems caused through accidents and disease where the teeth have broken away though excessive wear or as a result of old fillings breaking. This is an extremely reliable technique, even permanently replacing missing teeth to offer a complete smile and a functional bite. We can use crowns to make the smile appear “new”.

Many people have unexplained pain from filled back teeth, which is usually due to hairline cracks in the chewing part of the tooth. Placing crowns on these teeth relieves the pain and allows a return of full dental function for these teeth. In front teeth, older fillings can both weaken the teeth and cause cosmetic problems due to staining or chipping. Porcelain crowns and bridges are suitable in cases where porcelain veneers are not. For teeth treated with root canals, crowns are placed to prevent breakage. These treatments are used for long lasting correction of major dental problems and we consider these treatments to be as close to permanent as dental treatment can get.

How Crowns Are Made

Usually a crown takes two visits: on the first visit, the tooth is prepared for the crown. An impression is taken of your teeth and this impression is sent to a laboratory where your crown will be made. Meanwhile, you wear a temporary crown made out of a plastic material. On your second appointment, the temporary is removed and the durable crown is placed on your tooth.

This diagram shows the concept of a dental crown. The tooth is reduced in size to allow complete coverage by the crown material. The cut-away crown covers the entire tooth, all the way around, and goes usually down to the gum line.

How Crowns Are Made

Usually a crown takes two visits: on the first visit, the tooth is prepared for the crown. An impression is taken of your teeth and this impression is sent to a laboratory where your crown will be made. Meanwhile, you wear a temporary crown made out of a plastic material. On your second appointment, the temporary is removed and the durable crown is placed on your tooth.

This diagram shows the concept of a dental crown. The tooth is reduced in size to allow complete coverage by the crown material. The cut-away crown covers the entire tooth, all the way around, and goes usually down to the gum line.

Bridges

This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. It is formed to look like the missing tooth and it takes its place in the mouth. The sides of a bridge use the two surrounding teeth for support. It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible for several reasons. If not replaced, the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward; as this worsens the bite will change in response to the pressure. This can eventually result in problems with the entire jaw and TMJ. The surrounding teeth deteriorate and gum disease becomes a serious problem. Often implants are a better treatment option instead of a bridge.

Bridges

This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth. It is formed to look like the missing tooth and it takes its place in the mouth. The sides of a bridge use the two surrounding teeth for support. It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible for several reasons. If not replaced, the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward; as this worsens the bite will change in response to the pressure. This can eventually result in problems with the entire jaw and TMJ. The surrounding teeth deteriorate and gum disease becomes a serious problem. Often implants are a better treatment option instead of a bridge.

Composites

We are a mercury-free practice. However, many people still have silver/mercury fillings in their mouths from years past. These fillings are not particularly pleasing to the eye, and we know that by unavoidable design, silver/mercury fillings ultimately result in a weaker tooth structure. Tooth colored restorations create fillings that are not only beautiful (or unnoticeable) but also add strength to weakened teeth. These restorations are esthetically pleasing and very strong thanks to new bonding technologies. Your teeth are restored to a natural look and feel, they are stronger and the tooth is protected!

Removable Partial Dentures & Standard Dentures

There are different types of dentures, but they share a common function. They replace teeth that have become loose or have been lost with a removable appliance. There is an adjustment period after dentures are placed in the mouth. Often implants can be used to further stabilize the dentures.

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