Lifelike Dental Crowns and Bridges Can Restore Oral Function and Aesthetics
Dental crowns and bridges are customized dental restorations to preserve damaged teeth. With dental crowns, Drs. John Fatse and John Scovic can repair teeth that have been severely damaged by trauma or decay. They also use bridges to replace missing teeth, restoring your dental function, oral health, and the appearance of your smile. In most cases, we can provide same-day restorations, thanks to our advanced CEREC® system. We also offer implant-supported crowns and bridges for the most realistic effects possible. To learn more about dental crowns and bridges, contact our Monroe, CT, office and schedule a consultation.
Dental Crowns and Bridges: The Basics
A dental crown is a custom restoration that will cover an entire damaged tooth above the gum line. A crown can be used to protect a tooth that has had a cavity that is too large for more conservative restorations such as fillings, inlays, or onlays. This restoration can also repair a cracked or otherwise weakened tooth, providing necessary strength. Crowns are also a vital part of root canal therapy, restoring the structure of your tooth after infected tissue has been removed. In some cases, crowns can also be used as a cosmetic treatment to enhance the aesthetics of your smile, concealing significant internal staining and worn or irregularly shaped teeth.
Like a crown, a dental bridge can restore function to your smile. A bridge is comprised of multiple crowns fused together, and it will replace one or more missing teeth. The two crowns on each end of the restoration will attach to your nearby natural teeth for support. With a bridge in place, your other teeth will not shift out of proper position, and you will be able to eat and speak more easily.
Placing Your Crown or Bridge
After vital treatment for decay or infection, we will prepare your teeth for a customized dental crown or bridge. By reshaping your existing teeth, we can ensure a more stable base for your restoration. When providing a same-day CEREC® restoration, we will take digital scans of your teeth. Working on a chairside computer, our doctors will design your custom crown or bridge. Our advanced in-office milling unit will carve your restoration from a solid piece of porcelain in an hour or less. We will carefully choose the shade of the material to match your smile. Once completed, we will ensure the crown or bridge fits properly and matches your bite, before securing it in place.
Our office also provides traditional lab-fabricated crowns and bridges. Your teeth are prepared for these restorations as they would be with same-day crowns and bridges. However, you will be given a temporary restoration while your permanent crown or bridge is created. This process typically takes about two weeks.
Dental implants are able to provide superior support for bridges and crowns, and improve your oral health by preventing jawbone recession after tooth loss.
Implant-supported Crowns and Bridges
We also proudly offer implant-supported crowns and bridges. An implant-supported crown will replace one tooth, resting on a single implant post. An implant-supported bridge will fill the gap left by several missing teeth. Typically, a bridge will need two or more posts for complete stability. Dental implants are able to provide superior support for bridges and crowns, and improve your oral health by preventing jawbone recession after tooth loss.
Learn More about Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges can restore both the function and aesthetics of your smile. Contact us today to learn more about these restorations and to find out how our advanced technology can improve your care.
