CROWNS / FIXED BRIDGES
Crowns or “caps” are restorations that can be placed on teeth to narrow gaps, reduce crowding, reposition misaligned teeth, and increase the esthetic of your smile (shape, size, and shade).
When a tooth is badly decayed, has an existing fracture, or has a large existing restoration, it may be recommended to place a crown on the tooth as a final restoration to prevent the tooth from further damage. This process will help to increase the longevity of the tooth and to maximize the tooth’s strength while also allowing for the most esthetic result possible.
Crowns can be fabricated from a variety of materials, including:
1. Porcelain (tooth colored restorative material)
2. Metal (various choices available)
3. Ceramics (tooth colored restorative material, can be used to reinforce the strength of porcelain)
4. Both Porcelain and Metal
5. Both Porcelain and Ceramic
Each of these materials can be used to optimize your treatment and esthetic needs.
Fixed bridges are similar to crowns and can be used to restore the spaces where you have missing teeth. A bridge is a non-removable restoration that resembles multiple crowns that are attached or “bridged together.” The bridge is anchored to the teeth on either side of the space where teeth are missing and provides a highly esthetic restorative option for maintaining a stable occlusion or “bite.”
Your dentist will review whether a fixed bridge is a good option depending on the condition of the teeth and gums in the surrounding area.