Crowns and Bridges
People often visit the clinics of Ashley Family Dental when they experience dental problems. No matter what you do, even if you faithfully brush and floss your teeth properly, cavities can develop. Or perhaps you figured in an accident which caused your tooth to become cracked. In our clinics, we offer dental solutions such a crowns and bridges to help with these situations.
Crowns
A crown is sometimes called a cap and its function is to cover a damaged tooth. A crown is often made from porcelain or ceramic because these materials resemble natural teeth and are very strong. When we install a crown on our patients’ teeth, it’s always crafted to look and function like natural healthy teeth.
We can recommend crowns for any number of reasons, but it mostly boils down to protecting a damaged tooth. It can cover up a tooth that has fractured, or it can keep a weak tooth from fracturing. Sometimes we put a crown on a tooth that has darkened due to damage from the inside and none of our regular whitening procedures can fix it. We also use the crown to protect a tooth that has undergone a root canal procedure, so that bacteria can’t get inside and do more damage to the tooth.
In some cases, we also recommend the use of crowns when replacing missing teeth. For dental implants, a crown will be used over them. We can also install a crown on teeth that are used as anchors for a dental bridge.
Bridges
While crowns are mostly designed to help cover and protect damaged teeth, bridges are meant to replace the teeth you lost. It “bridges” the gap between your teeth caused by a missing tooth or teeth. We anchor the bridge onto the teeth on either side, so that you get your replacement teeth. With a bridge you will be able to chew your food properly, and you can also restore the quality of your smile.
Bridges are not like partial dentures, which are removable. Instead, the bridge is cemented and fixed into position. When we install a bridge to replace your missing teeth, you’ll need to come back to our clinic to have it removed when the time comes.
Like crowns, bridges are also often made with ceramic or porcelain. We design the bridge to make it look great and natural. No one will notice that you’re actually wearing replacement teeth.
What to Expect
When you visit our clinic, the first thing we will do is to check the state of your teeth. This is standard operating procedure. If you have severely damaged or missing teeth, we can then recommend crowns and bridges.
We will start by first preparing your teeth for the crown or bridge. We will reduce the size of the teeth so that the crown can be placed on them and won’t look bulky.
Once that’s done, we will make an impression of your teeth. We will use the mold for the crown and bridge to ensure that it will fit properly. We will then determine the exact color of the crown or bridge so that it will look natural when placed alongside your natural teeth.
Installing crowns and bridges usually take two visits because we need to make the device in the laboratory. But afterwards, you will leave our clinic with your new and improved teeth securely in place.
If you have damaged or missing teeth, visit our clinic in Waukegan, Illinois so we can recommend the most suitable dental solution for you.
