Crowns and Bridges in Holland, MI
Bridges
Bridges are natural-looking dental appliances that can replace a section of
missing teeth. Because they are custom-made, bridges are barely noticeable
and can restore the natural contour of teeth as well as the proper bite
relationship between upper and lower teeth.
Bridges are sometimes referred to as fixed partial dentures because they are
semi-permanent and are bonded to existing teeth or implants. There are
several types of fixed dental bridges (cannot be removed), including
conventional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges and resin-bonded
bridges. Unlike a removable bridge, which you can take out and clean,
your dentist can only remove a fixed bridge. .
Porcelain, gold alloys, or combinations of materials are usually used to
make bridge appliances.
Appliances called implant bridges are attached to an area below the gum
tissue or the bone.
Crowns
Crowns are synthetic caps, usually made of a material like porcelain, placed
on the top of a tooth.
Crowns are typically used to restore a tooth's function and appearance
following a restorative procedure such as a root canal. When decay in a
tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be
removed, crowns are often used to restore the tooth.
Crowns are also used to attach bridges, cover implants, prevent a cracked
tooth from becoming worse, or an existing filling is in jeopardy of becoming
loose or dislocated. Crowns also serve an aesthetic use, and are applied
when a discolored or stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural
appearance.
Procedures
A tooth must usually be reduced in size to accommodate a crown. An
impression is then made from the existing tooth to create a custom-designed
crown. 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.
Restore your smile today with a top-quality Crown and Bridgework
from Ottawa Smiles Dental in Holland, MI.
Call our office at (616) 399-3600 to schedule
your appointment today!