Crowns

What are crowns?

A crown or a "cap" is a fake tooth cemented over a natural tooth to restore its original shape and size. The crown covers the entire tooth providing strength and durability. Crowns are generally used to restore badly damaged or cracked teeth. They can also be used to cosmetically improve the appearance of short or badly worn front teeth. Teeth that have had root canal therapy become brittle and are prone to fracture. Crowning these teeth is imperative to restore their original strength. Crowns can be made of porcelain, gold or a combination of both. Each material had its advantages and disadvantages, the dentists will go over each option with you to decide which material would be best for your situation. Crowns typically last many years, however crowns do eventually need replacing. If you have any questions about crowns please do not hesitate to contact us.

What is involved in crowning a tooth?

The dentist will prepare the tooth for a crown by removing 1-2mm around the entire tooth, in doing so the dentist will have created a ledge like form around the tooth. This ledge is called the margin. The dentist will then take an impression of the prepared tooth and will send it to the laboratory to have the crown fabricated. While you are waiting for your permanent crown the dentist will have fabricated a temporary crown. The usual wait time to have your crown is about 10 working days.

What will happen if I don't have a crown?

Remember the reason why the dentist is recommending the crown is related to the weakness of the tooth. Most teeth that need crowns are prone to fracturing or cracking. Once this happens you will need a crown to restore the tooth. Sometimes the fracture is too deep and the tooth will then need to be removed.

Onlays

What is an Onlay?

An onlay restoration is a custom made filling made of composite material, gold, or tooth-colored porcelain.  An onlay is sometimes also referred to as a partial crown.  It is made by a professional dental laboratory and is permanently cemented onto the tooth by your dentist.

Why would I need an onlay?

Your dentist may suggest an onlay when the tooth is fractured or when the tooth needs a large filling. Onlays are more conservative than a conventional crown, this mean we need to remove less tooth structure to place to restore the tooth with the onlay.


BEFORE Onlay Work
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Bridges

What is a bridge?

Bridges are a non removable (cemented) prosthetic uses to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge is essentially two or more crowns with false teeth in between. The anchoring teeth are called abutments and the false teeth are called pontics. Dental bridges are supported by natural teeth or by implants. Bridges can be made of different materials depending on where they are needed in the mouth. Bridges are a great way to replace missing teeth and may be an alternative to removable partial dentures. If you are missing teeth, talk to one of our dentist to see if a bridge is an option for you.

What are the benefits of Bridges?

Missing teeth can be unsightly and a bridge can restore you natural smile. Your ability to speak and chew will also be improved with a bridge. Often times missing teeth will cause your face to appear "collapsed" bridges will help maintain the contours of your face. Bridges will help distribute the forces on your teeth evenly this will help maintain your dentition. Lastly, bridges will prevent teeth from drifting into the empty places and will keep your bite intact.

BEFORE Bridge Work
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Contact Us If You Think You May Need A Crown, Onlay, Or Bridge

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