What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are cap-shaped restorations that fit perfectly over a damaged tooth to restore its shape and size while protecting it from further damage or decay. They also cover dental implants, attach bridges, and prevent cracked teeth from worsening.
Crowns can be made out of porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, ceramic, gold, and other metals. They are custom-designed, so your dental crown looks, feels, and functions just like your natural teeth.
How does the dental crown process work?
Dr. Perez must file your tooth and remove a portion of the enamel — more if decay is present — to make room for the dental crown. Next, he takes impressions of your mouth to serve as a model for the crown.
The crown fabrication process takes at least a couple of weeks, during which time you must wear a temporary crown. At your second appointment, Dr. Perez removes the temporary crown and replaces it with your permanent restoration.
Dr. Perez cements the crown in place once you’re happy with the results and makes minor adjustments if needed. When cared for properly, dental crowns last for eight years or more.
What are dental bridges?
A dental bridge is a natural-looking dental appliance that replaces missing teeth. Much like an architectural bridge, this restoration uses abutments — supporting teeth — to hold your pontic — the false tooth in the middle — in place. There are three main types of bridges:
Traditional bridge
A traditional bridge uses healthy teeth on both sides of the missing tooth to support your new false tooth.
Cantilever bridge
If there are no healthy teeth on one side to support your pontic, the false tooth attaches to one abutment rather than two.
Maryland bridge
A Maryland bridge attaches to metal or porcelain framework rather than supporting teeth to replace your missing tooth.
How does the dental bridge process work?
Once you choose the right bridge for your smile, Dr. Perez files and removes a small bit of enamel from your abutment teeth to make room for durable dental crowns. He then takes impressions of your mouth to create your abutment crowns and false tooth.
Because the bridge creation process takes at least two weeks, Dr. Perez may fit you for a temporary bridge. At your next appointment, this bridge is removed and replaced with a permanent option.
Much like the dental crown process, Dr. Perez cements the bridge in place and makes minor adjustments as needed to restore function to your bite.
Call Impressive Smiles Tampa or book an appointment online if you think a dental crown or bridge can help restore your smile.
