Crowns & Bridges

What are ceramic dental crowns and dental bridges?

Ceramic dental crowns can replace damaged teeth that still have their root. A dental crown covers the tooth, like a thimble to protect and add strength as well as restore health, beauty and function.

Ceramic dental bridges, on the other hand, are used to replace teeth that are missing. A prosthetic tooth or teeth are anchored to neighboring teeth or dental implants to “bridge” the gap.

The biggest advantage of dental crowns and dental bridges is that they are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. They have very similar physical attributes as natural teeth, expanding in the heat and contracting in the color and naturally transmit light. There is a variety of material used to create dental crowns and dental bridges, each with its own unique advantages. For example, ceramic material is hypoallergenic, extremely natural looking and comfortable. Porcelain fused to metal offers a natural look with increased strength and durability.

Are you a good candidate for ceramic crowns and bridges?

If you are wish to improve look of teeth that are worn, damaged or missing, ceramic dental work may be right for you. In order to restore a tooth with a dental crown, you must have a tooth with a preserved and health root to which the dental crown can be attached. Ceramic dental bridges require that at least two teeth, or dental implants be present on either side of the gap to secure the bridgework in place.

What is the procedure for dental crowns and bridges like?

First, Dr. Hoard will perform a comprehensive evaluation and consultation to determine your candidacy and discuss expectations for the procedure. We believe that thorough treatment planning is the key to ensure the success of dental work. We use 2-D and 3-D images and modeling to mock up the proposed treatment. These models help Dr. Hoard and the patient visualize proposed results and make any adjustments before any work is performed on the teeth.

Dr. Hoard will prepare the teeth in the most conservative way possible, under local anesthesia when needed. Shaping the tooth to a desirable, often conical shape. An impression will be made of the prepared tooth and adjacent teeth. A temporary restoration will be placed on the tooth that is the intended shape of the final restoration. Another impression is made and sent along with the first to a dental laboratory where the ceramic dental crown or bridgework will be made.

In about 2 – 3 weeks, you will revisit Dr. Hoard to have the final dental crown or dental bridge secured to your teeth. Using a special resin, the ceramic restoration will be permanently attached to the natural teeth and lightly polished.

How long will ceramic dental crowns and ceramic dental bridges last?

In most cases, the durability of dental crowns and bridgework is quite long. It is however limited by the life span of the teeth roots to which the dental crown or dental bridge is attached. The patient’s care of the restoration, as well as their caution while eating also effects the length of time the dental work will be effective.

If the roots of your teeth are determined to be ineffective for receiving a dental crown or dental bridge, Dr. Hoard may recommend dental implants which will replace the root with a titanium post.

If you have teeth that are worn, broken or missing, contact us to learn more about what options are best for you.