Porcelain
Crowns
A crown is a restoration that covers the tooth, restoring
it to its original size and shape. Crowns are used when teeth
are broken,
badly decayed or shaped incorrectly. Our doctors may recommend a crown
when your tooth is cracked, to support a large filling when there
isn’t
enough tooth remaining, to guard a weak tooth, to strengthen a tooth
after a root canal or to attach a bridge.
 Crowns
can be made from porcelain, in a color that matches your teeth. They
are also made from gold and silver colored metal alloys, or porcelain
fused to an underlying metal structure. All-porcelain crowns have a
look that mimics the natural appearance of the surrounding teeth.
The
tooth is first prepared by removing the outer part of the tooth
so that the crown can fit over it. In some cases the tooth may have
to be built up to support the crown properly
Then
an impression is made of the surrounding teeth and gums, and sent
to a dental laboratory for fabrication.
The
dentist will place a temporary crown over the tooth to protect it
until the permanent crown can be made.
On
your next office visit the temporary crown is removed and the permanent
crown is cemented into place.
Porcelain
Bridges
A missing tooth can not only change the appearance of your face,
causing you to look older, but it can also effect the way you speak
and chew, placing additional stress on the other teeth in your mouth.
Bridges are used to fill gaps between the teeth. Bridges can be made
of all porcelain materials, giving the appearance of your original
teeth.
When
one of our dentists recommends a bridge, he will prepare the teeth
on either side of the space to receive crowns. An impression of
the area will be made.
The
impression is sent to a lab for creation of the bridge. A temporary
bridge is placed in the area.
During
another office visit the dentist will remove the temporary bridge,
and make sure the permanent bridge fits properly. Any necessary
adjustments are made, and then the permanent bridge is cemented
into place.
Special
care is required for bridges. Be sure to follow the instructions
provided by our office.
For
more information on crowns and bridges, click on the following links:
From
Our Newsletter Archive:
American
Dental Association:
Academy
of General Dentistry:
Michigan
Dental Association:
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