Crowns and Bridges

Crowns are very similar to veneers in the sense that they are also thin shells that cover the tooth. The difference, however, is that veneers only cover the front surface of your tooth (the surface that is apparent when you smile) whereas crowns are like a cap that completely covers the tooth

In addition to cosmetic benefits, crowns can restore the function of damaged/decayed teeth and prevent further damage. Crowns can be made of metal, composite, porcelain, or a combination of these materials

Just like with natural teeth, crowns need regular daily brushing and flossing. You should also avoid clenching or grinding your teeth so that you do not damage the crowns.

Here are seven signs that you may benefit from having a dental crown:

• You have had a root canal procedure
• You have an advanced cavity
• You have a broken or fractured tooth
• You have misshapen or stained teeth
• You have a weak or loose tooth
• You suffer from Bruxism

Crowns, like veneers, also require the tooth to be filed down to ensure proper bondage. Since a crown is a cap that completely covers the tooth, more filing needs to be done than that of a veneer.

In the past, severely damaged or decayed teeth would need to be extracted because there was no alternative choice. With the advent of dental crowns, such teeth could be treated, filed, and then have a crown placed over it. The result would be a fully functional and aesthetically pleasing artificial tooth!

Bridges are similar to crowns; except bridges are placed over three or more adjacent teeth that have been damaged, decayed, or extracted. Instead of installing an implant or filing down each individual tooth, the two teeth on each end are used as anchor points. The other teeth in between are bonded to the anchoring teeth, and the whole set of 3 or more teeth are installed as a single piece into the jaw. This operation is overall safer, less invasive, and potentially less expensive than having to get multiple implants or crowns for each tooth.