Crowns and bridges offer a simple way to improve your smile if you're concerned about a damaged or missing tooth or want to change the way a tooth looks. Tracy C. Sullivan, DDS; Peter A. Grieser, DDS; and Kevin L. Yoder, DDS; your Port Orchard, WA, dentists, explain how crowns and bridges can help your smile.
What are crowns?
Crowns cover a tooth completely. They're often recommended if a tooth is damaged, but they can also be used to improve the appearance of your teeth. Crowns are made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, ceramic, resin, nickel, gold and other metals.
What are bridges?
Bridges are used by your Port Orchard dentists to replace missing teeth and consist of one or more artificial teeth attached to crowns on either side. They're usually made from porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal.
Why do I need a crown or bridge?
Cracked teeth can break if they're aren't protected and stabilized by crowns. If your tooth has already broken, a crown will restore it and protect it from further damage. Crowns are also used to strengthen teeth weakened by large fillings and root canal treatments. These versatile restorations are also used to conceal chips and discolorations, change the appearance of an oddly shaped tooth or lengthen a short tooth.
Bridges prevent several issues that can occur if you fail to replace a missing tooth, such as bite problems and difficulty chewing or speaking clearly. Your remaining teeth may eventually begin to overlap if you don't fill the gap in your smile, which can make it difficult to completely remove plaque.
Will my crown or bridge be obvious?
During the first step in the crown or bridge process, your dentist makes an impression of your mouth to ensure that your crown or bridge fits in perfectly with the rest of your teeth. They send the impression to a dental laboratory that creates your custom-made restoration. Since crowns and bridges are constructed of materials that look very much like natural tooth enamel, it won't be obvious that you've had any dental work performed.
Are you ready to improve your smile with crowns and bridges? Call Tracy C. Sullivan, DDS; Peter A. Grieser, DDS; and Kevin L. Yoder, DDS; your Port Orchard, WA, dentists, at (360) 895-4321 to schedule an appointment. Restore your smile with crowns and bridges!