Dental crowns and fixed bridges can restore both the function and beauty of damaged, decayed, fractured, root canaled teeth that otherwise cannot be restored with simple fillings prolonging the life of a tooth and maintaining form and function.
Porcelain is the most natural looking and biocompatible material that can be used to make dental crowns. Porcelain crowns are extremely durable, natural looking and esthetic. Porcelain crowns do not change color overtime.
Here is what you can expect during your visit with Dr. Baluyan at Ideal Smile Dental:
If you’ve ever thought about the idea of having work done on your teeth, you’ve probably considered the option of having porcelain crowns or bridges installed. There are three different types of dental crowns that you can get. Each one is designed to replace badly damaged or decayed teeth. Many dentists recommend crowns in order to save the tooth’s existing root. This helps to minimize the cost of having very expensive restorative work done.
The three types of crowns are porcelain, metal, and porcelain-clad metal. They each have their own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of having porcelain crowns and bridges installed.
Porcelain is actually a type of ceramic that is used to create a covering or jacket over the original tooth structure. This is why it can easily be formed into the shape of a natural tooth. Most people choose this way because it looks very natural and pleasing to the eye.
It’s also very time efficient and will to help restore the tooth’s initial beauty and function. Porcelain crowns are usually recommended for the front teeth. However, in some cases, they can be appropriate for the back teeth or larger molars.
In most cases, it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference between natural teeth and porcelain crowns. This is because the material that is used to make the porcelain crown is designed to closely imitate the tone and translucence of dental ivory.
This makes it a great option for those that are concerned with making sure the new tooth looks very close to a real, natural one. The porcelain crown can be tinted to any shade in order to ensure that the new tooth with match the other natural teeth in the mouth, making it indistinguishable from the rest.
The porcelain crown also has a smooth surface which helps add to its luster and shine. It is also designed to be long lasting and to retain its natural look over time.
Porcelain crowns are made using a biocompatible material. This simply means that the crowns will not cause any adverse allergic reactions or irritation to the gums. Once a porcelain crown has been properly fitted and installed in the mouth, it will look and feel just like all the rest of your natural teeth. You usually will not be able to tell a difference.
They are also singular, meaning that the entire crown is one piece and will retain the same look and feel throughout its entire surface. The crown itself will extend into the gum line as well, adding to the illusion that it is a natural tooth.
Although there are many great advantages to having porcelain crowns, there are some drawbacks that must be mentioned. Let’s go over a few of them below:
Porcelain can sometimes be a fragile material. It is subject to shocks and can be chipped or cracked when chewing or biting into hard foods. Porcelain crowns for the front teeth may look very nice, but they will require a bit more care. It is usually recommended that anyone who plays sports and has porcelain crowns should wear a mouthguard if not already required to. It is also recommended to exercise extra caution when eating certain foods like hard candy.
The original tooth structure is ground away in order to make room for the porcelain crown. This will allow the crown to be strong and durable and to be as thick as possible. Since the extra bulk and exacting preparation require additional precision, the process of adding in porcelain crowns is usually more expensive than the other alternatives.
Since more of the original tooth is removed, the likelihood that sensitivity to hot and cold increases as well. Hypersensitivity to hot and cold can be very painful. It can also lead to damage of the crown and tooth itself if left untreated.
This is why proper fitting is so important for porcelain crowns. As long as you have them done by an experienced, professional dentist, this should not be something you have to worry about.
Porcelain bridges are a type of bridge that can be used to replace multiple missing teeth. It is used by individuals that still have some of their natural teeth since the bridge anchors itself to the neighboring teeth.
The bridge is attached to teeth on either side of the missing tooth, sometimes called the abutment teeth. The artificial tooth, or the pontic, then goes into place in the space where the tooth is missing in order to create the bridge or “bridge” the gap.
Porcelain bridges are fixed bridges that are natural looking just like porcelain crowns. They offer the individual the option to have realistic porcelain teeth that look just like their own natural teeth. They also make it possible for patients to function and eat normally in their daily lives.
Getting a porcelain bridge installed will usually take two or more visits. First, the teeth will be numbed and the two anchoring teeth that will help to form the bridge will be prepared. This step is done by removing a portion of the enamel of the teeth to allow for a crown.
Next, a mold of the tooth will be formed that is highly accurate, and then sent off to a dental laboratory. This is where the bridge will be created. A temporary bridge will also be made that can be worn for several weeks until your next visit.
At your second visit, the permanent bridge will be carefully checked and adjusted. It will then be cemented to achieve its proper fit. Sometimes the dentist will only temporarily cement the bridge in order to allow your teeth and tissue time to get used to the new bridge. Once you’re completely adjusted to the new bridge, the dentist will then cement it permanently.
You will also receive any of the necessary care instructions once your treatment has been completed. It will provide you with all of the information you will need to care for the new bridge, including proper brushing and flossing. Scheduling regular dentist check ups following the permanent installation will ensure that your new bridge will look great and last a lifetime. Visit Ideal Smiles today to see about getting your new porcelain crowns and bridges installed.
A fixed dental bridge is designed to replace missing teeth which if left untreated can result in difficulty chewing, poor appearance when talking and smiling in public, and drifting and shifting of neighboring teeth resulting in changes in your natural bite making restoring your beautiful smile later on more difficult.
In two weeks you will return for delivery of your finished and customized dental bridge. Temporary crowns will be removed, teeth cleaned and new permanent dental bridge will be cemented onto adjacent teeth restoring your beautiful smile. After a few days, your dental bridge should feel natural and your chewing function restored.