What is Dental Crown?
Crowns are tooth-shaped covers or caps that a dentist places over teeth that are damaged or weak. The tooth is restored to its original shape, size, and function due to the crown. Chipped or broken teeth can be repaired by a crown for cosmetic reasons but a crown may also cover the exposed area of a tooth after a root canal or replace an old filling. Dental crowns are considered to be long-term solutions by dentists to improve teeth’s functionality and appearance.
Some reasons for needing a crown include:
- A large cavity
- Cracked, worn down or weak tooth
- Root canal
- Discolored or mishappen tooth
Dr. Heather Darcey and her team of dental professionals can help! Call 281-317-6881 or make Schedule an Appointment online.
A combination of metal alloys, ceramics, porcelain fused to metal, or composite resin is used to create a crown.
The dentist will take into account the patient’s natural tooth color while making the crown. In order to determine the best material to use for the crown, the dentist will take into account the original tooth’s position and function, gum tissue, the shade of the tooth and how much of the tooth is seen when the patient smile.
Be prepared to make a couple of appointments to finish a crowning procedure. To start, the dentist will remove the outer portion of the tooth as well as any decay. An impression will be made for an exact fit. The patient will be given a temporary crown while the permanent one is made. This may take up to two weeks. As soon as the permanent crown is finished, the dentist will place it in the patient’s mouth and adjust it. Once both the dentist and the patient is happy, the crown will be cemented in place.
Similar to natural teeth crowns can break, and the tooth underneath the crown can still get cavities. Keeping up with good oral habits such as brushing twice a day, avoiding chewing hard foods or objects, and seeing a dentist regularly will keep the crown in good shape.
If you think a crown is right for you or if have any questions call Dr. Heather Darcey at Space Age Smiles 281-317-6881
What is a Dental Bridge
Bridges are recommended for patients who are missing one or more teeth. The gaps from missing teeth can cause the remaining teeth to rotate or shift into the empty spaces. A bridge is also a good idea to invest in because of gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Bridges are made up of two or more crowns with a false tooth in between.
The false tooth or teeth, called pontics, are made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. To apply the bridge, a dentist will numb the area where the bridge will be placed then the dentist will prepare the supporting teeth for the bridge. Impressions of the prepared teeth will be taken in order to create a model of the mouth where the bridge will be. Similar to a crown, there will be a temporary bridge for the patient to use while the permanent bridge is made. The last step is cementing the finalized bridge to the neighboring teeth. Proper oral care and regular dental exams will help bridges be a long-term solution for years.
If you think you may need a crown or a bridge, or you have any questions call Dr. Heather Darcey at Space Age Smiles, 281-317-6881 .
Avoid substances that can stain the resin including tea, coffee, cigarette smoke, especially in the first 48 hours. The resin used in bonding does not resist stains as well as crowns and it is not as strong or lasts as long as other restorative procedures. Hard foods, biting fingernails, chewing on pens, ice, or using teeth as an opener can chip the composite resin.
Bonding is best used for small cosmetic defects, temporary correction and correction of teeth in low bite pressure (front teeth). Bonding material should last for several years without touch up or replacement with good oral habits.
The dentist should be notified if there sharp edges on the bonded teeth, or if the teeth feel strange when biting down. Make sure to call the dentist if the bonding chips or pieces fall out.
If you think bonding is right for you or if you have any questions call Dr. Heather Darcey at Space Age Smiles, 281-317-6881 .