CROWNS & BRIDGES

DENTAL BRIDGES
Dental bridges are natural-looking dental appliances that can replace a section of missing teeth. Because they are custom-made, dental bridges are barely noticeable and can restore the natural contour of teeth as well as the proper bite relationship between upper and lower teeth.
Dental bridges are sometimes referred to as fixed partial dentures, because they are semi-permanent and are bonded to existing teeth or implants. There are several types of fixed dental bridges (cannot be removed), including conventional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges and resin-bonded bridges. Unlike a removable dental bridge, which you can take out and clean, your dentist can only remove a fixed bridge.

• Porcelain, gold alloys or combinations of materials are usually used to make bridge appliances.
• Appliances called implant bridges are attached to an area below the gum tissue, or the bone.

DENTAL CROWNS
Dental crowns are synthetic caps, usually made of a material like porcelain, placed on the top of a tooth. Dental crowns are typically used to restore a tooth’s function and appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root canal. When decay in a tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be removed, dental crowns are often used to restore the tooth.
Dental crowns are also used to attach dental bridges, cover dental implants, prevent a cracked tooth from becoming worse, or an existing filling is in jeopardy of becoming loose or dislocated. Dental crowns also serve an aesthetic use, and are applied when a discolored or stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural appearance.

PROCEDURES
A tooth must usually be reduced in size to accommodate a crown. An impression is then made from the existing tooth to create a custom-designed crown. The impression is sent to a special lab, which manufactures a custom-designed crown. In some cases, a temporary dental crown is applied until the permanent crown is ready. Permanent dental crowns are cemented in place.

Dental crowns are sometimes confused with veneers, but they are quite different. Veneers are typically applied only to relatively small areas.

CARING FOR YOUR DENTAL CROWNS
With proper care, a good quality dental crown could last up to eight years or longer. It is very important to floss in the area of the crown to avoid excess plaque or collection of debris around the restoration.

Certain behaviors such as jaw clenching or bruxism (teeth grinding) significantly shorten the life of a dental crown. Moreover, eating brittle foods, ice or hard candy can compromise the adhesion of the dental crown, or even damage the dental crown.

CONTACT NORTH PALM BEACH DENTIST DR. JOY EAKINS
If you’re tired of dealing with the pain and discomfort of a cracked or discolored tooth, contact our North Palm Beach dentist office by calling (561) 855-4703 today to schedule an appointment and see how a dental crown can benefit you.