Tooth Crowns & Bridges
Colorado Springs
Tooth Crowns and Bridges are forms of restorative dentistry, and known as fixed dentistry, as opposed to a removable denture or other appliance. They can correct bite dysfunction, missing teeth, and other functional or structural problems.
Crowns
A crown (also known as a cap) is custom designed to fit over a tooth which has a larger filling than it can support for much longer, without cracking. They protect and strengthen the tooth and give it a smoother, cleaner look.
There are 3 types of crowns:
- Full porcelain crown
- Porcelain fused to metal (usually gold or stainless steel)
- All metal crown
How are crowns done?
There are two dental visits needed.
- In the first one:
- The filling is removed
- The remaining tooth is re-shaped so as to fit inside a crown the size of the original tooth
- A model is made of the crown needed and sent to a lab
- A temporary crown is fitted
- In the second visit, the new custom-made crown is fitted and permanently cemented in place.
A crown will protect your tooth from further damage, and will not itself decay. But bacteria can creep under the lower edge into the tooth itself, so good brushing and flossing is extremely important. With good dental hygiene, your new crown can last for many years.
Bridges
A bridge is a structure which replaces one or more missing teeth and is connected to the teeth on either side of the missing one(s).
If the space left by a missing tooth is not filled in
The remaining teeth will gradually move, drift out of position, so that tooth spacing will be irregular, and they can change their angle with the gum. Also, the tooth above will start growing downwards into the space.
The result could be:
- Bite problems
- Clicking noises in the jaw
- Headaches and jaw pain
- Increased tooth decay, because there will be areas that are hard to reach
- Possibly gum disease and bone loss
A bridge will stabilize your teeth, as well as enhance your smile, and prevent those painful symptoms from appearing.
Bridges can be fixed or removable partials, depending on circumstances.
How is the bridge done?
As with crowns, it involves two appointments.
- Dr. Solich will prepare and shape the teeth on each side of the missing tooth, so that the crowns to support the bridge will fit nicely over them
- Then he will make an impression of the area, from which the lab will make the crowns and bridge
- He will fit you with a temporary bridge until your second appointment
- At the second appointment, usually a week later, the temporary bridge is removed and the new one fitted in place, adjusted, and cemented into place
Now your whole mouth will be stabilized. Your teeth will be properly in line, you can enjoy your favorite foods again with confidence, and your smile will be brighter and younger-looking.
If you’re considering tooth crowns or bridges in Colorado Springs, please call or e-mail us today to schedule your initial consultation.
Exceptional Smiles
5426 N. Academy Blvd, Suite 105
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
719.548.9393
Fax: (719)548-9313
Contact Us
