A crown, also called a cap, is a custom-made covering for the top part of the tooth that is made to look and function like the natural crown of your tooth. Crowns are used on teeth that have large, existing fillings that are faulty. Crowns fit over individual teeth like a thimble goes over a finger. Crowns give the tooth strength when the existing, natural tooth structure is not sufficient to hold a filling. Crowns may also be used to protect and strengthen fractured or broken teeth.

• Zirconia Crowns are the very state of the art in crown and bridge technology in dentistry. Lava (3M Product) and Procera (Noble Biocare) are the two most popular brands of Zirconia crowns. Both are computer CAD designed and manufactured to the model fabricated by the dentist. Both have absolutely no metal in them, and are as beautifully transluscent to light as is natural tooth enamel. Lava crowns have greater compressive strength while Procera crowns have superior esthetics.

• Stainless steel crowns-pre-made crowns that are used on children and teen-agers until the tooth is finished erupting into the mouth. This is NOT considered a permanent restoration for adults.

• Porcelain crowns are custom made crowns made of porcelain in a color to match your natural teeth. These crowns can be made of all porcelain or porcelain fused to a metal substructure. The metal used can be non-precious, semi-precious (50% gold) or precious (80% gold).

• Gold crowns are custom made crowns from 18 karat dental gold. The wearability and fit of gold crowns is still unmatched, but many people do not like the esthetics.

• Captek crowns are porcelain fused to a 22K gold substrate. They offer many benefits are are claimed to be cosmetically superior.  Their special porcelain and gold make-up is proven to reduce harmful bacteria around the gums. Captek Crowns

A bridge is a custom-made dental appliance which serves to replace missing teeth. Bridges are anchored to the adjacent teeth to the tooth-less area, meaning that the adjacent teeth must be prepared for crowns. The bridge can be made of either porcelain or gold materials exactly the same as for individual crowns.

Bridgework becomes necessary when one or more teeth are not lost due to dental decay, periodontal (gum) disease, or injury or accident. Each and every tooth in your mouth has a specific function, and when one or more teeth is lost, it puts extra pressure on the remaining teeth to carry the load. Missing teeth can also lead to the movement of adjacent or opposing teeth which can alter your bite and thus cause TMJ problems or periodontal (gum) problems. Also the increased forces placed on the remaining teeth during chewing can lead to tooth fracture or destruction of bone support around the tooth roots, which will cause additional tooth loss.

• Restores and maintains bite.
• Prevents harmful stresses or forces on other teeth.
• Keeps opposing and adjacent teeth in their proper placement.
• Helps prevent further dental decay and periodontal (gum) disease.
• Enhances your smile, speech, chewing, and promotes your self-esteem.

After a complete oral examination including X-rays, has determined that you require crown and bridge treatment to restore your mouth, you will be given an appointment to start the procedure.

During the restorative appointment you will be given a local anesthesia to numb the area that is being treated. After anesthetizing the area, the teeth involved will be carefully shaped and contoured so that the crown or bridge will fit well, the bite will correct, and the appearance or esthetics will be optimum. An impression or mold of the prepared teeth will be taken, and finally temporary crowns will be placed over the prepared teeth to protect them until your next appointment.

At the following appointment, the crown or bridge will be tried in, the bite and contacts with adjacent teeth adjusted, and the esthetics checked. Usually this appointment does not require anesthetic, but if you have very sensitive teeth you may elect to be numb.

If the crown or bridge fits wells, functions appropriately, and the esthetics are to your liking, the appliance will be cemented onto the tooth or teeth.

The procedure outlined here is exactly the same for both single crowns or bridges, the only difference being the number of teeth involved.

At HLD we have 3 highly qualified restorative general dentists, highly trained in the latest crown and bridge techniques, that are dedicated to giving you high quality crown and bridge treatment. Come in and consult with us to see if we can give you that beautiful, confident smile that you have always wanted.