Porcelain crowns are caps that fit over your teeth, improving the appearance of your smile and protecting teeth from injury. Durable and virtually indistinguishable from your real teeth, porcelain crowns conceal discolorations, chips, cracks, and other imperfections. Porcelain crowns also support damaged teeth while simultaneously minimizing any pain or discomfort you may experience. 

When a tooth is fractured, has a large or old filling, or is severely damaged by decay, Dr. Certner may recommend the placement of a crown. Crowns protect the remaining tooth structure and can improve the appearance of your smile. Types of crowns include porcelain-fused-to-metal, Captek, Zirconia, Procera,and all other ceramic crowns.  To maintain a natural look and feel, a porcelain finished crown is best, as it can be matched to the shade of your other teeth. This will allow it to blend in and appear just like one of your natural teeth.

Over time our teeth begin to weaken and become more susceptible to problems. If you feel your smile isn’t what it once was, crowns can help you recover your smile. If Dr Certner notices that a tooth is decayed or seems weakened/cracked a crown may be necessary to make sure that there are no additional problems with the tooth. In cases like this a filling or bonding will not be sufficient.

The process of installing a crown takes 2-3 visits to the dentist. On the first visit the tooth will be reshaped by filing down the enamel so that the crown can be placed over it. You will be given a local anesthetic before this part of the procedure so you do not experience any discomfort. Once the tooth has been reshaped, a mold will be taken of that tooth and the surrounding teeth. This mold will be sent to a dental lab so that your new crown can be made so that it fits and looks the same relative to the surrounding teeth. Before leaving, your dentist will fit you with a temporary crown until your permanent crown is ready. 

The crown takes about 2-3 weeks to be returned to your dentist. At this time you will have another appointment to place and fit the permanent crown.  When you look in the mirror, you will see your old smile back. Crowns are durable and will usually last about 10-20 years. You should care for it as you would any of your other teeth with regular brushing and flossing. Call us today if you would like to learn more about how crowns can help restore your smile.

If you are missing teeth, experience problems with biting or chewing, or have trouble speaking, you may be a good candidate for a bridge. Bridges fill in tooth gaps with durable artificial teeth that look natural.  A bridge is one or more replacement teeth anchored by one or more crowns on each side. Initially, teeth on either side of the space are prepared to receive crowns. A transitional bridge is cemented in temporarily. In the subsequent visit, the final bridge is cemented into place.

Dental bridges are a great way to replace missing teeth. Your existing teeth are used to literally create a bridge to cross the area where your tooth is missing. Bridges are made from gold, metal, alloys, or porcelain to ensure that they are strong and durable. 

The process of creating a bridge begins by creating abutments out of your existing teeth where the bridge will be attached. The existing teeth are recontoured to provide a base for the bridge. After the abutments have been created, a mold is taken of the area which is sent to a dental lab. The lab is able to use the mold to create a bridge that will fit properly and feel as close to your natural teeth as possible.

We will fit you with a temporary bridge while we wait for the lab to craft your permanent bridge. This will protect the abutments and the exposed gum areas and look more appealing than having a missing tooth. When the permanent bridge has been created, you will have a follow up visit to seat the bridge. 

If you are missing a tooth you should strongly consider having it replaced. Besides the aesthetic disadvantage of missing a tooth, it could also cause structural changes to your mouth and jaw, as well as making it difficult to eat or speak properly. Set up an appointment today to restore your smile.