Crowns and bridges are dental prosthetic devices used by dentists in San Diego, CA, to restore damaged or missing teeth. A crown, also known as a dental cap, is a tooth-shaped covering placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. It can also cover a dental implant or anchor a bridge. Bridges, however, replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between adjacent teeth. They consist of artificial teeth called pontics, held in place by crowns on the neighboring teeth or dental implants. Crowns and bridges improve dental function, aesthetics, and oral health.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown, often called a dental cap, is a tooth-shaped covering placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are custom-made to fit over the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line and are typically fabricated from materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of materials. They provide protection for weakened or fractured teeth, support dental bridges, cover dental implants, and enhance the aesthetics of a smile by improving teeth' shape, color, and alignment. Our dentists at San Diego Smile Dentistry commonly recommend Crowns to restore functionality and preserve the structural integrity of a tooth that cannot be effectively restored with other dental procedures.
The Procedure of Dental Crowns
The dental crown procedure typically involves multiple steps, starting with an initial consultation where the dentist assesses the tooth and discusses treatment options. After numbing the tooth and surrounding area with local anesthesia, the dentist reshapes the tooth to create space for the crown. Impressions of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth are then taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where the custom crown is fabricated. In the meantime, a temporary crown may be placed to protect the tooth. Once the permanent crown is ready, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is carefully fitted and cemented into place. The dentist ensures proper alignment and bite before finalizing the procedure, providing patients with a restored tooth that is strong, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. Contact us today!
The Benefits of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns in San Diego, CA, benefit individuals with damaged or weakened teeth. Firstly, they provide significant reinforcement to a tooth undergoing extensive decay, trauma, or a large filling, effectively restoring its strength and durability. Encasing the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line protects crowns against further deterioration and reduces the risk of fractures or breakage. This reinforcement enhances the tooth's functionality for biting and chewing and prevents potential complications that may arise from untreated damage, such as infection or tooth loss.
Secondly, dental crowns improve dental aesthetics by enhancing the appearance of damaged or misshapen teeth. These custom-made restorations are meticulously crafted to match adjacent teeth' color, size, and shape, seamlessly blending into the natural dentition for a harmonious smile. Whether fabricated from tooth-colored materials like porcelain or ceramic for a lifelike appearance or metal alloys for added strength in posterior teeth, crowns can effectively conceal discoloration, irregularities, and imperfections, restoring confidence in one's smile. Additionally, crowns can cover dental implants or anchor dental bridges, completing the smile restoration process and providing patients with functional, aesthetically pleasing results.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge in San Diego, CA, is a fixed dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap between adjacent teeth. It consists of artificial teeth called pontics, anchored by dental crowns placed on the natural teeth or dental implants adjacent to the space. Dental bridges restore the appearance of a complete smile, improve chewing function, maintain facial structure, and prevent the shifting of adjoining teeth. They are custom-made to match the color, size, and shape of the natural teeth, providing patients with a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for tooth loss.
The Procedure of Dental Bridges
The dental bridge procedure typically begins with a consultation, during which the dentist assesses the patient's oral health and discusses treatment options. Once a treatment plan is agreed upon, the adjacent teeth or dental implants anchoring the bridge are prepared by removing a portion of their enamel. Impressions of the prepared teeth and the gap are then taken and sent to a dental laboratory, where the custom bridge is fabricated. In the meantime, a temporary bridge may be placed to protect the exposed teeth and gums. Once the permanent bridge is ready, it is carefully fitted and cemented into place, restoring the function and aesthetics of the patient's smile.
The Benefits of Dental Bridges
Dental bridges offer numerous benefits for individuals with missing teeth. Firstly, they provide a non-removable solution to tooth loss, restoring the ability to chew and speak properly. By filling the gap left by missing teeth, bridges prevent the remaining natural teeth from shifting out of alignment, leading to bite problems and further tooth loss. Additionally, bridges help maintain the face's natural shape and prevent the sunken appearance that can occur with multiple missing teeth, thereby preserving facial aesthetics and boosting self-confidence.
Secondly, dental bridges promote oral health by distributing biting forces evenly across the remaining teeth and dental implants used as abutments. This helps to alleviate excess stress on individual teeth, reducing the risk of wear, fracture, and decay. Furthermore, bridges restore proper chewing function, allowing patients to enjoy a varied and nutritious diet that supports overall health and well-being. Beyond functional benefits, bridges also enhance the smile's appearance by filling in gaps and creating a seamless transition between natural teeth, resulting in a more symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing dental arch. Overall, dental bridges provide patients with a durable, functional, and cosmetically appealing solution to tooth loss, improving oral health and quality of life.
Dental crowns and bridges are invaluable tools in modern dentistry. They offer versatile solutions for restoring damaged or missing teeth and enhancing oral health and aesthetics. If you're considering crowns and bridges to restore your smile, visit San Diego Smile Dentistry at 7710 Balboa Ave, STE 123, San Diego, CA 92111, or call (619) 737-6453 to learn more about how they can benefit your oral health and enhance your smile.
