Dental Crown at Dr.Bao Dental Clinic - Dental Implant Center

Crowns and Bridges

Dental crowns and bridges are custom-fitted tooth prosthetics that are used to replace or restore damaged or missing teeth. Crowns – also known as caps – are fixed over the surfaces of natural tooth structures or dental implants. Bridges are used to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth and are anchored in place by the natural teeth or crowns nearest the empty space. Both crowns and bridges are non-removable and must be cemented in place. Patients who get crown or bridges to restore their smiles achieve both the function and appearance of natural, healthy teeth.

Did you know…

The Etruscan civilization were the first to use crowns as a means of restoring damaged teeth? In fact, the materials they used – ivory, gold, and bones – were still the standard in dentistry as recently as the 20th century, when porcelain crowns were first invented. Today, crowns and bridges are customized specifically for the patient’s bite and can usually be placed in as little as one or two dental visits. With proper cleaning and regular dental check-ups, crowns and bridges can last many years, or even a lifetime.

Reasons for a fixed bridge:

• Fill space of missing teeth.
• Maintain facial form and esthetics
• Prevent teeth adjacent to missing teeth from moving
• Improve eating and speaking ability

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a crown or bridge right for me?

If you have a tooth that is damaged or decayed, but still intact, a dental crown may be right for you. If your tooth is missing, but its former position is surrounded by other tooth structures, a bridge may be the solution for you. Schedule an office consultation today at Dental Artistry to determine whether you could benefit from crowns or bridges.

What should I expect when I have my crown or bridge placed?

If you are a candidate for a crown or bridge, your teeth will be reduced to ensure a proper fit. An impression will then be taken of your bite and used to fabricate a mold for the crown or bridge. If you are choosing porcelain prosthesis, its color will be matched to the natural shade of your other teeth. If a dental lab is making your crown or bridge, you may be fitted with a temporary restoration until the permanent one is ready for placement.

Do I need to follow any post-treatment care guidelines?

Your teeth will need time to heal following the crown and bridge placement process, so it is normal for you to experience some sensitivity – especially to hot and cold. Additionally, you may experience soreness in the gums surrounding your restorations, though this is usually manageable with ibuprofen and should subside within a few days.

Zirconia Crown

Dental Crowns are used to strengthen teeth that have been weakened by damage, cavities, or fractures. They help improve your tooth’s structure and make your mouth more aesthetically appealing. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials. Gold and various alloys are typically used for back teeth while porcelain is a better choice for front teeth as it more closely resembles your natural tooth color. But there’s a new player in the field of dental crowns. The BruxZir crown is made of solid zirconia and is incredibly strong while still maintaining the strength needed for chewing.

What is a Zirconia crown?

BruxZir dental crowns are an incredibly durable solution to your dental needs. Made out of solid zirconia, this material was designed to look good yet maintain the functionality required of teeth. The strength of a BruxZir crown is actually greater than the requirements for cemented all-ceramic restorations. It’s perfect for anterior teeth and premolars because its translucency and color are as close to natural coloring as possible.

What are the benefits of a Zirconia crown?

The BruxZir crown offers far more benefits than traditional porcelain and gold solutions. It looks better, is stronger, and isn’t prone to chipping and cracking. This is the best solution for those seeking a high-strength restoration without compromising a natural appearance and lifelike translucency. These crowns last about 10-15 years. They last about as long as gold and metal crowns, however, are much more attractive.

If you’re looking for a solution to your dental needs and want a crown that’s both long-lasting and attractive, consider BruxZir. Our team at Dental Artistry can help determine if they’re a fit for your needs, and map out a course of treatment for you.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia is a ceramic we use to fabricate dental restorations. Dentists and patients prefer Zirconia because it is the strongest, most long-lasting ceramic available in restorative dentistry. For years, Zirconia has been used to craft metal-free crowns and bridges in place of missing or damaged teeth. Zirconia’s translucent properties give it a natural appearance, and its bio-compatible composition significantly reduces the risk of inflammation or allergic reaction. Nicknamed ‘ceramic steel’, it has even been used for the fabrication of artificial joints.

Why choose Zirconia all-ceramic crowns and bridges?

• Restorations made with other materials, such as metal, can result in oxidation and discoloration in the margins surrounding the gums
• Zirconia has years of clinical success and has been used to restore teeth in millions of people around the world
• Zirconia works well with both conventional cementation and adhesive bonding
• Zirconia’s crystallized ceramic properties make it ideal for patients with discolored or misshapen teeth
• Zirconia requires minimal tooth preparation, preserving much of the natural tooth structure

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for Zirconia dental restorations?

If you need a durable, esthetically-pleasing crown or bridge, you may be a candidate for Zirconia dental restorations. These all-ceramic crowns and bridges are typically used to replace both anterior and posterior teeth. Talk to Dr. Sammons and Dr. Laurent about Zirconia all-ceramic crowns and whether they are right for you.

What should I expect when I get my Zirconia crown or bridge?

It will take two visits to place your Zirconia crown or bridge. The initial visit requires Dr. Sammons or Dr. Laurent to gently prepare your tooth or teeth to support a crown or bridge. Impressions and images may be taken of your mouth and sent to a dental lab. The Zirconia crown or bridge will be fabricated to blend in with your other teeth, completely restoring function and aesthetics to your smile.

Will I need to follow any special instructions to care for my Zirconia restorations?

Zirconia restorations are very durable. You’ll need only to continue using good oral hygiene, brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing as well. You should not experience any pain after receiving your Zirconia restorations, although it is normal to experience some mild sensitivity to hot and cold in the days following the procedure.