Crowns, Bridges & Veneers
What is a crown
A crown is a covering, sometimes called a cap, that goes over a prepared tooth. Most crowns are tooth colored and match the shade of your teeth.
Why do I need a crown?
There are multiple reasons a person may need a crown. It could be due to a large old filling that has decay around the edge and the tooth is unable to retain a new filling. Sometimes, a tooth will start to crack because of a big filling or from clenching, sometimes both, and to keep the tooth from splitting apart a crown is placed. Root canals on back teeth need crowns to protect the biting surface and the “root canal system”. There are times a tooth will break, and to restore it to full function and shape, it will need a crown.
What is the crown made of?
It depends, but usually porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or an all ceramic material called zirconia. These materials are very strong and can withstand the toughest chewing forces. They are also tooth colored and can be matched to the shade of your teeth. It is important to remember that a crown will not change colors with whitening, but teeth can. Due to this, sometimes it is a good idea to whiten your teeth first, then choose a shade for the crown, so everything can match.
How long does it take to make a crown?
Usually, the procedure itself takes about an hour depending on the location of the tooth. The procedure involves numbing, prepping the tooth, taking a mold, and creating a temporary crown to hold the space for the final crown. The mold is sent to the lab for fabrication of the crown, which is returned about three weeks later to cement.
How long does a crown last?
It depends due to many factors, but usually around ten to fifteen years. Usually, the crown will still be in good shape, but sometimes decay will start to form around the edge which can either require a replacement crown or a filling depending on severity and location. There are times that the crown material will fracture and may require a replacement. Dr. Parks will be able to evaluate if these scenarios happen, and what the best plan would be to address these occurrences.
What is a Bridge?
A bridge is a permanent solution that is used to replace a missing tooth or a tooth that needs to be pulled because it cannot be fixed. It spans from one tooth to another with a “fake” tooth in the middle and uses crowns on each end to keep it in place. It looks and functions like natural teeth for the most part. However, there is a small space between the underside of the bridge and the gum tissue, that needs to be kept clean. Some people do not mind this feature, but it can be annoying for some. If you feel like this would be the case for you, you might want to consider an implant instead. However, not everyone is a candidate for an implant. Dr. Parks can discuss what the best option is for you.
What is a bridge made of, and how long do they last?
The material for a bridge is similar to a crown, however, due to the strength required on back teeth it often will be made of porcelain and a metal substructure. Normally, on front teeth an all-ceramic bridge will be used because they are usually more esthetic, and strength is not as much of an issue. A bridge will usually last ten years, often longer, if it is kept clean.
What is the process to make a bridge?
The reason someone is getting a bridge is because a tooth has gone bad or is missing and needs to be replaced. If it’s determined an implant isn’t the treatment of choice, then a bridge is another great option. If it’s a front tooth, we prep the teeth on both sides of the tooth that needs to be pulled, then pull the bad tooth, and then place a temporary bridge in place while the extraction site heals for about six weeks. After it is healed, we have you come back to take a mold to send to the lab and place the temp back on. Finally, we cement the final bridge 3-4 weeks later. We do this so a patient does not have to be without a tooth. On back teeth, we can pull the bad tooth and let the gums heal first, then wait six weeks and do the prep and the impression at the next appointment. This way keeps the tissue slightly healthier. Once again, the bridge is cemented 3-4 weeks later. On back teeth, whichever option you prefer is the one we would choose.
What is a veneer?
Veneers are coverings that fit on the front side of the teeth. They are made of porcelain and are highly esthetic. They do require teeth to be prepped slightly, however they are not crowns and do not fit over the back side of teeth. They can be used to fill in slight gaps between teeth, to correct the shape of teeth, change the color of teeth, and create a beautiful smile. The same can be done with crowns, however veneers tend to be slightly more esthetic and less invasive. Dr. Parks can discuss if these would be a good option for you or if different treatment would be more appropriate.
