Gregory J. Werner, DDS Contemporary Dental 4425 Woodgate Dr. Janesville, WI (608)531-0555
Crowns & Bridges
Creating Your Beautiful Smile
What is a Crown?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped “caps” that are placed on broken or fractured teeth as well as those that have recently undergone root canal therapy. The purpose of a dental crown is to stabilize and strengthen the existing tooth and/or improve the original tooth’s appearance. The existing tooth is ground down and a custom-made crown is placed over the top. Crowns may also be used as an “anchor” to which a bridge is attached or can provide the final component to an implant. Receiving your crown can be accomplished in one or two visits.
Most dental crowns require at least two visits. At the first appointment, we’ll prepare and shape your tooth, then take impressions. Then our dental lab will make a model from these impressions, and use the model to create your new dental crown from porcelain, gold or other alloys, or a combination of these materials.
What are the reasons for needing a Dental Crown?
There are several possible reasons why a patient may need tooth crown treatment. Here are a few possibilities.
- You may need a dental crown if your tooth has fractured
- You may need a dental crown if an old crown or filling has failed
- You may need a dental crown if you’ve had root canal therapy
- You may need a dental crown if you have a very large cavity, or you’d like to improve a tooth’s appearance.
If improving the appearance of a smile is the main focus, patients may decide to have a veneer placed instead of a crown. Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made tooth-colored material (often compared to a fake fingernail) that covers the front side of the teeth. The custom-made porcelain veneer material is bonded to the front of the teeth, changing their color, shape, size or length resulting in an improved appearance. Veneers can dramatically change a person’s smile in two short visits. If you are looking for another alternative to a dental crown, a more temporary option is available with dental Bonding. Bonding is the process of placing a tooth-colored material to the tooth to improve appearance. Bonding is often used on chipped, cracked or stained teeth or to help fill gaps between teeth. While bonding materials today are more durable than in years past, it is considered a more temporary and less durable treatment than a crown or veneer.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge (also called a fixed partial denture) is a restoration that replaces or spans that space where one or more teeth have been lost. A fixed dental bridge is bonded or cemented into place. A removable dental bridge can be readily taken out of the mouth for cleaning. Although removable dental bridges generally are less expensive, fixed dental bridges may feel more stable and comfortable.
Why Would I Need a Bridge?
Your appearance, dental health and the proper function of your mouth are all important reasons for wearing a dental bridge. A dental bridge helps maintain the natural shape of your face and may help support your lips and cheeks. It can also help you maintain a more youthful appearance. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older.
More importantly though, your dental health may suffer when teeth are not replaced. Teeth work together so when a tooth is lost, the nearby teeth may tilt toward the empty space or the teeth in the opposite jaw may shift up or down toward the space. This can alter your bite and place unusual stress on the bone, the teeth, and tissue in your mouth.
In addition, due to increased stress, the gum tissues and the bone that hold the teeth in place can break down from the resulting gum disease. Teeth that have tipped are difficult to clean, making them more likely to decay. As a result, even more teeth may eventually be lost.
The Three Main Types of Dental Bridges
- Fixed Dental Bridge: this is a permanent option that places a prosthetic or “pontic” tooth in place of the extracted tooth and anchors it with additional crowns on either side.
- Removable Dental Bridge: An appliance that has the prosthetic teeth attached to a “palate” and can be easily inserted and removed for cleaning.
- Implant Dental Bridge: Artificial teeth are attached directly to the jaw or under the gum tissue. A “post” is placed in the jaw or gum and a crown is placed over the top. Implants are the most intense of the three options and requires strong bone structure and dedication to maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
For more options, contact our office to set up an appointment.
Dental Services
