At Smile Cafe, crowns and bridges are dental restorations that repair and restore damaged or missing teeth. They are fixed prosthetic devices cemented onto existing teeth or dental implants to provide structural support and improve the function and appearance of the teeth. Both crowns and bridges can improve the function and aesthetics of the teeth. They can restore proper chewing and speaking abilities, prevent shifting of adjacent teeth, enhance the smile's appearance, and help maintain oral health.
Dental Crowns
A crown, also known as a dental cap, is a tooth-shaped covering that encases a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. It is typically recommended when a tooth has extensive decay, a large filling, a cracked or weakened structure, or has undergone root canal therapy. Crowns can be made from various materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal alloy, or a combination of materials. Porcelain and ceramic crowns can be color-matched to blend seamlessly with natural teeth, providing a natural-looking result.
The process of getting a crown usually involves two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared by removing a portion of its outer structure to make room for the crown. The prepared tooth's impression or digital scan is taken, then sent to a dental laboratory to fabricate the custom crown. In the meantime, a temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth. During the second visit, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is bonded onto the tooth using dental cement.
Dental Bridges
A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between adjacent teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) anchored to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. These supporting teeth are called abutments and are usually crowned to provide stability and support to the bridge. Bridges can be made from similar materials as crowns, and like crowns, they can be customized to match the color and shape of the natural teeth.
Getting a bridge involves preparing the abutment teeth, similar to crown preparation. Impressions or digital scans are taken to create a custom bridge in a dental laboratory. In the meantime, a temporary bridge may be placed to protect the prepared teeth. Once the bridge is ready, it is placed and adjusted for proper fit and bite and then permanently cemented into place.
Dental crowns and bridges are common dental restorations used to restore the function and appearance of damaged or missing teeth. Get in touch with Smile Cafe at 45 Park Ave, Professional Unit 1, New York, NY 10016, or call (212) 779-3494 to determine if crowns or bridges are suitable treatment options for your specific dental condition.
