Crown & Bridge:

Crown and Bridge refers to the restoration of teeth that have been damaged, decayed or lost. A Crown is a restoration that covers a single tooth. A Bridge refers to artificial teeth on a framework used to replace one or more missing teeth.

 

Porcelain Crown: A Porcelain Crown is used on a tooth that has become fragile through decay or recurrent fillings and where esthetics are a main factor. They are commonly used for anterior (front) teeth to help us achieve a natural appearance.

 

Porcelain Fused to Metal Crown (PFM): Porcelain Fused to Metal crowns are most often used on posterior (back) teeth and can be considered stronger than porcelain.

 

Gold Crowns: Gold Crowns can be used in areas where esthetics is not a concern and where heavy function or a strong bite are factors.

 

Fixed Bridge: A Fixed Bridge is used when a tooth is missing between neighboring teeth. The adjoining teeth must be healthy with good bone and gum support. A fixed bridge is made at a lab and is cemented onto the adjoining teeth. The gap is filled by an artificial tooth attached by crowns to the patient's natural teeth.

 

Restorations:

Dental Restorations are placed into teeth to restore function when tooth structure has been lost due to decay or fracture, or to improve the look of the tooth. Different types of materials and procedures are used in restorations, depending on the type of restoration being performed.

 

Inlay/Onlay Restoration: These are types of restorations that are fabricated outside of the mouth at our lab. When a tooth needs to be restored but there is still healthy enamel and a crown is not necessary, an inlay or onlay restoration may be used. Inlay restorations are much like a filling but the filling is made at our lab and cemented into place at a second appointment. Onlay restorations are similar but cover, protect or reinforce one or more cusps of a tooth. Materials can include porcelain or gold.

 

Porcelain Veneers:

Porcelain Veneers are cosmetic restorations that are used for chipped, stained, damaged or misaligned teeth. The veneers are made of a very thin shell of porcelain that is bonded to the front of teeth. Once the porcelain is bonded to the teeth, it becomes very hard and durable. They are usually placed on front teeth.