Crowns and bridges are lifelong dental restorations used to repair breakage, make a tooth stronger, or improve the appearance and function of teeth.
At Villaggio Dental, we use several types of crowns. Gold is still a good option for back teeth. But porcelain fused to metal (traditional white crowns) gives a more pleasing appearance in the aesthetic zone. Empress (for the front of the mouth) and CEREC (requiring only a single visit) crowns are made of solid porcelain. Installing a crown is usually a two-step procedure. During the first visit, we x-ray the tooth and jaw. We’ll numb the tooth and gum, and reshape surfaces to allow room for the crown. Using a special paste or putty, we’ll prepare impressions of the tooth to be crowned and those around it to design the new crown. We’ll send you home with a temporary crown to comfortably protect the prepared tooth while a permanent one is fabricated just for you, in a perfect match to your natural teeth.
In a few weeks, we’ll remove your temporary crown. The permanent one will be fitted and cemented into place. After final clean up, you are ready to show off that beautiful smile!
Our crowns utilize only precious metals, formed with the very best techniques available and are made in local labs.
We are pleased to provide our patients with the latest in CEREC technology. With a state-of-the-art computer imaging system, CEREC crowns can be fabricated in just one visit. While CEREC crown appointments take a little longer (approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours), they eliminate the need to wear a temporary crown for two weeks and having to return for the final cementation visit.
A bridge is used to replace a missing tooth by cementing an artificial replacement to the adjacent teeth. A fixed bridge is a good alternative for a patient who is not a suitable candidate for a more invasive surgical implant procedure.
The bridge is typically porcelain fused to metal but may be solid porcelain for a front tooth. This is a lasting restoration that results in a very natural appearance.
Designing and fitting a bridge is similar to the process described for a crown, but involves the teeth on either side of the space.
With proper oral hygiene at home and regular dental check-ups, you may expect your crown or bridge to last a minimum of ten years – very possibly a lifetime!
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