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Tooth loss can have a negative effect on the function and appearance of even the most beautiful, healthy smile. When tooth loss occurs, what are your options to restore your smile? When your teeth are damaged, dental crowns are used to preserve the functionality of your teeth as well. A dental crown may be used to protect a cracked tooth, restore functionality of a tooth with excessive decay or replace a pre-existing crown. Dental bridges on the other hand, like implants, are used to replace missing teeth by filling the gap and are made up of two dental crowns for the teeth on either side. With the help of dental crowns or bridges, you can fully restore your smile to prevent the development of more severe dental health problems. Restore your Teeth with Dental Crowns When the damage to a tooth is extensive, a crown is often used to cover the weak tooth. Crowns can be used for various reasons, including: • To treat or protect a weak tooth, or those with large fillings
• To strengthen a fractured or broken tooth
• To enhance a tooth that is discolored or treated by a root canal
• To hold a dental bridge in place
• To cover a dental implant
• To provide a strong, smooth, attractive surface for stained, misshapen or abnormal teeth
• To improve the shape, size or color of teeth While conventional crowns have been used to strengthen teeth for decades with great success, they were unable to improve appearance due to the dark metals used to fabricate the crowns. With recent advancements in dental technology and an increasingly high demand for esthetics from patients, crowns made of porcelain have emerged as a popular alternative to unsightly metal crowns. Dental Bridges Prevent Facial Drooping Bridges are natural-looking dental appliances that can replace a section of your missing teeth. Since they are custom-made, bridges are not noticeable and can restore the natural contour of teeth, in addition to the proper bite relationship between upper and lower teeth. Sometimes referred to as fixed partial dentures, bridges are permanent and bonded to existing teeth or implants. Some bridges are removable and can be cleaned, while others need to be removed by your Amherst dentist. A resin-bond bridge requires less preparation of adjacent teeth and is often used to replace your front teeth. This is only possible if your gums are healthy and your surrounding teeth do not have extensive dental fillings. If you are a candidate for a dental bridge, you will be given a local anesthetic so that your dentist can prepare your teeth that require the support of the bridge. If the support of your teeth are decayed or badly broken down, your dentist will have to build them back up in order to successfully apply a dental bridge. If you have damaged or missing teeth, it is recommended that you visit your Amherst cosmetic dentist for further consultation on the best procedure for restoration. Your dentist can recommend the best restorative option for missing teeth to help you regain your natural smile.
Sean Hartmen writes for premier general dentist in Amherst, Dr. Robert LaCarruba. A native of Long Island, New York, Dr. LaCarruba received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine in 1996. Offering services in veneers, sedation, six month braces and implants in Amherst, Dr. LaCarruba is committed to providing quality dental care.
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