Dental Crowns
A crown is a covering that is placed over a tooth to protect it from further damage. Generally, crowns are used for teeth that undergo a root canal or that have become damaged in some other way.
Crowns can be made out of porcelain or metal, and have the appearance of a real tooth so that only you know there is a crown in place. The great thing about the new dental crowns is that they can be color matched to your other teeth, further disguising their presence.
Recently we are finding newer, more cosmetic, more natural materials to use and the results for dentists are dramatically improving. Modern porcelain materials such as lithium disilicate glass and computer shading tools are compatible with dental crowns, creating a finish so realistic patients are sure to be thrilled with the end result.
Again, a conversation with your dentist regarding the benefits of dental crowns is always beneficial. You can also expect to receive your crowns after our first appointment as we print them out while you sit in the waiting room.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a cost effective method used to anchor a replacement tooth to its neighbors. If you decide to go with a bridge, you should know that the anchoring teeth will need to be filled down slightly because they will be covered with a crown. There are risks and benefits associated with this type of replacement and our dentists will be happy to discuss those with you to make sure that you make the right decision.
Just as with a crown, you will receive a temporary bridge to wear while your permanent one is being crafted. The dental bridge is custom fit to your mouth so that you do not experience any problems with your bite, and can be colored to match your other teeth, restoring your smile.
Similar to crowns today we can color match bridgework to match your teeth very well.
Computer shading photography and careful dental cement shading can leave a very realistic appearance sometimes better than the original.
Porcelain Veneers Teeth
Do you ever wonder how people in Hollywood manage to have such bright and perfect teeth? Well the answer is that they have their teeth covered with a veneer.
A veneer is a thin piece of porcelain that is permanently attached to the front of your teeth. They were the invention of a California dentist and first used by actors as a temporary cosmetic procedure. Today, veneers have a lifespan of anywhere from 10-30 years and are used for a number of restorative purposes such as covering a tooth that has a fracture in it, a discolored but healthy tooth, and even covering up unsightly spaces between teeth.
There is some dental artistry in all cosmetic dental procedures. A good dental lab can even wax up a simulation of the final appearance prior to starting the case to help a patient visualize what is possible and desired.