If one or more of your teeth are lost or damaged, then crowns and bridges can come to your rescue. All Smiles Bethesda offers premium quality porcelain crowns and bridges as the perfect restoration solution for you.
Crowns
Crowns are tooth-shaped caps used to cover a missing or damaged tooth. They not only add strength to the tooth structure but also improve the alignment, appearance and shape of your teeth and correct imperfections in your bite. When placed on top of a dental implant, a crown provides the structure and function of a missing tooth.
A crown may be recommended in the following cases:
- To protect a weak tooth from breaking or fracturing
- To protect a tooth that has large fillings
- To cover and protect a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy
- To attach both ends of a dental bridge
- To cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
Bridges
As the name suggests, dental bridges are used to cover or “bridge” the gap left by a few missing teeth in the mouth. A bridge is attached the natural teeth on either side or to implants. There are two parts to any dental bridge: the pontic and the abutment. The abutment is that part of the bridge where it is anchored to either the remaining natural teeth or a dental implant. The replacement teeth in the bridge are known as pontics.
Installation of Crowns and Bridges
The procedure of installing a crown or bridge begins by taking an impression of your teeth and determining the exact color to match your natural teeth. If a crown is being made to cover a tooth, then that tooth must be reduced in size to allow for the crown to fit properly.
The impression is sent to a lab to prepare your custom restoration. Until your permanent restoration is ready, we will place a temporary crown or bridge to cover the area. Once your custom crown or bridge is ready, the temporary one is removed, and the permanent one is placed in the mouth. We will then ensure that your bite is perfect and that you are comfortable with your new restoration.
Crowns and bridges can last a long time if they are cared for properly. One should practice good oral hygiene such as daily brushing, flossing and regular visits to our office for checkups and professional cleanings. For more information, please call us at 301-984-9646 to schedule your appointment.
