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Crowns |
When a tooth is fractured, has a large, old filling, or is severely damaged by decay, your dentist may recommend the placement of a crown, or cap. Crowns strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and can improve the appearance of your smile. Types of crowns include the full porcelain crown, the porcelain-fused-to-metal crown and the all-metal crown. Fitting a crown requires at least two visits to the dentist's office. Initially, the dentist
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Bridges |
Few incidents have greater impact on dental health and personal appearance than tooth loss. When one or more teeth are missing, the remaining teeth can drift out of position, which can lead to a change in the bite, the loss of additional teeth, decay and gum disease. When tooth loss occurs, your dentist may recommend the placement of a bridge. A bridge is one or more replacement teeth anchored by one or more crowns on each side. Initially, the dentist prepares teeth on each side of the space to receive crowns and makes an impression of the entire area. Fits a temporary or transitional bridge. In a subsequent visit, the dentist places, adjusts and cements the fixed bridge. |
| Bonding | When your dentist bonds your teeth, he or she attaches (bonds) a natural-looking material to your tooth surface. Bonding can close a small gap between teeth, repair a crippled or fractured tooth, or cover up discolored teeth. Bonding can be performed in one or more appointments, depending on your needs, and normally without the need for anesthesia. Sometimes teeth become badly discolored as a result to taking certain medications (like tetracycline antibiotic) during childhood. Bonding effectively masks these stains. A bonded restoration may last for about five years before needing to be touched up. The materials used in bonding aren't as strong as your natural tooth enamel, so it can chip easily. Bonded areas are prone to stains, so it's important to take extra good care of your restored teeth at home and through professional cleaning. Although bonding sometimes substitutes the need for a crown (cap), severely fractured, decayed or badly damaged teeth require the strength and durability of a crown. This is especially true with back teeth which are subject to greater wear and abrasion. Bonding can not only improve your appearance, it can also be used to prevent root decay. As a restorative procedure, bonding will protect roots exposed by gum recession. Children can often benefit from a form of bonding known as "sealants" which help prevent decay in back teeth. The value of bonding does go beyond good looks and into good dental health with its ability to restore teeth and prevent tooth decay. |
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Tooth Whitening |
A popular method used to treat moderately discolored teeth is called "teeth whitening." Teeth Whitening is often used on stains that cannot be removed with routine professional cleaning. As with bonding, no anesthesia is needed during treatment. A bonded restoration may last for about five years before needing to be touched up. The materials used in bonding aren't as strong as your natural tooth enamel, so it can chip easily. Bonded areas are prone to stains, so it's important to take extra good care of your restored teeth at home and through professional cleaning. Although bonding sometimes substitutes the need for a crown (cap), severely fractured, decayed or badly damaged teeth require the strength and durability of a crown. This is especially true with back teeth which are subject to greater wear and abrasion. Bonding can not only improve your appearance, it can also be used to prevent root decay. As a restorative procedure, bonding will protect roots exposed by gum recession. Children can often benefit from a form of bonding known as "sealants" which help prevent decay in back teeth. The value of bonding does go beyond good looks and into good dental health with its ability to restore teeth and prevent tooth decay. |
