What is a crown?
A crown is a prosthetic tooth cap. Your dentist at K Street Dental & Orthodontic Group permanently seals it to an existing root structure, like a dental implant or a natural tooth root.
A crown feels and functions just like a natural tooth, and covers the entire outer surface of your tooth. Depending on the material used, your crown even looks just like a natural tooth.
Why do I need a crown?
Crowns serve a number of different purposes. They can:
- Restore function to a damaged or decayed tooth
- Improve your ability to speak and chew
- Replace an unsightly tooth
- Improve the shape of a tooth
A crown can also cap off a dental implant to fill a hole in your smile.
What is a bridge?
A bridge is a prosthetic tooth that fills the hole left by missing teeth. The artificial tooth, called a “pontic,” is attached to a crown on either side, literally providing a “bridge” between teeth.
If your adjacent teeth can’t support crowns, you can use an alternative bridge. A cantilever bridge has a crown on only one side of the pontic, while a Maryland bridge is bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth with a metal framework.
Why do I need a bridge?
Missing teeth throw off the delicate machinery of your mouth. By filling the hole in your smile, a bridge:
- Properly distributes the force in your bite
- Keeps your natural teeth from drifting toward the missing tooth space
- Prevents your facial muscles from drooping into missing tooth space
- Makes it easier for you to chew and speak
Bridges also enhance your appearance by making your smile whole again.
What’s the process for getting a crown or bridge?
When you get a crown or bridge at K Street Dental & Orthodontic Group, your dentist uses a local anesthetic to numb your mouth, then shaves off some enamel. If you’re getting a crown, they shave down the tooth that’s getting the crown. If you’re getting a bridge, they shave down the teeth next to your missing tooth.
Your dentist then takes an impression of your mouth. The impression is sent to a lab that designs your crown or bridge to fit comfortably in your smile. You’re given a temporary crown or bridge to wear while the lab fabricates your permanent restoration. This usually takes about a week.
You come back to K Street Dental & Orthodontic Group when your permanent restoration is ready. Your dentist removes your temporary crown or bridge and seals your permanent restoration in place. You leave the office with a beautiful new smile that you’ll love to share with the world.
Don’t wait any longer for your dream smile. Schedule a visit with K Street Dental & Orthodontic Group and get your crown or bridge today. You can book your appointment by phone or online.
