Crowns
What is a crown?
A crown is a restoration that completely covers a tooth to restore it to its normal shape and function. Also known as caps, the purpose of a crown is to strengthen a tooth or improve its appearance. A crown is placed for several reasons including:
- To support a large filling when there is not enough tooth remaining.
- To secure a bridge
- To protect weak teeth from fracturing
- To restore fractured teeth
- To cover badly shaped or discolored teeth
- To restore a dental implant
What kind of crowns do we do at Lake Forest Dental?
Materials can vary with the situation, but we have had great success with a material called Zirconia, made at a local dental lab right here in St. Louis! Zirconia crowns are extraordinarily strong and very esthetic. Clinical photographs and special shade matching techniques are used to get the best possible shade match to your existing teeth. Only when you and Doctor are completely satisfied with your new crown, will it be permanently cemented into place. We make teeth that look like teeth.
How do I care for my crowns?
Crowns need the same daily care as your other teeth. Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day is especially important when you have crowns. These measures remove a bacteria called plaque. Plaque causes decay, and gum disease, which shortens the life of your crown. Avoid placing things in your mouth that could break your crowns. People will chew on pens and pencils, open cellophane bags, cut thread, and bite their fingernails, none of which is good for crowns. Generally biting into apples or eating corn-on-the-cob is no problem for crowns. If it is food, it’s okay. If it is not food, it’s not okay.
Bridges
What is a bridge?
A bridge is a cemented restoration which replaces or spans the space where one or more teeth have been lost.
How is a bridge attached?
A bridge is cemented to the natural teeth on each side of the missing tooth. A custom artificial tooth made of an extremely strong, white ceramic material replaces the one that is missing. This is called a pontic. The pontic tooth is attached to the crowns on either side of the space. The crowns which are cemented to the natural teeth provide support for the bridge.
Why do I need a bridge?
Your appearance, dental health and the proper functioning of your mouth are all important reasons for wearing a bridge. A bridge helps to maintain the natural shape of your face and may help support your lips and cheeks. The loss of a back tooth may cause your mouth to sink and your face to look older.
Most importantly, though, your dental health may suffer when teeth are not replaced. Teeth in a row will complement and support each other. When a tooth is lost, the nearby teeth may tilt toward the empty space, or the teeth in the opposite jaw may move into the space. This places unusual stress on both the teeth and tissues in your mouth.
In addition, the gum tissues and the bone that hold teeth in place can break down, increasing the risk of gum disease. Teeth that have tipped are difficult to clean, making them more prone to gum disease and possibly decay. As a result, even more teeth may be lost.
Missing teeth can also affect the way you chew and speak. Chewing on only one side can easily cause uneven wear on your teeth, creating multiple long-term problems as a person ages.
What material are bridges made of?
Materials can vary with the situation, but we have had great success with a material called Zirconia, made at a local dental lab right here in St. Louis! Zirconia crowns are extraordinarily strong and very esthetic.
How do I care for my bridge?
Brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day is especially important when you have bridges. A special threader will allow you to floss under your bridge. We will teach you how to use this threader when we cement your bridge! These measures remove a bacterial film called plaque. Plaque causes tooth decay and gum disease, which shortens the life of your bridge. Avoid chewing on things that could break your bridge. People will chew on things that don’t belong there like pens and pencils. People will cut thread and fishing line with their teeth and hold nails or bobby pins. None of that is good for dental work. If it is food, it’s okay. If it is not food, it’s not okay.