Crowns, Bridges, Full and Partial Dentures
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a permanent cap that covers a tooth to restore usage and improve appearance. It covers the entire tooth above the gun line and is cemented into place. This is done to protect a weak tooth from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth. Usually, the tooth had been damaged from trauma, decay, or severely worn down. Dental crowns can be made out of metals, porcelain, resin, and ceramics. They typically don’t require special care over time other than regular good oral hygiene. They are usually created to match the rest of your teeth for an even smile. Your dentist can review all the options and materials so you can make a sound decision on which type of material is best for you.
Dental crown procedures vary depending on the circumstances and condition of the tooth to be capped. You will be given local anesthesia to numb the area and then the dentist will prepare the tooth properly so that the crown will fit and adhere to the tooth. An impression is made of the prepared tooth with a putty-like substance or a digital scanner. The dentist will then determine the shade of the patient’s teeth using a shade guide or take pictures of the teeth to help the lab technician make crowns that will match the rest of the patient’s teeth. A temporary crown is made from a resin or acrylic material using a molding or stent of the original tooth. This temporary crown is cemented with temporary cement so that it can come off easily once the permanent crown is ready. Once the permanent crown is ready the temporary crown is removed. The permanent crown is placed on the tooth and inspected for acceptable fit, bite, and smooth margins. After any necessary adjustments have been performed, the crown is cemented with a permanent cement or dental glue.
Full Dentures and Partial Dentures
Dentures are removable oral devices used to replace multiple absent teeth. If you are missing many teeth, or all of your teeth, dentures can restore the function, beauty, and health of your smile. There are two different types of dentures:
Complete Dentures – which replaces all of the teeth, both upper and lower. Partial Dentures – replace some of your teeth by clasping onto and connecting with your natural teeth for a secure fit.
Dentures are custom made to fit your mouth comfortably, aesthetically, and securely. They can improve your ability to speak and eat properly, regain natural volume in your face, and enhance the overall beauty of your smile.
You care for your dentures pretty much the same as caring for your natural teeth. You need to prevent plaque and tartar build-up so it’s essential that you brush your dentures every day. To clean your dentures, be sure to use a soft-bristled brush and gently brush the surfaces of the dentures, being careful not to break or bend the plastic. After a meal, it is important to rinse your dentures which will help prolong their longevity. When you are not using your dentures, they need to be kept wet. Dentures that are not stored in a denture cleaning solution or in water can dry out, lose their shape, and even crack and break.