Porcelain Crown, Denture Implant, Veneer
Crowns (full porcelain or porcelain fused on metal) on teeth and dental implants
Bridge (full porcelain or porcelain fused on metal)
A bridge can be made to replace a missing tooth or more teeth, which consists of two crowns attached to a fake tooth or teeth (a pontic).
How Are Crowns + Bridge Done?
Tooth structure is removed circumferentially (360 degrees) around the damaged tooth to allow space for the porcelain. An impression is then made of the prepared tooth, which our dental ceramist use to custom build your crown.
While the ceramist is perfecting your crown, you will wear a temporary crown made of acrylic to protect your tooth. The final crown is shaped to look and feel natural, then is attached with a special dental cement.
The cosmetic goal is to make it appear as if it is a natural tooth emerging from the gums.
Am I a Candidate for Crowns or Bridge?
Crowns may be a good option for you if you have teeth that are badly damaged or worn, require or desire major changes in size, shape, or alignment of teeth, and are committed to practicing good oral hygiene habits.
Maintaining Your Crowns + Bridge
Crowns can be treated like regular teeth. Like regular teeth, you can still get cavities underneath a crown so it is extra important to brush, floss and use fluoride. Since they are most frequently made of ceramic, crowns can fracture. Avoid chewing ice and biting your fingernails. A nightguard might be made to help protect your crowns from fracture, especially if you clench or grind your teeth.
Dentures (full and partial)
Dentures, commonly referred to as false teeth, are removable dental prosthetics designed to replace missing teeth. If you are missing all your teeth in one or both jaws, complete dentures can be made that are supported by your gums or by dental implants.
If you are missing only some of your natural teeth, a partial denture can be made that is supported by your gums and teeth, and even dental implants.
How Are Dentures Made?
Your dentist will start by taking dental impressions, as well as several measurements to get the bite and fit right for you. You can help choose the color and shape of your teeth, as well as any distinctive features you might want.
Your dentist will then work hand-in-hand with dental technician to finalize the customized acrylic dentures.
Am I a Candidate for Dentures?
If you have lost or are losing all of your natural teeth, complete dentures are the traditional method of tooth replacement. If you are only missing some of your teeth, several types of partial dentures can be made to replace your missing teeth.
In addition to conventional dentures, dental implants may be placed to stabilize and retain complete or partial dentures.
Maintaining Your Dentures
To properly maintain your dentures, wash them daily using a denture cleaner, hand soap, or liquid dish soap and cold or warm water. Remove your dentures at night, as wearing them can cause tissue irritation, fungal infection, and increased bone loss. If your dentures become loose or painful, it is time to see a dentist to evaluate if they need an adjustment, a reline or replacement.
Porcelain Veneers
A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain that is bonded to the surface of a tooth to improve its esthetics or to protect a damaged tooth.
How Are Porcelain Veneers Done?
Porcelain veneers generally require two major office visits. On the first visit, the enamel on the existing tooth may be reduced to help make room for the veneer. An impression of the reduced tooth is taken so that the porcelain veneer can be constructed in dental lab.
On your second visit, the remaining enamel surface of the tooth and inside portion of the constructed veneer are etched and coated with a resin cement, and the veneer is bonded to place on the tooth. Once placed, a high-intensity light is projected on the veneer to harden the bonding material that cements it in place. The resulting veneer looks like a natural tooth, and the surrounding gum tissue is healthy.
Am I a Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are considered the ideal choice for enhancing most smiles. Veneers can be used to correct an array of cosmetic issues such as worn teeth, discoloration, and chipped or uneven teeth. If you crave a gorgeous smile veneers might be right for you. Porcelain veneers can provide more proportional accuracy than bonding, and will not stain or chip as frequently as bonding.
Maintaining Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain Veneers should be treated like normal teeth with a few exceptions. Avoid ripping or tearing motions such as using your veneers as a tool for biting nails or opening plastic bags. Avoid biting down on nuts, ice, fingernails or other hard items, as this can damage dental veneers. Remember, veneers are attached to the front of your tooth, so any movement that causes the veneer to twist or pull away from your natural tooth is to be avoided. A yearly fluoride treatment is also recommended.
