CROWNS AND BRIDGES
Dental crowns and bridges help to replace missing teeth and improve the look and function of existing teeth. Their general purpose is to restore a tooth or teeth back to full chewing function. They are two of several treatment options that Dr. Cure may recommend to restore your smile.
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A crown, also referred to as a cap, is a dental restoration that covers the entire tooth, replacing its outer layer of enamel with a new material. A crown is contoured and sized similarly to a natural tooth, and they come into contact with the opposite tooth in a normal way, allowing for food to be chewed properly. In general, a crown should feel like a regular tooth when it comes to function. Depending on the material chosen for the crown, it also can look like a perfectly natural tooth.
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A bridge is a fixed partial denture: it is fixed (glued) to the teeth, it replaces some (not all) of the teeth, and it uses a fake tooth or teeth (denture) in the place of missing teeth. A bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth, when functioning teeth are available on both sides of the missing tooth. The adjacent teeth, called retainers, are covered by the bridge in exactly the same manner as a crown covers a single tooth. The difference is that the bridge connects the crowns to a pontic (fake tooth replacement) in the missing tooth space.
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During an initial consultation at our practice, Dr. Cure will talk with you about the advantages of each approach and help you choose the treatment option that fits your needs. Because Dr. Cure has expertise in a variety of methods, he will find a solution that balances durability, aesthetic improvement, and expense.