Dental crowns and bridges are prosthetic devices used by dentists to restore the look and functioning of your teeth. They help distribute the forces of chewing so that you can eat comfortably. These apparatuses also help protect your teeth from further damage.

How Dental Crowns Work

Dental crowns are customized for each patient. Impressions are taken of your mouth, and the gold, porcelain, or porcelain-and-metal crown is made in a dental lab. Your dentist then uses a cement to attach it to your tooth. Some of the tooth’s enamel has to be removed to place the crown.

When Crowns Are Used

Dental crowns are used to cap or fully cover a damaged tooth. Your dentist may recommend a crown if you have a severely chipped or cracked tooth. A crown may also be used if you have a large area of decay and there is not enough natural tooth left to support a large filling. Crowns are often used after root canal therapy to restore functionality to the tooth.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge consists of two crowns that are used to support a framework of artificial teeth. The crowns are attached to your natural teeth just like any other time when you might need a crown. Crowns for bridges can be made from gold, gold alloy, porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal. The artificial tooth crowns are made to look like natural teeth. The bridge is cemented into place and permanently affixed into position. It closes the gap where you have missing teeth, allowing you to have full functionality of your mouth. The bridge also helps stop your remaining teeth from shifting out of position in your jaws.

At Portage Park Dental Associates, we are the obvious choice when people need dental crowns and bridges.