Crowns and bridges can work together to restore multiple teeth that look and feel natural. The procedure is also non-invasive, meaning you won’t need surgery to transform your smile.

What Is a Dental Crown?

We use crowns to entirely cover or “cap” a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can also improve its appearance, shape, or alignment. A crown can also be placed on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure.

Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. Other materials include gold and metal alloys, acrylic and ceramic. These alloys are generally stronger than porcelain and may be recommended for back molars. Porcelain bonded to a metal shell is often used because it is both strong and attractive.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A bridge might be recommended if you’re missing one or more teeth. Gaps left by missing teeth eventually cause the remaining teeth to rotate or shift into the empty spaces, resulting in a bad bite. The imbalance caused by missing teeth can also lead to gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Bridges span the space where the teeth are missing – literally bridging the gap. They are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. These teeth serve as anchors for the bridge.

A replacement tooth, called a pontic, is attached to the crowns. As with crowns, you have a choice of materials for bridges. Your dentist can help you decide which to use, based on the location of the missing tooth (or teeth), its function, aesthetic considerations, and cost. Porcelain or ceramic bridges can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.

Do You Need Crowns and Bridges in Pembroke Pines?

Crowns and bridges can create a fully functioning and natural-looking smile you can be proud to show off at every opportunity. Contact our friendly Smile Xperts today to schedule a consultation.