Dental Crown

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped "cap" that is placed over a tooth -- to cover the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and improve its appearance.

The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.

Why Is a Dental Crown Needed?

A dental crown may be needed in the following situations:

• 1. To protect a weak tooth (for instance, from decay) from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth
• 2. To restore an already broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down
• 3. To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn't a lot of tooth left
• 4. To hold a dental bridge in place
• 5. To cover misshaped or severely discolored teeth
• 6. To cover a dental implant
• 7. To make a cosmetic modification

Dental Bridge

A bridge is a custom-made replacement tooth or teeth that fill the space where one or more teeth are missing.

The bridge permanently restores your bite and helps keep the natural shape of your face.

A missing tooth is a serious matter. Teeth are made to work together to help you chew, speak and smile. When you lose a tooth, the nearby teeth may shift and become crooked. This may make it harder to speak or chew. A missing tooth in the lower jaw may cause a tooth in your upper jaw to shift down into that space, meaning your teeth will no longer be even or in a straight line. This can affect your bite and place more stress on your teeth and jaw joints, possibly causing pain and damage.

Teeth that have tipped or drifted are also harder to clean. This can increase the risk for tooth decay and gum disease.

Missing teeth can lead to bone loss, which can cause neighboring teeth to become loose and can lead to facial collapse. If that happens, it may change the way the jawbone supports the lips and cheeks.