Crowns & Bridges
Crowns are a synthetic cap that is made of porcelain and placed on top of a tooth to restore a tooth's function and appearance following a root canal or other restorative procedure. Bridges on the other hand are natural-looking dental appliances that replace a section of missing teeth. They are custom made and are barely noticeable. Bridges also restore the natural contour of an individual's teeth and bite.
While bridges are sometimes referred to as a fixed-partial denture, because they are semi-permanent and bonded to existing teeth or implants and need to be removed by a dentist, some can be removed by the individual and cleaned. Crowns, however, are used to attach bridges, cover implants, prevent a cracked tooth or existing filling from becoming loose or dislocated. Crowns are also used for aesthetic purposes when a discolored or stained tooth needs to be restored to its natural appearance.
For more information on crowns and bridges, contact our McAllen dentists at RGV Smiles
at 956-661-0900.
Procedure
To create a crown a cast is made from an impression of the existing tooth. The impression is sent to a dental lab, where manufacturers will custom-design the crown. A permanent crown is then cemented on the proper tooth. A temporary crown will sometimes be applied to a tooth until the permanent crown is ready.
At RGV Smiles our McAllen dentists will also take the time to explain and teach how to properly care for and maintain a crown. A crown can last up to eight years, but they remind their patients that it is important to floss around the crown to avoid plaque and a collection of bacteria around the area.
Contact Us
To learn more about our crowns and bridges or to schedule an appointment with a McAllen dentist at RGV Smiles call 956-661-0900.
