Dental Bridges & Crowns at Aesthetic dentistry in Rockland County

If you have one or more missing teeth, we can close the resulting gap, or bridge, using a prosthesis called a dental bridge. This is simply a false tooth, or in dental terms known as a pontic, that remains in place with the help of adjacent teeth on each side of the gap. Even though pontics can be constructed from a range of materials like gold, they are normally constructed from porcelain due to its superior qualities that allow it to blend in with natural teeth.

Traditional Dental Bridge

The traditional bridge consists of a false tooth anchored by a crown placed onto each of the supporting teeth, known as abutment teeth. This is the most common type of bridge that is appropriate when you have natural teeth on each side of the gap that can serve as anchors, or abutments.

Maryland Dental Bridge

This type is somewhat like a traditional bridge using two abutment teeth on each side of the space. Where they differ is that the Maryland bridge does not use crowns placed on abutment teeth. Instead, it utilizes either a metal or porcelain framework bonded to abutment teeth.

Dental Bridge Supported by Implants

This type of bridge utilizes dental implants instead of natural teeth. Normally, it is put into place surgically - one for each missing tooth. If it is not possible to provide a dental implant for each missing tooth, the dental bridge may consist of two implant-supported dental crowns with a pontic suspended between them.

Some reasons why you may need a dental bridge include:

Smile restoration

Restoring proper chewing ability

Restoring speech and your ability to properly pronounce words

Maintaining facial shape

Readjusting the bite to evenly distribute chewing force

Prevent remaining teeth from shifting into the space left by missing teeth

Best Candidates for Dental Bridges:

Patients with cavity-free abutment teeth for supporting a bridge

Anyone requiring a short-term and inexpensive solution 

Patients with damaged teeth next to an implant or a healthy tooth

Someone who recently had a tooth extraction

Children with a genetic defect who have a jaw where permanent teeth cannot grow

Dental Crowns

Basically, a dental crown is a type of cap placed over a damaged tooth. It can be formed from a variety of materials, including porcelain or metal. Crowns can be placed on front teeth that match the appearance of surrounding teeth.

Some materials that may be used in dental crowns include:

Porcelain

Zirconia

Metal

Composite resin

Dental Crowns Help With:

Tooth Decay and Damage

If a tooth has become decayed or seriously damaged, a dental restoration can help. A dental crown is an option, provided there is sufficient tooth structure remaining.

Root Canal Therapy

After the infection that led to the root canal is treated, and the pulp chamber is filled, a crown can be placed to restore the strength of the tooth and protect it from further damage.

Implant Restorations

Dental crowns can be placed over dental implants to provide the look and function of a natural tooth. In the past, a gap would have been present, but the placement of a dental crown fills this gap with a completely natural-looking tooth.

Dental Crown Care

After the placement of a dental crown, you need to take good care of it so that it lasts as long as possible. Be sure that you practice careful brushing by brushing at least twice a day. Daily flossing is also important.

Avoid chewing on hard foods or ice that may make your crown crack. If you normally clench or grind your teeth at night, you may be provided with a mouth guard to protect your dental crown and teeth.

Lifespan of Crowns

The lifespan of dental crowns varies widely between five and fifteen years, and often longer. There are different factors that affect the lifespan including proper maintenance with hygiene appointments every six months, mouth-related habits, and proper nutrition, to name a few.

If you properly take care of your dental crown, it should last for many years.

Your Consultation

Would you like to request more information about dental crowns or bridges? Our team is experienced and highly trained in placing dental crowns and bridges. Please contact Aesthetic Dentistry of Rockland County to schedule a consultation.