Dental Crowns and Bridges at Aesthetic Dental Center of Hackensack

Dental crowns and most dental bridges are prosthetic objects that are fixed. In contrast to other prosthetic devices like dentures that can be taken out and cleaned daily, dental crowns and bridges are permanently fixed into place using dental cement, and may only be removed by your dentist.

Dental Crowns

We use dental crowns to totally cover or "cap" a tooth that has been damaged. In addition to helping strengthen a compromised tooth, a dental crown enhances its aesthetics, alignment or contours. We may put a dental crown over an implant to offer a shape similar to a natural tooth, as well as providing proper function.

Materials such as porcelain or ceramic can be utilized to closely match the color of original teeth. Other types of dental crown materials include metallic alloys, acrylic and ceramic. 

We may advise a dental crown for you:

* For replacing a large filling when insufficient tooth structure remains

* Keep a weakened tooth from developing a fracture

* Restore a tooth fracture

* Attach a dental bridge

* Cover a badly shaped or stained tooth

* Cover a tooth following a root canal procedure

Dental Bridges

You may be advised to have a dental bridge when you have one or more missing teeth. It is not good to leave a large gap between teeth, since this can lead to surrounding teeth moving into this empty space. This can further lead to developing a bad bite. It can also result in gum disease.

Dental bridges are often used for the replacement of missing teeth. They take up the space where the teeth once were. We cement dental bridges to your natural teeth or dental implants. Anchors are provided by teeth on either side of the bridge.

You have a number of choices available to you for your dental bridge. During your consultation, we will assist you in deciding upon the most appropriate dental bridge material. Factors like function, cost and aesthetic considerations may come into play. Ceramic or porcelain can be used to mimic the color of natural teeth.

Traditional Dental Bridges

The traditional bridge is typically composed of porcelain or ceramic materials. This is the basic design consisting of a pontic surrounded by a crown on each side. This is the most popular type of dental bridge.

Construction of Crowns and Bridges

Before we can construct your dental crown or bridge, we must reduce certain teeth in size so that a proper fitting can take place. Once we have done this, we will take a mold to help construct your new crown or bridge. In the case of porcelain, we must decide upon the correct shade to provide a matching color to existing teeth.

Next, we send this mold to a dental laboratory to actually construct your dental crown or bridge using the materials that you have decided upon. We will place a temporary dental crown or bridge and remove it when your new crown or bridge is ready. Finally, your new dental crown or bridge will be affixed to your tooth or teeth.

Durability of Crowns and Bridges

The best way to get the most out of your crown or bridge is to practice sound oral hygiene at home. Dental disease can make a dental bridge lose support to attach teeth. Brush and floss daily to ensure that your gums and teeth remain healthy. You should also visit us regularly for dental checkups and professional dental cleanings.

If you feel that you would benefit from dental crowns or bridges, please reach out to the office of Aesthetic Dental Center of Hackensack to schedule an appointment or consultation.