Dental crowns are custom-fitted caps that help restore broken or fractured teeth back to their original shape, strength and appearance. They also cover discolored teeth.
Dental crowns are made from porcelain, metal alloys, or stainless steel. Porcelain crowns Tallahassee FL are the most natural looking and have the greatest longevity. They are fabricated from a solid block of ceramic and can be color matched to your natural tooth enamel.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin porcelain facings that bond to the front of your teeth. They look like healthy white tooth enamel and are extremely durable. They are also stain resistant.
Veneers can close gaps, increase length, change color, and even straighten teeth. They can replace the need for braces in many cases and are often used to correct deep tetracycline stains and other discolorations that cannot be corrected with whitening treatments.
The procedure is typically completed in two visits with little or no anesthesia required. At the first visit your teeth will be prepared by light buffing and shaping to allow for the thickness of the veneers. An impression will be taken and a shade (color) will be chosen. During the time it takes for the veneers to be fabricated, temporary veneer facings will be placed on your teeth. Once the permanent veneers are ready, they will be bonded to the teeth with dental cement.
Crowns
Crowns are covers that rebuild & preserve teeth, giving them strength & natural beauty. These are used to repair badly decayed, broken, weakened or misaligned teeth. A crown completely covers a tooth, starting at the gum line and returning its shape & size. Crowns are available in many materials including porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, and full gold. The type of material recommended depends on the location of the tooth and what the crown will be used for.
Zirconia crowns are an all-ceramic option that matches best with natural teeth & is very durable. Full porcelain crowns Tallahassee FL are the most aesthetic, but can be less durable than other options. A composite resin crown is color-matched to the surrounding teeth, but can wear down faster than other crowns if it is not properly cared for.
Bridges
In addition to improving the look and function of a tooth, a bridge can reduce the stress on surrounding teeth. This can help your natural teeth last longer and reduce the likelihood of losing them due to additional complications such as gum disease or bone loss.
A dental bridge is comprised of two crowns for the existing teeth on either side of a missing tooth (these are called abutment teeth) and a false tooth in between, known as a pontic. The pontic is usually made of porcelain or ceramic and bonded to the abutment teeth. Gold, alloys and other metals may also be used in the construction of a bridge.
Implants
In addition to replacing a single missing tooth, a bridge or a full denture, dental implants can also be used to support a crown. These restorations are a great option when a tooth is severely decayed, cracked or discolored and cannot be repaired.
Dental implants replicate the entire structure of a natural tooth including its root. Unlike traditional dentures or dental bridges, they are permanently fixed in the mouth and do not shift when chewing or speaking.
The first step in restoring an implant is to prepare the tooth. This involves removing or recontouring the gum tissue and, in some cases, bone. Then, the tooth is cleaned and shaped to fit the crown. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are preferred because they mimic the translucency of a natural tooth while being exceptionally strong. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are another popular choice because they provide a stronger bond and can resist corrosion. Resin-composite crowns are a more affordable option but tend to wear down quicker than other types of dental crowns.
