The world of cosmetic dentistry has grown to be incredibly vast with a range of solutions for people who are unhappy with their smiles. While most people think of implants and veneers, the most basic forms of cosmetic dentistry are still around, and they can be highly effective for smile restoration.
Dental crowns and bridges can work wonders for a patient who has missing or damaged teeth. With treatment options like these available, there is no reason anyone should ever feel self-conscious about their smile. Take a look at some of what any patient should know about these procedures.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a synthetic tooth covering that is created to go over the base of the existing tooth. For example, if a tooth is severely decayed, a traditional filling may not be a viable option because the damaged area is too large. Crowns are custom made to fit over the tooth after all damaged areas have been removed. The dentist will use a dental bonding agent to adhere the crown permanently to the base tooth material. Crown can last many years and preserve the life of a tooth that may otherwise be lost.
Why Dental Crowns Are Used
- To repair a tooth that has a high level of damage due to decay
- To change the size or shape of an existing tooth to better align with the smile
- To cover a tooth that is discolored in appearance
- To attach to a dental implant for a complete restoration of a total tooth
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are created to fill gaps in the smile when people have lost one or more of their teeth. For example, a bridge can be anchored to two adjacent teeth when the tooth between them has been extracted to close that gap and correct bite alignment issues. Bridges help to correct the aesthetic look of the smile, but they also help realign the bite and eliminate undue stress on existing teeth. To create a dental bridge, the dentist will take precise measurements of the existing teeth and a dental lab will create a bridge that consists of artificial pieces that look just like the rest of the teeth.
Why Dental Bridges Are Used
- After a single tooth extraction to cover the gap
- To prevent teeth from shifting in the jawline after extractions or losses
- To replace multiple teeth and restore the smile and bite
Talk to Us About Crown and Bridges in Holland, MI
Dental crowns and bridges are two of the most basic forms of cosmetic dentistry, but they are still just as effective for restoring a smile if you have missing or damaged teeth. If you would like to know more about dental crowns or dental bridges, contact us at the office of Dr. Christopher Nelis to schedule an appointment.