Restoring missing teeth and tooth structure

FIXED BRIDGES AND CROWNS

Both crowns and most bridges are fixed prosthetic devices. A crown is used to entirely cover or "cap" a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. A crown can also be placed on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for function. Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. Other materials include gold and metal alloys, acrylic and ceramic. These alloys are generally stronger than porcelain and may be recommended for back teeth. 

A crown may be recommended to:

• Replace a large filling when there isn't enough tooth remaining

• Protect a weak tooth from fracturing

• Restore a fractured tooth

• Attach a bridge

• Cover a dental implant

• Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth

• Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment