Crown And Bridge Specialist

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped covers that encase all your tooth’s surfaces, all the way down to the gums. Crowns are usually made of porcelain because it's a strong and durable material and easily to match to your own tooth color. 

Dr. Yun might recommend a crown in a variety of different situations, including:

• Cracked teeth
• Badly chipped teeth
• Teeth that are broken
• Misshapen teeth
• Teeth that are worn down 
• Severely discolored teeth
• Severe tooth decay

Crowns are sometimes placed on healthy teeth so they can act as supports for dental bridges. 

How do crowns support a dental bridge?

Dental bridges fill the gap when you have a missing tooth. When you get a bridge, it prevents your other teeth from moving out of alignment and helps you maintain a healthy bite. Bridges are usually made of porcelain or porcelain composite.

There are several types of bridges, but the best choice for most patients is the traditional bridge. This kind of bridge includes the replacement tooth, typically made of porcelain or porcelain composite, and two dental crowns as supports. 

Bridges are usually a solid unit including the two tooth crowns with the prosthetic tooth in the middle. Dr. Yun cements the two crowns into place, used to secure the replacement tooth in between. Because your replacement tooth is custom-made for your mouth, it looks just like your natural teeth. 

What is the process for getting a crown or bridge?

During your first appointment, Dr. Yun assesses your tooth through a visual exam and digital X-rays. She then works with you to devise a treatment plan. 

Usually, the next step includes preparing your tooth for the crown by buffing it lightly. This removes a tiny amount of enamel to allow for your crown to fit perfectly. If you have any tooth decay on or around the tooth, Dr. Yun removes it first. Next, Dr. Yun makes an impression of your tooth used as a blueprint for your crown or bridge. You’ll wear a temporary crown or bridge home afterwards.

At your second appointment, Dr. Yun removes your temporary crown or bridge and bonds your permanent one in place. Crowns and bridges are very sturdy, so they work just like natural teeth. 

How do I take care of dental crowns and bridges?

Crown and bridge care is quite simple. For the most part, you treat your crown or bridge like your natural teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and floss carefully every day. Instead of moving the dental floss up and down sharply, slide it out to minimize the risk of loosening your crown or bridge. 

Because crowns and bridges are cemented into place, they’re very unlikely to loosen. They’re just as strong as (or stronger than) your natural teeth. 

During your regular checkups, Dr. Yun evaluates your crowns or bridge to ensure they’re strong and fully functional. Crowns and bridges don’t respond to teeth whitening, but at the time you get the crown or bridge, Dr. Yun can match it perfectly to your ideal tooth shade. 

Crowns and bridges make your teeth look and feel healthy again, and it’s often the ideal way to save a tooth or fill a gap left by a missing tooth. Use online booking or call Capital Dental Group to make your appointment with Dr. Yun today.