Crowns and Bridges Dental Services

Fix Your Smile With Crowns and Bridges

Even if you take care of your teeth, problems can occur. When your teeth are damaged in any way, restoration is our first goal at Hartwood Dental Associates. That's why we're certified to work with crowns and bridges.

Crowns and bridges are options to restore a damaged tooth. Unlike dentures, which replace the tooth from the gum, crowns, and bridges go over the top of your existing tooth. This means that crowns and bridges are less invasive, and they can be strongly affixed to the teeth for a long-term solution.

To find out if your teeth could benefit from crowns or bridges, call Hartwood Dental Associates. We will be happy to talk with you about your teeth. If you're having a dental emergency, ask for a same-day appointment. We'll work with your insurance provider!

Try Porcelain Crowns for Your Teeth

A crown is basically a cap that is designed to go over a damaged or broken tooth. This allows you to restore the look of your tooth with minimal interventions. At Hartwood Dental Associates, we opt for crowns when the tooth structure is too weak or cannot be restored with fillings or other options.

There are several types of crowns, but porcelain is the most popular. Porcelain looks a lot like your natural teeth, and it's also a very durable substance. This means your crown will look beautiful and last a long time. That said, many crowns do need to be replaced after enough time. Crowns can be customized to match the shape, color, and size of your teeth.

You may consider a porcelain crown for broken teeth, decayed teeth, fractured fillings, large fillings, or after a root canal. Some people also want a crown for purely cosmetic reasons, and that's just fine!

Getting a porcelain crown can easily be done in two appointments. First, we have to take accurate impressions of your mouth to create the crown. We can place a temporary crown to protect your tooth in the meantime. To place the crown, we numb the area and remove any decay. We may also shape the surface of the tooth so it fits the crown properly. Then, the temporary crown is affixed with temporary cement.

In about two weeks, your real porcelain crown should be ready. We'll remove the temporary crown, clean the tooth, and cement the new crown in place. We'll make sure the fit is right before sending you on your way!

Fixed Bridges for a Renewed Smile

A dental bridge is a great option to replace your missing teeth. Bridges are fixed and non-removable, and they come in several types to best meet your needs. Fixed bridges fill the space for one or two missing teeth. They help you maintain your facial shape and keep your teeth from shifting.

Ultimately, this helps you chew and speak normally while restoring your smile. Many people prefer bridges to partial dentures because they require less maintenance.

The most popular option is a traditional bridge, which is made from porcelain and metal. The traditional bridge will have two crowns over the teeth surrounding the gap to serve as anchors. The artificial teeth are created between the crowns for a durable, long-lasting result.

You'll need at least two visits for your bridge. Your anchoring teeth may need some work to allow for the crowns. Then, we'll create an accurate impression to fabricate the bridge. A temporary bridge can be used until the permanent one is ready. Then, at the next appointment, the permanent bridge will be placed, adjusted, and cemented. In some cases, we only temporarily cement the bridge to allow for future adjustments.

Once the bridge is permanently cemented, you're good to go. You can take care of your bridge along with the rest of your teeth for a long-lasting smile.