Crowns: If a tooth is threatened by a large cavity or fracture a crown is typically used to improve the strength of the tooth. There are several types of crowns mostly made of porcelain or gold. Crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of teeth. The procedure consists of making the tooth comfortable with an anesthetic. Once the tooth is numb a mold of the tooth will be taken and approximately 1-2 mm of enamel will be removed from the surfaces of the tooth to make room for the permanent crown. A temporary crown will be made and worn by the patient for approximately two weeks until the crown is finished. A final impression of the tooth will be sent to the lab for crown fabrication. At the insert appointment the crown is bonded to the tooth with a dental cement.
Bridge: A bridge is commonly used to replace a missing tooth or several teeth by placing crowns joined by an artificial tooth to fill the space of the missing teeth. Just like crowns bridges can be made of porcelain or gold. A bridge is a fixed restoration that is bonded with dental cement.