Porcelain Bridges
When teeth are missing, your smile undergoes significant changes. Missing teeth can make it difficult to efficiently chew your food. And, as your remaining teeth work to compensate for the loss, they experience more wear than they were designed to withstand.
A porcelain bridge (custom designed by our team ) keeps your smile aligned and your bite functional. Bridges are anchored to existing teeth (or implants) on either side of the missing tooth. They are semi-permanent―meaning they can only be affixed or removed by a dentist―and are a long-term, restorative solution to your damaged smile.
Porcelain Crowns
Your teeth undergo a tremendous amount of wear and tear during your lifetime. Teeth may show this wear in a variety of ways, including discoloration, chipping, and cracking. Crowns restore your teeth to their normal functionality, and your smile will look beautiful once again.
Porcelain crowns can be made out of porcelain fused to metal or out of solid porcelain and can be shaded to match your other teeth. Crowns made of precious metal are also an option. After some tooth preparation (or implant placement), crowns are specially fitted to restore the look and functionality of your smile. If you have pain when chewing or temperature sensitivity, ask Drs. Walker and Kraus if crowns are right for you.
Q: What is a crown, and why might I need one?
A: If your doctor has recommended a crown to you, it is mostly likely either to correct a broken tooth or to repair a tooth that has deteriorated due to cavities (decay). The decay in your tooth eats away at healthy tooth structure much like rust eats away at metal. If not removed, decay will deteriorate the tooth to the point where extraction is the only viable treatment option. Sometimes, decay is removed leaving healthy tooth structure, but not much of it. A crown can then be placed, restoring the look and function of your tooth while allowing you to keep your natural, underlying tooth structure. Most crowns are precision-milled porcelain or full metal (gold or silver) and are individually customized for each application in each patient, giving you a natural, long lasting smile.
Q: I just want my smile to look good. What are some options to help the appearance of my smile?
A: You are not alone. Most people want to have a nice smile since it is the first thing others notice about you. You may be interested in a few minor adjustments, or you may have concerns that need more attention. Some smiles can be enhanced with simple whitening or bonding treatments. Other smiles need porcelain veneers, crowns, or bridges; gum contouring; periodontal therapy or a combination of all these techniques. Drs. Walker and Kraus will suggest a treatment plan for you based on your goals, your areas of concern and the overall condition of your oral health. Contact us today for a complimentary smile evaluation to determine what course of action will produce the best solution for you.