Crowns and Bridges In Saint Paul, MN

Crowns and bridges are essential restorative dental treatments. Crowns, also known as caps, are custom-made covers that encase damaged or weakened teeth, restoring their shape, size, strength, and appearance. They are often used to protect a tooth after root canal treatment, strengthen a cracked tooth, or cover a large filling.

Bridges, conversely, are prosthetic devices used to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of artificial teeth (pontics) held in place by crowns on adjacent healthy teeth or dental implants, bridging the gap caused by missing teeth to restore function, aesthetics, and oral health. Both crowns and bridges are crafted from durable materials to blend seamlessly with natural teeth, making them long-lasting solutions that improve dental health and restore a confident smile.

Types of Dental Crowns

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns are popular because they mimic the appearance of natural teeth, making them suitable for front teeth where aesthetics is a priority. They are crafted to match neighboring teeth's color, shape, and translucency, providing a seamless blend with the natural dentition. Porcelain crowns are ideal for restoring teeth that are visible when smiling.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns

PFM crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain. They have a metal substructure for strength and durability, covered with a layer of tooth-colored porcelain for a natural look. PFM crowns are versatile and can be used for front and back teeth, balancing aesthetic appeal and functional strength.

Metal Crowns

Metal crowns, such as those made from gold alloy or other metal alloys, are renowned for their durability and strength. They are highly resistant to wear and fracture, making them suitable for teeth that endure heavy chewing forces, like molars. While not as aesthetically pleasing as porcelain crowns, metal crowns are reliable for posterior teeth where strength and longevity are paramount.

All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns

All ceramic or all-porcelain crowns are entirely made from dental ceramic materials. They offer excellent aesthetics and can be customized to match the color and translucency of natural teeth. These crowns are popular for patients who prioritize aesthetics and prefer a metal-free restoration. Depending on the specific type of ceramic used, they are suitable for front and back teeth. Contact us today to learn more.

Uses of Dental Crowns

• Dental crowns cover and protect teeth that have been weakened by decay, preventing them from breaking or sustaining further damage.
• Crowns are ideal for restoring teeth that have been broken or severely worn down through grinding or erosion, bringing them back to their original shape and function.
• When a tooth has a large filling and little natural tooth structure left, a crown can help hold the filling in place and provide additional support.
• Crowns are used on the adjacent teeth to anchor a dental bridge, which fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth.
• Crowns can improve the appearance of teeth that are misshapen, severely discolored, or otherwise aesthetically compromised.
• After a dental implant is placed in the jawbone, a crown can be attached to it, creating a natural-looking and functional replacement for the missing tooth.

Types of Dental Bridges

Traditional Bridges

Traditional bridges are the most common type and consist of one or more pontics (artificial teeth) held in place by dental crowns (abutments) on either side of the gap created by missing teeth. The crowns are cemented onto the natural teeth adjacent to the gap, providing stability and support for the artificial teeth in between. Traditional bridges are suitable when natural teeth are on both sides of the gap.

Cantilever Bridges

Cantilever bridges are used when adjacent teeth are on only one side of the gap caused by missing teeth. The bridge consists of one or more pontics supported by a single dental crown on one side of the gap. Cantilever bridges are less common than traditional bridges and are generally used in specific situations where there is no support on one side of the gap.

Maryland Bridges

Maryland bridges, also known as resin-bonded bridges, use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent natural teeth with resin. Unlike traditional bridges, Maryland bridges do not require crowns on adjacent teeth. Instead, they rely on minimal preparation for neighboring teeth, making them a conservative option. Maryland bridges are commonly used for front and adjacent teeth when the teeth on both sides of the gap are healthy and strong enough to support the bridge.

Implant-Supported Bridges

Implant-supported bridges are anchored to dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone by the dentist in Saint Paul, MN, to replace missing teeth. Unlike traditional bridges that rely on adjacent natural teeth for support, implant-supported bridges are independent of natural teeth. They provide excellent stability, function, and aesthetics, making them a preferred option for replacing multiple missing teeth without compromising adjacent natural teeth.

The Uses of Dental Bridges

• Effectively replaces one or more missing teeth, filling the gap with artificial teeth (pontics) to restore a complete smile.
• Provides stable, functional replacement teeth and restores the ability to chew food properly, ensuring efficient digestion and nutritional intake.
• Helps improve speech that might be affected by missing teeth, particularly for sounds that require teeth for proper pronunciation.
• Prevents adjacent teeth from drifting out of position into the space left by missing teeth, which can lead to misalignment and bite issues.
• Supports the facial muscles and helps maintain the shape and structure of the face, preventing the sunken appearance that can result from tooth loss.
• Improves the appearance of the smile by filling gaps caused by missing teeth, leading to a more uniform and attractive set of teeth.

Dental crowns and bridges are invaluable solutions in restorative dentistry, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits. Visit Hillcrest Dental Center at 1762 Iowa Ave East, Saint Paul, MN 55106, or call (651) 771-6464 to determine the best treatment plan tailored to your specific dental needs and achieve a confident smile for years.