crowns, bridges, and veneers

Crowns are placed over an existing tooth and then bonded or cemented to that tooth. They can help strengthen and conceal any cosmetic issue, including chips, cracks, and discoloration. Crowns are often used to restore teeth that are too weak or damaged for a filling. They are made of a variety of durable materials, including porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, gold, ceramic, and resin. Crowns must be strong and durable because they are subjected to very strong forces when you bite.

A bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by joining an artificial tooth to adjacent teeth or dental implants.

A missing tooth not only affects how your smile looks but can make chewing and speaking difficult. A dental bridge can help you chew your favorite foods again easily and efficiently.

Crowns and bridges can help with a wide array of restorative efforts. They strengthen damaged or weakened teeth, provide stability following procedures, and correct cosmetic issues.

A tooth must be prepared so it can accommodate a dental crown to fit over it. After the tooth is prepared, an impression of the tooth is made. A dental laboratory uses the impression to create a custom crown or bridge that will fit over the prepared tooth or space. You will leave our office with a temporary crown or bridge while the dental lab makes your final crown or bridge.

During the second appointment, Dr. Custer will check the fit of your crown or bridge, make any necessary adjustments and attach it with dental cement.

If so, you may be a good candidate for dental veneers. Veneers are used to change the appearance of the shape and color of a tooth and to address mild spacing issues between your teeth. Dental veneers are thin layers of porcelain material that are placed over a tooth. Veneers are mainly used to help the look of your teeth. Veneers work a lot like dental crowns, as they are placed over the top of your teeth and are then permanently bonded.