What is a porcelain crown?
A porcelain crown is a porcelain sheath that envelopes a tooth too damaged to support fillings, but with a healthy root.  A crown completely covers the visible tooth, creating a brand new outer surface for chewing.  It also gives the tooth a healthy appearance.

How long does it take to get crowns put on my teeth?
Unless you have extensive damage to the teeth to be crowned, the procedure can be completed in a few visits over the course of about a month. During your first visits you will be fitted for the crown, and your teeth will be prepared to receive the crowns. Then molds are taken of your teeth and sent to the lab, which will custom-craft your crown. 

How will the crowns feel?
After the initial procedure, crowns should feel pretty much like your normal teeth.  They will look and perform like your own teeth.

Can crowns be put on teeth with damaged roots?
Yes, sometimes, if the tooth itself is still firmly anchored in the gums.  In this case a root canal may be performed to clean out the root.  Then the tooth is sealed with dental bonding resin, and capped with a crown, which now has a firm foundation.

What is an onlay?
An onlay is a less invasive form of crown that replaces only the broken or decayed part of the tooth.  In many cases, it can provide the same level of correction as crowns, correcting decay and restoring the tooth to its original strength.

What is a porcelain bridge?
A bridge is a solution to fill the gaps left by lost teeth.  It consists of false teeth (known as pontics) supported by attachment to healthy teeth on either side of the gap.

Are the bridges simply cosmetic appliances?
No.  Bridges do more than fill unsightly gaps in your smile.  They help you to chew properly, and they keep your bite in place, helping to prevent the onset of TMJ.  They can also prevent the deterioration of your jaw and bone and gum tissue around the area of tooth loss.  Finally, they prevent the drift of your other teeth.

What styles of bridges are there?
There are three types of bridges, distinguished by their connection to the other teeth:

• Traditional bridge — connected to the teeth on either side of the gap with crowns on the neighboring teeth
• Cantilever bridge — a bridge that only has teeth on one side, it is sometimes attached to two teeth on one side to ensure stability
• Resin-bonded bridge — This bridge takes advantage of the strength of modern dental bonding to be attached to neighboring teeth without modifying them

How long will it take for my bridge to be ready?
It usually takes about as long as for crowns.  First, your surrounding teeth must be prepared to receive the bridge.  Then an impression of the area is made which will be used to custom-craft your bridges to perfectly fill the gap.  At this point you will be fitted with a temporary bridge until the permanent one is ready.  Once the permanent bridge is completed, it will be cemented in place.

When I think "porcelain," I think fragile.  Does this mean my crowns will break?
Modern ceramics are used on everything from golf clubs to the space shuttle.  In fact, all modern tanks use ceramic armor.

One of the advantages of modern porcelain restorations is that they are not harder than your normal teeth, so they are less likely to cause damage to adjacent teeth during jaw activity. 
Anything that will break a normal tooth will break a porcelain veneer, filling, or crown.

How should I care for my Porcelain Crowns, Onlays, and Bridges?
You should practice normal, thorough dental hygiene.  This includes brushing your teeth and restorations, then flossing wherever the brush cannot reach, including under the pontics.  You should limit your intake of sugars and starches, and avoid hard and/or sticky foods.  And don't forget to schedule regular follow-up examinations.

How long will my restorations last?
With proper care, your restorations will last for many years.

If you have suffered damage to your teeth from dental decay, disease, or injury, a delay in treatment can lead to further damage and complication.  Call or email us at boldersmiles today to schedule an initial examination.