Crowns and Bridges Midtown Manhattan

Dental crowns are individual caps that fit over the entire surface of a damaged tooth. They are used to provide additional strength and support to restore a tooth that is lacking adequate tooth structure. Crowns can also be part of another dental restoration called a dental bridge. Dental bridges are made up of two crowns and a fake tooth, or pontic, in between them. The two crowns act as anchors for the fake tooth and the fake tooth spans over a gap left by a missing tooth. 

Did You Know?

Ancient Italians were the first civilization to use dental crowns as a means of restoring teeth. Called the Etruscans, they used gold, ivory, and bones to repair and restore damaged teeth. 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Do I Need a Dental Crown or Bridge?

You may need a dental crown if you have a tooth that is broken, cracked, or otherwise damaged. You may also need a dental crown if you have a tooth with large areas of decay, a large filling, or if your previous filling has failed. In some cases, a root canal may be required if the decay has reached the pulp layer. After a root canal, dental crowns are often used to provide extra support to the tooth. Finally, you may need a dental crown if you have misshapen or stained teeth.

You may need a dental bridge if you have a missing tooth surrounded by two healthy adjacent teeth. Dental bridges are ideal to restore the aesthetics of your smile, as well as speaking and eating function. They also help to maintain the shape of your face and a proper bite, as well as prevent the surrounding teeth from moving. 

What Types of Dental Crowns Are Available?

While the structure of dental crowns is consistent, they can vary depending on the materials they are made from. Dental crowns can be stainless steel, metal, porcelain fused to metal, all-resin, or all-ceramic/all-porcelain.

Stainless steel dental crowns are generally used in children on baby teeth or as a temporary crown. For a permanent crown, metal is a more likely option. Metal crowns can be made from gold, platinum, or base metal alloys (cobalt chromium or nickel chromium. Porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns have a metal base with a ceramic exterior for a strong, but natural look.

All-resin crowns lack metal and are made from dental composite resin, which can be matched to the color of your teeth. All-ceramic/all-porcelain crowns can also be matched to your teeth’s natural color and provide a stronger alternative to all-resin. 

How Do I Know Which Type of Dental Crown To Choose?

Each different type of dental crown has its own unique pros and cons. For example, metal crowns last longer and are extremely durable, however they are also noticeable. Conversely, ceramic and porcelain crowns are highly aesthetic and ideal for those with metal allergies, however they may not last as long as metal crowns.

During your consultation, the various types of dental crowns will be discussed in order to help you find the best dental crown for your individual needs. Some factors that may determine what type of dental crown is best for you can include: whether or not you have a metal allergy, your aesthetic goals, your budget, and the location of the affected tooth. 

What Types of Dental Bridges Are Available?

While crowns all have a similar structure, the different types of dental bridges all have different structures. Currently, there are four different types of dental bridges: traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported.

A traditional dental bridge is made up of two dental crowns used as anchors with a fake tooth or teeth in the middle. This is one of the most common types of dental bridges. A cantilever bridge is similar, however only uses an anchor crown on one tooth adjacent to the missing tooth. Because cantilever bridges can put too much strain on the anchor tooth, they are not often recommended. However, they can be used towards the back of the mouth if needed.

A Maryland dental bridge uses the same structure as a traditional dental bridge, however instead of using dental crowns to anchor the bridge, it uses a metal framework that is bonded to the backs of the two teeth on either side of the gap. Finally, an implant-supported dental bridge uses the same structure as a traditional bridge, but with dental implants serving as the anchor teeth. 

How Is a Dental Crown or Bridge Placed at Midtown Dental Care?

To place a dental crown or bridge, two appointments are necessary. The first appointment is used to take dental impressions and prepare your tooth or teeth. Dental impressions are essential to make a mold of your mouth that is sent to a dental laboratory. The dental laboratory will then use this information to custom fabricate your dental crown or bridge.

Your tooth or teeth will also need to be prepared for the placement of a crown or bridge. To accomplish this, your mouth will first be anesthetized to keep you comfortable. Then, any decayed tissue is removed and the remaining tissue is reshaped. This will need to be repeated on every tooth that is having a dental crown placed. Once the tooth has been shaped, a temporary crown or bridge will be placed to protect the teeth while the permanent restoration is being fabricated.

When the permanent restoration is complete, you will return to our office for a second appointment. During this second appointment, the temporary crown or bridge will be removed, your teeth will be cleaned, and the permanent restoration will be placed. 

What Happens After My Dental Crown or Bridge Is Placed?

After your temporary bridge or crown is placed, you will need to be careful not to dislodge it. Temporary restorations are not as strong as permanent restorations, so you will temporarily need to avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods, and chewing on the same side as the restoration. Once your permanent restoration is placed, you can resume your usual routine.