Dental Crowns and Bridges in Hamilton, NJ: Restoring Function and Beauty
When teeth become severely damaged or are missing entirely, dental crowns and bridges offer reliable solutions for restoring both function and aesthetics. Understanding these restorative options can help you make informed decisions about your oral health and smile restoration if you’re considering dental crowns in Hamilton, New Jersey.
Understanding Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that completely covers a damaged tooth, restoring its size, shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are often called “caps” because they cap the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line. They’re used when a tooth is too damaged to be restored with a filling but still has a healthy root structure.
Modern dental crowns can be made from various materials, each with unique benefits. Porcelain crowns offer excellent aesthetics and are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth, making them ideal for front teeth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns combine strength with good aesthetics, while all-metal crowns provide maximum durability for back teeth that endure heavy chewing forces.
When Are Dental Crowns Recommended?
Dental crowns are recommended in several situations where other restorative options aren’t sufficient. Teeth with large cavities that have compromised too much tooth structure for a filling often need crowns for protection and strength restoration. After root canal treatment, teeth typically require crowns because the procedure removes the tooth’s blood supply, making it more brittle.
Crowns can restore proper height and function to severely worn teeth caused by grinding or acid erosion. Cracked or fractured teeth often need crowns to prevent further damage and provide structural support. Crowns also improve the appearance of severely discolored or misshapen teeth that can’t be adequately addressed with other cosmetic treatments.
The Crown Placement Process
Getting a dental crown typically requires two appointments. During the first visit, we prepare the tooth by removing decay and reshaping it to accommodate the crown. This involves removing a small amount of tooth structure to ensure the crown fits properly without making the tooth too bulky.
After preparation, we take detailed impressions of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. These impressions are used to create a custom crown that fits perfectly and matches your natural teeth. A temporary crown protects the prepared tooth while your permanent crown is being fabricated, usually taking 1-2 weeks.
At the second appointment, we remove the temporary crown and check the fit and appearance of your permanent crown. Once we’re satisfied with the fit and you’re happy with the appearance, the crown is permanently cemented in place.
Understanding Dental Bridges
Dental bridges literally “bridge” the gap created by missing teeth using crowns on adjacent teeth to support a replacement tooth (pontic) in between. Traditional bridges are an excellent option for replacing one or more missing teeth when you have healthy teeth on both sides of the gap.
Bridges restore your ability to chew and speak properly while preventing remaining teeth from shifting into the space. They also help maintain your face’s natural shape and provide psychological benefits by restoring your complete smile.
Types of Dental Bridges
Traditional bridges are the most common type. They use crowns on the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth space to support the replacement tooth. These bridges are strong and durable, typically lasting 10-15 years or longer with proper care.
Cantilever bridges are used when only one adjacent tooth is available to support the bridge. While less common, they can be effective solutions in specific situations where traditional bridges aren’t feasible.
Maryland bridges use a framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth, avoiding the need to crown healthy teeth. However, they’re not as strong as traditional bridges and are typically used only for front teeth with lighter chewing forces.
Benefits of Crowns and Bridges
Both crowns and bridges offer significant functional and aesthetic benefits. They restore normal chewing ability, allowing you to enjoy all your favorite foods without restriction. Speech improvements are common, especially when front teeth are involved, as missing or damaged teeth can affect pronunciation.
From an aesthetic standpoint, modern crowns and bridges are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth. They’re custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your existing teeth, creating a seamless integration with your smile.
Structurally, crowns protect weakened teeth from further damage, while bridges prevent remaining teeth from shifting and maintain proper bite alignment. This helps preserve your overall oral health and prevents more complex problems from developing.
Caring for Your Crowns and Bridges
Proper care is essential for maximizing the lifespan of your crowns and bridges. Daily brushing and flossing remain crucial, though bridges require special flossing techniques or tools like floss threaders or water flossers to clean under the pontic.
Regular dental checkups allow us to monitor your restorations and address issues early. While crowns and bridges are durable, they can still be damaged by habits like teeth grinding, chewing ice, or using teeth as tools.
Avoiding sticky or hard foods can help prevent damage to your restorations. If you grind your teeth at night, a custom night guard can protect both your natural teeth and restorations from excessive wear.
Longevity and Replacement
Dental crowns and bridges can last 15-20 years or even longer with proper care. Factors affecting longevity include oral hygiene, diet, habits like grinding, and the restoration location in your mouth. Back teeth typically experience more wear due to greater chewing forces.
Signs that a crown or bridge may need attention include sensitivity, chewing pain, or visible damage like chips or cracks. Loose crowns or bridges require immediate attention to prevent further complications.
Restore your smile’s function and beauty with high-quality dental crowns and bridges in Hamilton, NJ. Our experienced team uses the latest materials and techniques to create restorations that look natural and last for years. Call 609-890-9000 to schedule your consultation and discover how crowns or bridges can transform your smile. Contact us today to learn more about your restorative options.