Crowns / "Caps"

• What is a crown?  A crown is a precisely made restoration that fits over a tooth and restores it to the tooth’s normal size and shape. A crown is used to hold a tooth together that has cracked or has a filling too large for the natural tooth to support. Crowns can also be used to replace badly shaped teeth, weak teeth and/or severely discolored teeth.
• How is the procedure done? Initially your tooth is prepared so that the crown can fit over it. An impression is then made so that the laboratory can fabricate the crown accurately. A temporary crown is then placed on your tooth. At your next visit, your crown is tried in and cemented in place. 
• How is the procedure done? Dr. Wallen reshapes your tooth so that the crown can fit over it. An impression is then made so that the laboratory can fabricate the crown accurately. A temporary crown is then placed on your tooth. At your next visit, your crown is tried in and cemented.
• Results you can expect: Results you can expect: Quality crowns are strong, durable, and can last indefinitely with good home care. Your crown should look natural and match the color of your other teeth. It may feel slightly foreign in your mouth at first, but after a few days you won’t even know it’s there.

Bridges

• What are they?  Bridges are fixed restorations used to replace missing teeth. Bridges contain one or more artificial teeth which are supported by neighboring, “anchor” teeth. Bridges are cemented and not removable. These restorations look great, are very predictable, maintain the shape of your face, reduce the stress on your remaining teeth and can improve chewing and speaking.
• How is the procedure is done? Initially your tooth is prepared so that the crown can fit over it. An impression is then made so that the laboratory can fabricate the crown accurately. A temporary crown is then placed on your tooth. At your next visit, your crown is tried in and cemented in place. 
• How is the procedure done? During your first visit the neighboring teeth are prepared to support the bridge. An impression is then taken and a temporary bridge is placed on your teeth. At your second visit, the bridge is tried in and cemented in place.
• Results you can expect: Quality bridges are strong, durable, and can last indefinitely with good home care. Your new bridge should look great and natural. At first a bridge may feel “different” in your mouth; however, after a few days you won’t even notice it is there. Note: it is very important to floss underneath your new bridge to prevent recurrent decay. We will teach you how.