Dental Crowns

Teeth can sometimes become damaged due to fractures and extensive decay. Unfortunately, these issues are a natural part of the aging process of teeth. However there are some comprehensive ways to protect and restore your teeth with the help of Dr. Kim and the team. At Sanford Smiles, Dr. Kim offers comprehensive restoration methods to help damaged teeth and keep your smile healthy for the long term.

When a tooth is suffering from extensive decay or fractures, a dental crown is the best option for protecting and restoring your health and your smile. A dental crown is a fixed prosthetic device that is cemented to the tooth and sits along the base of the gumline. Dental crowns are sculpted to blend in perfectly with the adjacent teeth. At our practice, we provide custom-made crowns to patients looking for the best restorative options to support and improve function and esthetics.

There are a few different materials available for crowns, but porcelain is one of the most popular options for its natural look that most closely resembles real teeth. Other options can include metal, gold, or porcelain-fused metal, all of which offer different benefits like durability and biocompatibility. One type may be better than the other simply based on the tooth’s location (front vs. back) and periodontal condition so Dr. Kim will discuss your best options.

Benefits of Crowns

Restore and Protect Teeth

Crowns can be used to entirely cover (cap) a damaged tooth. This can be a good option in cases of tooth fracture or a tooth that is weakened from extensive decay. In this case, crowns can both protect the teeth from further damage or decay as well as restore the appearance of your smile.

Achieve Cosmetic Goals

Along with repairing and strengthening the tooth, crowns can also be used to improve the esthetic appearance of teeth. If a tooth is badly shaped or discolored, then a crown can help restore the tooth to a more natural and uniform appearance. With the help of a skilled dentist, your crown will likely be undetectable when you smile.

Support Other Dental Work

Crowns can be used to supplement other dental techniques and devices like bridges or implants and may even be the first step in your treatment plan that includes other restorative options. Additionally, they can be used to help cover large fillings or root canals to both protect the underlying teeth and preserve their appearance.

Dental Bridges

When you lose teeth, it can feel like people only see gaps when you smile or that you can’t eat as well. If you feel like you try to avoid smiling because you have missing teeth, it’s important to keep in mind that you have options for restoration– and Dr. Kim and the team can help.

Along with affecting the appearance of your smile, missing or lost teeth can cause movement of neighboring teeth in the mouth, disturbing your bite’s delicate equilibrium. Along with this, it can make it more difficult to effectively clean your mouth and gums if you have gaps or shifted teeth. If you’re suffering from missing teeth, a dental bridge is a fairly quick and excellent option for restoring your smile and your confidence by using the latest technologies and techniques.

A bridge fills the space in your mouth where teeth are missing, essentially “bridging” the gap and restoring health and function to your smile without the need for surgery. Using the teeth on either side of your missing tooth, a bridge holds the replacement tooth in place to prevent further shifting and to maintain the completeness of your smile. Bridges can be completed in as little as 2-3 weeks, making them low-hassle and easy to manage. At Sanford Smiles, we offer dental bridges and other restorative options for your smile.

Types of Dental Bridges

Traditional Dental Bridges

When you have natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth, then a traditional bridge is your best option. Traditional dental bridges are the most common type of bridge used for restoration. They usually consist of one or more pontics (spacer teeth) and are held in place using dental crowns. These crowns are called abutments and are cemented onto the teeth around the gap to hold the bridge in place.

Implant-Supported Bridges

These are the most advanced methods of replacing missing teeth. Implant-supported bridges are a good option when you have one or more missing teeth. These dental devices are supported by implants rather than crowns or frameworks. Since these bridges are secured by dental implants, they feel comfortable and are much like a natural tooth. Two procedures are required for dental bridges supported by implants. The first step is performed by an oral surgeon to place the implants. After a recovery period of 3-6 months, the second procedure is performed where the bridge is placed. Though this may seem like a lengthy process, the results are permanent and natural-looking.