If you have teeth in need of repair, we have a solution for you. Perhaps your teeth are discolored, cracked, misshapen in some way, or maybe they’re even missing. No matter your situation, we can help. Our goal at Birmingham Dental is to make you feel comfortable and satisfied with a new dental restoration. 

 

Dental Crowns

 

A crown is a cover or “cap” your dentist puts over a compromised tooth. The crown restores the tooth to its standard shape, size, and function. A crown can make the tooth stronger or improve the way it looks. Most dental crowns are made of porcelain, durable and stain-resistant material. 

 

Reasons you may need a crown:

  • You have a cavity that is too large for a filling
  • You have a tooth that is cracked, worn down, or otherwise weakened
  • You have had root canal therapy – the crown will protect the restored tooth
  • You want to cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth and improve your smile

 

Dental Bridge

 

Dental bridges bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. They involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic (false tooth) in between.

 

The benefits of a dental bridge are:

  • Restoring your smile
  • Restoring the ability to chew and speak properly
  • Maintaining the shape of your face
  • Re-adjusting your bite to distribute the force when you chew properly
  • Preventing your remaining teeth from moving out of the correct position

 

How are Dental Crowns and Bridges Placed?

 

The first step to getting a dental crown or bridge is to have a consultation appointment at Birmingham Dental. You and Dr. Coburn or Dr. Sgalia will discuss your dental goals during your consultation. Then, they will take an impression of your teeth. We will send the image to a lab, and the lab will then send a crown or bridge for the restoration. Once your crown or bridge arrives at Birmingham Dental, you will have an appointment to place the restoration. During this appointment, your dentist will place the crown or bridge and make adjustments as necessary. 

 

Dental Implants

 

Another excellent option for those who are missing teeth is dental implants. These are dental replacement options that can be placed directly into your jawbones. They can help imitate the look and function of natural teeth, plus they can last a lifetime. We use both dental implants and dental bridges to restore missing teeth. The difference between a dental implant and a dental bridge is that a dental bridge only restores the top part of the tooth, the crown, while the dental implant restores the entire tooth from the tooth’s root to the peak. Some patients prefer dental implants because the part that replaces the tooth’s root, the post, stimulates the jawbone and prevents deterioration of the jaw. Without the stimulation, your jawbone can lose density and begin to sink in. 

 

We also use dental crowns during dental implant restorations. A dental implant has three main parts: the post, the abutment, and the crown. The post sits in the jawbone, the abutment attaches the post to the crown, and the crown sits on top. The crown makes your tooth look and feel natural. 

 

Dental crowns and bridges are great restoration options if you have a broken, decayed, or missing tooth. We can place a dental crown or bridge in a few visits. Additionally, Birmingham Dental offers dental implants for patients interested in replacing their entire tooth instead of only the crown. If you’d like to learn more about how to improve your smile with dental crowns or bridges in Birmingham, MI, give our dental office a call today!