Crowns and bridges are necessary and popular procedures with various uses. However, understanding these procedures and how they work are an important factor in determining if they are necessary to help your smile. Learn about crowns and bridges to understand more about them with Dr. Peter Stoltz and Dr. Brooke Stoltz at Three Fountains Family Dentistry in Columbia, SC.

What makes porcelain dental restorations special? 
Dental restorations like dental crowns and bridges are important in repairing or replacing broken, damaged or missing teeth. Restorations come in various materials, from metal to porcelain. Porcelain restorations, while more expensive than metal restorations, are tooth-colored and blend into your smile whereas other materials will stand out against the white of your teeth. Porcelain also has the same light-reflecting qualities as natural teeth, providing a completely natural look.

How can dental restorations like crowns and bridges help my smile? 
Dental crowns can help restore your smile in various situations, such as:

• stabilizing a broken or damaged tooth
• restoring the biting surface of a worn tooth
• improving the appearance of a misshapen or unsightly tooth
• reinforcing a tooth with a large filling, such as after a root canal, against everyday use
• holding a dental bridge in place

Dental bridges replace a missing tooth and consist of what looks like three prosthetic teeth in a row. In actuality, the two prosthetics on the end of the bridge are dental crowns. The crowns hold the bridge in place, using the healthy teeth surrounding the gap as anchors.

Crowns and Bridges in Columbia, SC
Dental crowns require that your dentist prepares the tooth beforehand to ensure a snug and permanent fit. This process requires removal of small layers of enamel from the outside and top of the tooth and shapes the tooth into the same form as the inside of the crown. This helps in the bonding process and also makes room for the crown to fit over the tooth without being too big. Since bridges use two crowns, your dentist will need to prepare two teeth.

For more information on crowns and bridges, please contact Dr. Peter Stoltz and Dr. Brooke Stoltz at Three Fountains Family Dentistry in Columbia, SC. Call (803)755-0039 to schedule your appointment with your dentist today!