Crowns and Bridges

Crowns and bridges are fixed prosthetic devices. Unlike removable devices such as dentures, which you can take out and clean daily, crowns and bridges are cemented onto existing teeth or implants, and can only be removed by a dentist.

What Are Crowns?

A crown is usually made of a material like porcelain, and is used to entirely cover or "cap" a damaged tooth. In addition to strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. A crown can also be placed on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for function.

A crown may be recommend to:

• Replace a large filling when there isn't enough tooth remaining
• Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
• Restore a fractured tooth
• Attach a bridge
• Cover a dental implant
• Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
• Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment
   

What Are Bridges?

Bridges, on the other hand, are a natural-looking dental appliance commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. They span the space where the teeth are missing. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. Since they are custom-made, bridges are barely noticeable and can restore the natural contour of teeth as well as the proper bite relationship between upper and lower teeth.

Fixed bridges that are cemented are not removable, and are permanent. They can only be removed by a dentist. Removable bridges or removable partial dentures (also called plates or partials) can be taken out by the patient and cleaned with water and toothpaste.

Be sure to contact Centra Dental at 713-433-7500 to schedule a consultation to determine if crowns and/or bridges are right for you. Our knowledgable staff will take the time to explain all the options available.

Most of our dental services are covered by Medicaid, CHIP and most dental insurance.