Dental Crowns In Pittsburgh

Crowns are a cosmetic restoration used to strengthen a tooth or improve its shape. Crowns are most often used for teeth that are broken, worn, or partially destroyed by tooth decay.

Crowns are "cemented" onto an existing tooth and fully cover the portion of your tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes your tooth's new outer surface. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or both. Porcelain crowns are most often preferred because they mimic the translucency of natural teeth and are very strong.

Crowns or inlays (partial crowns) are needed when there is insufficient tooth strength remaining to hold a filling. Unlike fillings which apply the restorative material directly into your mouth, a crown is fabricated away from your mouth.

Your crown is created in a lab from your unique tooth impression which allows a dental laboratory technician to examine all aspects of your bite and jaw movements. Your crown is then sculpted just for you so that your bite and jaw movements function normally once the crown is placed.

Dental bridges are another treatment option to help bridge the gap between one or more missing teeth. A bridge is composed of two or more crowns for the teeth that are located on either side of the gap. These are defined as the abutment teeth with a false tooth or teeth, called pontics, placed in between. Pontics can be made of alloys, porcelain, gold, or a combination of these materials based on your needs. 

With dental bridges, you can restore your smile and the ability to speak and eat properly. They can also help you maintain the shape of your face, redistribute the force of your bite, and prevent your surrounding teeth from shifting out of position.