Bridges & Crowns
San Francisco, California
 Restoration
Restorative dentistry refers to crown and bridgework. Restorative dentistry involves the restoration
of natural teeth when they are damaged, decayed or missing. Crowns and bridges can
solve a variety of problems, including missing teeth, bite dysfunction, as well as functional or structural problems.
Crowns are used to restore an individual tooth back to its original form and
function, while a bridge is used to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. These restorations are referred to as "fixed" dentistry because they are
cemented onto the teeth, rather
than using a removable appliance or partial denture.
Bridges
Crowns
Before and After Photos
Bridges
If you have one or more teeth missing, this may cause the remaining teeth to drift out of position. This can lead to a change in your bite, the loss of additional teeth, tooth decay, or gum disease.
Dr. Bernstein may recommend the placement of a bridge if you experience tooth loss. A bridge is designed
to replace missing teeth and support surrounding teeth. A bridge is basically a group
of interconnected crowns. The bridge is held in place by two crowns and reduces the
risk of gum disease while helping to correct bite issues and possibly improve speech. If performed
by a well-trained cosmetic dentist like Dr. Bernstein, bridges may
last an excess of 10 years.
How is a bridge constructed?
The first step of bridgework typically requires filing down the teeth to accommodate the crowns. Then Dr. Bernstein takes impressions of your teeth, which are used to create the crowns.
Dr. Bernstein prepares and shapes your teeth on each side of the open space that will receive the crowns.
Then, he makes an impression of the area. When the crowns have been completed, the false
tooth (or teeth) is bonded to the crowns. Once your bridge is ready, a temporary bridge is formed and fitted in the area. A week later, you will return and the temporary bridge will be removed and your permanent
bridge is placed, adjusted if necessary, and cemented into place.
Once your bridgework is permanently cemented, you can start to get back to a normal life. You can enjoy your favorite
foods again and not have to worry about your bridgework loosening. Bridgework avoids the sunken-in appearance
that missing teeth cause, and stabilizes that area of the dental arch to give you
a more youthful, healthy appearance.
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Crowns
A crown is a prosthetic placed over an existing tooth to create a smoother, cleaner
look and enhance strength and durability. When a tooth is fractured, has an outdated
filling, or is severely damaged by decay, Dr. Bernstein may recommend the placement of a crown.
Crowns strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and can improve the
appearance of your smile.
Types of crowns include:
- The full porcelain crown
- The
porcelain-fused-to-metal crown
- The all-metal crown
The crown restores the appearance of your teeth and can affect the muscles
in your face. A crown will be the same size and shape as the natural tooth. As
a result, it will keep your jaw and bite aligned; it will also make sure that
other teeth don't shift locations or take on a greater share of the work of biting
and chewing.
Crown Technology
Crowns look, feel, and function the same as your natural teeth.
Crown technology has improved considerably in recent years. As a result, patients are choosing to have their older, less lifelike crowns
replaced with modern crowns. Crowns are a popular option for those who have experienced extensive damage or decay
that cannot be fixed with regular filling materials. Most crowns
are made of gold or stainless steel. However, porcelain is the most popular material for crowns because it blends in with the natural color of your teeth. Dr. Bernstein will carefully match the color of the porcelain crowns so they cannot be distinguished
from your natural teeth. New materials are now available that
allow the use of "all-ceramic" crowns in some cases. Some people prefer
not to use gold because it stands out from the other teeth in appearance. Dr. Bernstein will discuss the different types of materials available for crowns and help you decide which suits your needs. Protect Your Crown
Once you have had your crowns placed, you can care for them the same way as your natural teeth. Be sure to floss, brush, and rinse the area regularly. Although the crowns protect your remaining tooth from further
decay, you still need to protect the base of the crown from bacterial growth and gum disease.
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To view before and after photos of bridges & crowns in San Francisco, click here.
We serve the San Francisco Bay area, including Oakland, Berkeley, and Piedmont. Call or e-mail us today to schedule your initial consultation for crowns and bridges.
(510) 601-SMILE
Contact Us
1375 Grand Avenue, Suite 201
Piedmont, CA 94610
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