As a full-service dentist whose office is in Glendora, Dr. Fred Wong, of Blue Ocean Dentistry, offers a wide variety of services. By doing a full exam and taking X-rays, when appropriate, Dr. Wong and his staff will determine how to get to the root of your dental problems, whether you are missing teeth, experience oral and/or jaw pain or if you aren’t happy with your smile. One of the dozens of services the Blue Ocean Dentistry team provides are dental crowns and bridges.
Crowns
Unlike the ones worn by royalty, to denote position and honor, dental crowns entirely cover or “cap” a damaged tooth or to cover an implant. The dentist cements them to whatever is left of a natural tooth, to build up the tooth. Crowns are also sometimes used following a root canal to build up the remains of a pain-free, rootless tooth. Or they can be used to improve the appearance, shape or alignment of a patient’s natural teeth.
Crowns are constructed of porcelain or ceramic and can be matched to the exact color of a patient’s teeth. Other materials of choice include gold, metal alloys, acrylic or ceramic. While it may seem prudent to go with porcelain for the most natural appearance, Dr. Wong may recommend alloys, which are sometimes stronger and could be best for molars. Another viable option is porcelain bonded to a metal shell, often used because it is both strong and attractive.
Bridges
Not unlike an architectural bridge such as the Golden Gate, which connects San Francisco to Marin County, in California, dental bridges are designed to seamlessly connect one thing to another. But instead of linking locations, dental bridges connect teeth. Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth.
A bridge is made up of two crowns: one on each tooth located on either side of the gap. These two adjacent teeth anchor the teeth, so they are referred to as abutment teeth. Dr. Wong may recommend a bridge if you are missing one or more teeth because it is important to bridge teeth to cover gaps left by missing teeth. This is because missing teeth can eventually impact the remaining teeth, causing them to shift into empty spaces, which can alter your bite, and could eventually lead to problems such as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ) or gum disease. In some cases, Dr. Wong may recommend an implant rather than a bridge, such as if adjoining teeth are virgin (meaning they do not have fillings or crowns.)
Just as with crowns, you have a choice of materials for bridges. Dr. Wong can help you decide which type of material to use, based on the location of the missing tooth (or teeth), its function, aesthetic considerations and cost. As with bridges, porcelain or ceramic bridges can be made to match the color of your natural teeth.
About Dr. Fred Wong of Blue Ocean Dentistry in Glendora, California
Dr. Fred Wong and the staff at Blue Ocean Dentistry use the latest available dental treatments, equipment, and materials – all of which make a marked difference in our patients’ experiences. We are committed to helping our patients achieve optimal dental health. We creatively combine dental science and artistry — which can literally redesign your smile. Since even a subtle change in your smile will help you to project self-confidence and high self-esteem, we love helping you feel good about yourself. We deliver the finest dental care at the most reasonable cost and accept most dental insurance plans as well as CareCredit. For more about the dental treatment plans we offer or to schedule an appointment, call today (626) 852-6999.