Crowns and Bridges

Missing or damaged teeth can affect not only your smile but also your oral health, confidence, and quality of life. At Infinite Smile Dental in Pleasanton, CA, Dr. Kimberly G. Kau and her team specialize in restorative dental solutions such as crowns and bridges. These advanced treatments help restore the natural function, strength, and appearance of teeth, allowing you to smile with confidence.

• Crowns: Also known as “caps,” crowns are custom-made restorations that cover damaged or weakened teeth, restoring their shape, size, and strength. They are typically used for teeth that are cracked, broken, or extensively decayed and can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, and metal.
• Bridges: Dental bridges are appliances used to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of an artificial tooth, or pontic, held in place by crowns placed on the natural teeth (abutments) on either side of the gap. This provides a stable and functional replacement that blends seamlessly with natural teeth.

Both crowns and bridges are cemented into place and can only be removed by a dentist, making them durable, fixed solutions for long-term oral health and aesthetics.

• Severely Decayed or Damaged Teeth: For teeth that are beyond repair with a filling but still have enough healthy structure, a crown can restore function and prevent further damage.
• Weak or Fractured Teeth: Teeth weakened by decay, large fillings, or fractures benefit from crowns as they protect against breakage.
• Root Canal Treatment: Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy are often crowned to prevent fractures.
• Missing Teeth: Bridges fill the gap left by missing teeth, preventing the shifting of adjacent teeth and restoring normal bite function.
• Cosmetic Concerns: Crowns can improve the appearance of discolored, misshapen, or worn teeth, providing a more uniform and natural look to your smile.

Dr. Kau will carefully evaluate your oral health to determine whether crowns, bridges or another treatment option is the best solution for your needs.

Materials Used for Crowns and Bridges in Pleasanton, CA

Modern dental technology allows for various materials in crafting crowns and bridges, each with distinct advantages:

1. Porcelain and Ceramic: These materials are highly popular for their natural appearance and ability to blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth. Porcelain and ceramic are strong and stain-resistant, making them an excellent choice for visible teeth.
2. Metal: Metal crowns, made from alloys such as gold or platinum, are durable and resistant to wear. While less common for front teeth due to their appearance, they are highly effective for molars, where strength is a priority.
3. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): PFM crowns combine the durability of metal with the natural look of porcelain, making them versatile and suitable for both front and back teeth.
4. Zirconia: Zirconia crowns offer a balance of strength and aesthetics, providing durability similar to metal and the natural appearance of porcelain.

Dr. Kau will discuss the options available and recommend a material based on your specific needs, considering factors such as strength, aesthetics, and bite pattern.

The Crown and Bridge Procedure in Pleasanton, CA

Consultation and Examination

The process begins with a thorough consultation at Infinite Smile Dental. Dr. Kau will evaluate your dental health, take X-rays, and discuss your needs and expectations to create a treatment plan tailored to you.

Tooth Preparation

For crowns, Dr. Kau will prepare the damaged tooth by removing any decay and reshaping it to create space for the crown. For a bridge, the teeth adjacent to the missing tooth are prepared for crowns, which will anchor the bridge in place.

Digital Impressions

Infinite Smile Dental uses advanced digital technology to capture precise impressions of your teeth. These digital scans ensure that your crown or bridge fits comfortably and aligns perfectly with your bite, providing both function and aesthetic appeal.

Temporary Restoration

While your custom crown or bridge is being fabricated, Dr. Kau will place a temporary crown or bridge to protect your teeth and gums. This allows you to eat and speak comfortably until your final restoration is ready.

Final Placement

When your custom crown or bridge is ready, Dr. Kau will remove the temporary restoration and carefully fit the permanent one. She will check the fit, color, and comfort, making adjustments as necessary before cementing it securely in place.

The entire procedure typically requires two visits, but with the precision of digital impressions and modern materials, your crowns and bridges can last for many years with proper care. Contact us to learn more.

Benefits of Crowns and Bridges

Crowns and bridges offer a range of benefits that improve both the functionality and appearance of your smile:

• Restored Function: Crowns and bridges restore your ability to chew and speak without discomfort or self-consciousness, allowing you to enjoy a full range of activities.
• Enhanced Aesthetics: With materials designed to match your natural teeth, crowns, and bridges blend seamlessly, enhancing the look of your smile.
• Preserved Jaw Structure: Bridges prevent teeth from shifting into the space left by a missing tooth, maintaining the alignment of your bite and protecting jawbone health.
• Protection Against Further Damage: Crowns provide additional support for weakened teeth, reducing the risk of fractures or additional decay.
• Improved Self-Confidence: A restored smile can have a transformative effect on your self-esteem, giving you the confidence to smile, speak, and interact without hesitation.

Caring for Your Crowns and Bridges

To extend the life of your crowns and bridges, it’s essential to follow these care tips:

• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily and floss carefully around your crowns and bridges to prevent decay and plaque buildup. Special floss threaders can help clean around bridges.
• Avoid Hard Foods: Chewing ice, hard candies, and other hard foods can damage crowns and bridges, so try to avoid these whenever possible.
• Wear a Nightguard if Necessary: If you grind or clench your teeth at night, a nightguard can protect your crowns and bridges from excessive wear.
• Regular Dental Checkups: Routine visits to Infinite Smile Dental allow Dr. Kau to check the condition of your crowns and bridges, ensuring they remain secure and functional.

With the right care, crowns and bridges can provide years of durability and function.

In Summary

Crowns and bridges are reliable, effective solutions for restoring oral health and functionality. Dr. Kau and the team at Infinite Smile Dental in Pleasanton, CA, provide these treatments with the highest level of care and precision, ensuring a comfortable experience and results you can rely on. Restoring damaged or missing teeth, crowns, and bridges helps improve not only your smile but also your quality of life.

Restore the strength and beauty of your smile with crowns and bridges at Infinite Smile Dental! Contact Dr. Kimberly G. Kau today at 5924 Stoneridge Dr. #209A, Pleasanton, CA, and get a durable, natural-looking solution for damaged or missing teeth.