Whether you have a missing tooth or your tooth is damaged or discolored, crowns and bridges can restore your smile and your ability to bite and chew normally. Your Batavia, IL dentist, Dr. John C. Koechley, explains how crowns and bridges can help you.

Crowns offer a versatile solution

A crown slips over your tooth after your dentist files it down slightly. They're made of durable materials, such as porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, ceramic, resin or gold. Crowns are a good choice if you have:

• A cracked or chipped tooth: Crowns provide the stability your teeth needs to prevent breaking.
• Broken tooth: If your tooth has already broken, a crown will prevent further damage.
• Large fillings or a root canal: Large fillings and root canals can weaken your teeth. Adding a crown protects and strengthens the tooth.
• Appearance issues: Crowns are a good choice if one tooth is discolored, eroded or oddly shaped.

Bridges are an excellent solution to tooth loss

Bridges are used to "bridge" the gap when you have a missing tooth. They consist of one or more false teeth, called pontics, anchored by crowns on either side. Your missing tooth helped keep the surrounding teeth in line. Without that tooth, nearby teeth will begin to shift in an attempt to fill the opening. They may overlap as they drift, which can make it difficult to remove cavity-causing plaque. When you replace your missing tooth with a bridge, your other teeth won't be affected.

Getting a crown or bridge only takes two visits to your Batavia dentist

During your first visit, your dentist will file down the teeth that will be covered by the crowns. This step is necessary to ensure that the crown or crown portion of a bridge slides over your teeth easily. He'll also use dental putty to make an impression of your teeth, which will be sent to the dental laboratory that will make your custom crown or bridges. In a week or two, you'll return to your dentist's office and receive your new crowns or bridge. After your dentist checks the fit, he'll permanently attach them with dental cement.

Are you interested in learning if crowns and bridges are the ideal solution for your problem? Call your Batavia, IL dentist, Dr. John C. Koechley, at (630) 406-9441 and schedule an appointment. Restore your smile with crowns and bridges!