When a tooth is badly damaged or simply missing, the look, integrity and health of the smile suffer. Damaged teeth and gaps have many aesthetic and functional consequences. That is why it is important to restore or replace them, as needed.
To do so, the dentists at Clinique dentaire Saint-Étienne offer quality crowns and bridges, made the traditional way or with CEREC technology.
Dental crowns: when and why?
A dental crown is a small hollow porcelain prosthesis placed over a natural tooth that is badly damaged and weakened but whose root is still viable. This can be due to wear, past diseases and treatments (deep cavity, root canal, etc.) and certain habits (bruxism, poor hygiene, etc.). The crown strengthens the tooth, which prevents several consequences:
- Ongoing weakening leading to the loss or removal of the tooth;
- Difficulty chewing certain foods;
- An uneven, less attractive smile;
- Undue wear of the opposing tooth;
- A higher risk of bacterial infiltration.
What makes a bridge different?
A bridge, or fixed bridge, is a tooth replacement used to fill a gap (single or double) between two teeth.
Made of porcelain combined with biocompatible metal, it has two main parts: the pontic (the replacement tooth or teeth) and the abutments (the neighbouring teeth to which it is attached with crowns). For stability, as with a single crown, part of the natural structure of the abutment teeth must be removed. Since this is done at a first appointment and the permanent bridge is placed at a second one, a temporary bridge protects the teeth in between.
CEREC: quality restorations, fast
Advanced technology
At Clinique dentaire Saint-Étienne, we have CEREC technology, which produces porcelain crowns and inlays in a single appointment. This is possible thanks to high-performance design software and a robotic milling unit that carves the restoration in a few minutes!
A simpler process
Since every step (assessment, design and fabrication, adjustment and placement) happens on the same day, no temporary crown is needed. We also use scans and 3D X-rays to model the piece, so there are no unpleasant traditional impressions.
A natural, durable result
CEREC crowns and inlays are made from high-strength porcelain blocks available in many shades, so the restoration blends in with your natural teeth. The result is also durable: the crown stays in place for years, even decades!