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717-960-9969
403 North Hanover St. Carlisle, PA 17013
(Parking down Kerrs Avenue in fenced lot)
Walk-Ins Welcome
Dental crowns & bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are two of the most common treatments for replacing and restoring missing or damaged teeth. During your initial consultation at Smile Rite II in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, our dentist will carefully examine your mouth to determine if these treatments are good options for you.
Crowns
A crown is a tooth shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth to cover a completely damaged or broken tooth. Crowns are usually recommended to improve a tooth’s appearance, shape or alignment, but they also strengthen the tooth. When cemented into place, crowns fully encase the entire visible portion of the tooth that lies on and above the gum line. Crowns can be made of porcelain, acrylic, metal alloys or porcelain fused to metal. Those made of porcelain and acrylic can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. A crown can also be placed on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for function.
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In which cases might a crown be necessary?
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To protect a weak tooth (e.g. compromised by decay) from breaking
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To hold together parts of a cracked tooth
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To restore an already broken tooth that has been severely worn down
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To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t a lot of tooth material left
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To hold a dental bridge in place
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To cover a misshapen or severely discolored tooth
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To cover a dental implant
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To make a cosmetic modification
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To cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment
Bridges
Dental bridges are made up of two or more crowns. These are attached on either side of a gap created by one or more missing teeth. (These “anchoring” teeth are called abutment teeth). A single tooth or multiple false teeth may be used to fill the gap. These false teeth are called pontics and can be made from alloys, porcelain or a combination of these materials. Dental bridges can either be supported by natural teeth or by implants.
Benefits of dental bridges
Bridges can:
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Restore your smile.
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Restore the ability to properly chew and speak.
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Maintain the shape of your face.
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Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth.
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Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
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The longevity of your crown or bridge depends on practicing good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing your teeth. Additionally, Dr. K. Randy Martin recommends visiting our dentist and hygienists regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings.