Crowns, Bridges and Onlays

What is a Crown?

A crown, also known as a cap, is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface, restoring it to its original shape and size. A crown protects and strengthens tooth structure that cannot be restored with fillings or other types of restorations. They are highly durable and will last many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced.

Crowns are needed for: 

• Broken teeth 

• Teeth with fractured fillings 

• Teeth with extensive decay

• Teeth that have had root canal therapy

• Teeth that have too large of filling

• Implant restoration

• Certain cosmetic reasons

What is a Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed (non-removable) appliance that is an excellent way to replace missing teeth. A dental bridge is a false tooth or set of teeth, which is fused between two porcelain crowns to fill in the area left by a missing tooth or teeth. A bridge is one of a few options for replacing missing teeth!

What is an Onlay?

Like a crown, an onlay is used when a tooth is too damaged or decayed for a filling or other procedure. It’s similar to a crown, in that it covers and protects the tooth surface. But where a crown covers the entire tooth, the onlay covers only the cusps and biting surface. An onlay is sometimes also referred to as a partial crown. Onlays are a conservative alternative to crowns because good tooth structure is preserved!

Implants

About Dental Implants

A dental implant is a small titanium screw that simulates the function of your natural tooth root. This screw can then hold into place a permanent restoration, such as a dental crown, to replace one missing tooth, or a dental bridge to replace multiple missing teeth. A dental implant can also better secure dentures or partial dentures and reduce gum irritation and stabilize the bite.

Once the implant is placed into your jawbone, your surrounding tissue and bone naturally grow around it to hold the implant in place. This makes the restoration extremely durable. If properly maintained, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Tooth-Colored Composites

Dental bonding involves the use of a composite resin that is matched exactly to the shape and color of your natural tooth.

The surface of your tooth will be roughened and the tooth-colored, putty-like resin is then applied, molded, and smoothed to the desired shape. An ultraviolet light or laser is then used to harden the material. By correcting imperfections, dental bonding quickly and effectively beautifies your smile and maintains the tooth’s strength. Tooth-colored composites can also be used to fix teeth that have cavities.

Teeth Cleanings and Prevention

One way to maintain a healthy smile is to schedule regular cleanings with your dentist and hygienist.

Regular brushing helps to remove plaque from your teeth and limit bacteria, but regular dental cleanings remove the plaque and tartar that brushing can’t.Regular brushing and scheduled visits with your hygienist will help prevent gingivitis and other periodontal diseases that cause cratering and loss of bone around the teeth.

Sleep Apnea and Snoring Treatment

Obstructive sleep apnea and snoring are both breathing disorders that occur during sleep.

When you’re sleeping, upper airway muscles relax, causing the opening of the airway to shrink and inhibit breathing. Those with sleep apnea experience interruptions in breathing that usually last between 10 to 20 seconds each, even up to one minute, often occurring up to hundreds of times each night.

We all know how annoying and disruptive snoring can be.

The loud noise heard by others when you snore is created by the partial closure of the airway and is often a symptom of sleep apnea. Unfortunately, snoring does much more than create a disturbance for your bed partner’s sleep. Consistent, loud, heavy snoring has been linked to medical disorders such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and acid reflux.Although sleep apnea and snoring are often linked, it’s extremely important to understand that sleep apnea can occur even for those who don’t snore.

Sleep apnea can be treated successfully without surgery by wearing an oral sleep appliance.

This acrylic device is similar to an athletic mouthguard, but is worn while you sleep and helps your lower jaw from falling back and obstructing the airway. Although many over-the-counter items are sold to prevent snoring, such one-size-fits-all devices, they are known to cause jaw pain, tooth damage, and even temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Patients who try these solutions often find that they cannot tolerate them throughout the night.

The sleep appliances used at Dentistry by Design are custom-designed and fitted for your unique needs. They help to reposition your tongue and gently slope your jaw to open your airway, providing unobstructed oxygen flow.