With cosmetic dentistry, there are several ways that patients can improve their smile. Paired with general dentistry and sedation dentistry, Dr. Mungcal of Downtown Dental is well equipped to handle patients of all ages with a variety of dental concerns. Thanks to advances in dental technologies, patients can make changes to their smile that was once thought impossible.
Two common restorations used in general and cosmetic dentistry are crowns and bridges. While they are often talked about together, they are not exactly the same restoration. There are also different types of crowns and bridges. Los Angeles patients can use crowns to protect their teeth, and bridges to restore missing natural teeth.
Crowns are made of either porcelain or metal, and are bonded over the top of a tooth that is weak or damaged. Patients who have chipped or cracked teeth will benefit from the placement of dental crowns. Patients who have undergone root canals may also require dental crowns, as root canal therapy can leave teeth weak and brittle due to the removal of the dental pulp. Metal crowns are placed for strength and affordability, while porcelain crowns are placed for more of an aesthetic touch. Patients can discuss with their dentist which type of crown is right for them.
Bridges are restorations that patients use to replace missing teeth. The gap left behind from a missing tooth needs to be addressed to avoid the shifting of adjacent teeth. Bridges use the two surrounding teeth to hold up the false tooth, called the pontic, above the gum line to act as a replacement. The bridge is supported by two crowns that are fused to the pontic and bonded to the top of the surrounding teeth. This requires that Dr. Mungcal remove a small portion of the enamel from the adjacent teeth to properly bond the crowns over the top and keep the bridge in place. Bridges are most often made with porcelain to blend with the patient’s smile cosmetically.
Dr. Mungcal of Downtown Dental is committed to providing quality restorations for patients looking to undergo cosmetic dentistry in his practice. Calling the practice today to schedule your consultation appointment is the first step you can take towards a more beautiful, stunning smile!
