COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Crowns, Bridges & Veneers

Crowns:

When the structural integrity of a tooth has been weakened by decay, cracks, old fillings or a previous root canal, we might recommend a crown, or “cap”.

Crowns address aesthetic needs, restore tooth function, and enhance the overall health of your mouth. In cases where teeth have large broken down fillings, a crown can protect and preserve the remaining natural tooth. To enhance your smile a metal-free, tooth colored crown can also replace an older metal/porcelain crown. Following root canal therapy, a crown is typically placed over the remaining tooth structure to preserve aesthetic and tooth function.

bridges:

Bridges are used to fill the space created by a missing tooth. It is formed to look like the missing tooth, and it takes its place in the mouth. The sides of a bridge use the two surrounding teeth for support. A bridge replaces the missing tooth, both functionally and cosmetically. Bridge work is as much an art as it is an exact science. The materials used may be gold alloys, porcelain bonded to metal alloy, or all ceramic material. The choice of material depends on requirements for strength, wear, and/or esthetics.

It is important that a missing tooth be replaced as soon as possible for several reasons. If not treated the teeth surrounding the gap begin to shift inward. Teeth use their neighbors for support, and with one missing they start to “fall.” The bite changes in response to the pressure. This can eventually result in problems with the entire jaw. The surrounding teeth can also deteriorate and it is just a matter of time before they are lost. Gum disease can also becomes a serious problem, with the difficulty of treatment increasing as the neglect continues.

Veneers:

Want to know the movie stars' secret for straight, stunning smiles?

Porcelain veneers have helped Hollywood's finest achieve beautiful smiles quickly and discreetly...And you can enjoy the benefits too!

To craft brilliant customized smile designs, we use porcelain veneers to instantly reshape teeth, close gaps and spaces, correct alignment and permanently whiten your smile.

Porcelain veneers are durable, thin ,translucent shells of porcelain, artistically crafted to bond onto the front of teeth to create a beautiful and attractive smile and can often be an alternative to crowns or other restorative procedures.

Laguna Beach Cosmetic Dentistry