Prosthodontics is a branch of dentistry dedicated to making replacements for lost or damaged teeth. Common prosthodontic treatments include dentures, dental implants, crowns, and bridges. After graduating from dental school, a prosthodontist receives an additional three years of training in their chosen field. A crown is used to cover the entire visible surface of a tooth above the gum line.
Made of metal, porcelain fused with metal, ceramic or even zirconium, the crowns are placed on top of a prepared tooth with the roots intact. Most commonly used after an endodontic procedure, they can also restore damage caused by trauma or tooth decay. Most dentists will take an impression of your tooth and send the information to a professional laboratory and create your personalized crown. With the rapid advancement of technology, some dental offices are now able to offer same-day crowns made directly in your office, so you don't have to wait two weeks for the lab to send the crown to the dentist.
Prosthodontics is the dental specialty that deals primarily with the restoration and replacement of lost or damaged teeth. Prosthodontists, sometimes referred to as the “smile architects,” are highly trained specialists with a unique understanding of all the elements that make up a beautiful, functional, and natural looking smile, not just teeth, but also gums, lips, and facial features. When it comes to planning and carrying out a large-scale smile makeover, a team of dental professionals is often needed; often, that team is led by a prosthodontist. The field of prosthodontics refers to all dental procedures that involve repairing or replacing teeth with prostheses.
This includes things like dental crowns %26, bridges, dentures, and even dental implants. Dental veneers and other bonded restorations fall under the category of cosmetic dentistry and are used to create bright white smiles with beautifully shaped teeth. Regardless of the cause of unattractive teeth, these types of restorations can resolve most or all problems, including severe tooth discoloration, chips, cracks, and wear and tear caused by uneven teeth. Crowns are a restoration used to improve the shape of the tooth or to strengthen a tooth.
Crowns are most commonly used for broken, worn out teeth, or teeth with parts destroyed by decay. Think of a crown as a “cap” attached to an existing tooth that completely covers the part of the tooth above the gum line. In effect, the crown becomes the new outer surface of the tooth. Crowns can be made of porcelain, metal, or both.
Porcelain crowns are most often preferred because they mimic the translucency of natural teeth and are very strong. Prosthodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association. Prosthodontics involves diagnosing, treating, and maintaining dental function, comfort, and appearance for patients with missing or damaged teeth.
