Many people are aware of the differences between amalgam and composite fillings, but a crown is a crown... right?

In fact not all crowns are created equally and there can be a wide variation in the composition of crowns. Typically a porcelain crown is composed of a porcelain cap that is bonded to a layer of high noble metal. There is a lot of pressure these days to outsource lab work such as crown construction to overseas locations where costs are lower. But at Family First Dentistry of Anchorage we only work with reputable local labs in order to ensure that nothing but the highest quality material goes into your mouth.

We can make all-porcelain crowns which do not have a metal base and therefore don't show a line of metal at the gums. An all-porcelain crown maintains the beautiful translucency of a natural tooth.

We also make all-gold crowns. All-gold crowns are durable, adapt tightly to the tooth, are well tolerated by the gums and other tissues in the mouth, and generally do not tend to wear the tooth they bite against.

Talk with your dentist about what type of crown is best for you.

Bridges

When it's not possible to preserve enough of the original tooth to place a crown then the tooth is removed. There are several options for this situation including a bridge. A bridge is sort of a floating crown that is anchored to the two adjoining teeth.

There are several types of bridges including conventional fixed bridges, cantilevered bridges and resin bonded bridges.

With the first two types, the adjoining teeth are prepared to receive crowns. A porcelain tooth is placed between the crowns and permanently joined. Resin bonded bridges require less alteration of the adjacent teeth and are most commonly used in front teeth. Your dentist will discuss the best type of bridge for you.

Crowns and bridges are available in all porcelain, porcelain over gold or all gold. Your dentist will discuss these options with you to determine what's best for you.