Bridging the gap...
We don't mean the generation gap! Do you have an unsightly gap in your mouth? Are you embarrassed or worried about it might be doing to the rest of your teeth?
If you have a missing or fractured tooth, you may need a bridge or a crown. Left untreated, this can cause gum disease or the surrounding teeth to become misaligned.
Find the difference
How do I know which treatment I need?
You need a dentist trained in cosmetic procedures to evaluate what kind of treatment you need.
Dr. Westman, Racine dentist, will walk you through the options. He believes it is important for each and every one of his patients to understand what the treatment is and what other options are available.
Call Dr. Westman today for a consultation.
What is a crown?
Crowns are also referred to as caps. They are custom-made restorations to repair and strengthen teeth that are fractured, have a large cavity or old filling that is failing, or have had a root canal. A crown completely covers the tooth.
Crowns can also be used for cosmetic or aesthetic purposes to cover a tooth that is discoloured or misshapen.
Dr. Westman uses caps fabricated from all-porcelain for strength, endurance and appearance.
What's the procedure for getting a crown?
Dr. Westman uses CEREC for crowns. You only need one visit for your all-porcelain restorations.
CEREC is a high tech computer assisted milling machine (CAD-CAM) used to make precision-fit ceramic inlays, onlays, veneers and crowns that are extremely durable and natural looking.
We use CEREC's built-in camera to take a three-dimentional photo image of the damaged tooth. Using this image, CEREC's Computer Assisted Design (CAD) function takes over and designs a precision restoration. CEREC's Computer Assisted Manufacture (CAM) function creates the finished restoration from a block of high strength porcelain that reflects light just like real teeth.
The procedure is finished by bonding the restoration into position on the tooth. That’s it! We're done! No messy impressions, no wearing a temporary while waiting for lab work, no second visit! This is dentistry the way it should be: fast, efficient, durable and natural looking.
Will it look natural?
A crown or cap will look like your own teeth. AND just like your own teeth, it requires everyday care; you need to regularly floss and brush your crowns.
This sounds expensive? How am I going to afford it?
We know it's important to you to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. Dr. Westman helps his patients find affordable solutions for their dental treatments. No matter what your budget is, we know you want to take care of your health.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is a replacement for one or more missing teeth. A bridge is attached to your natural teeth or implants at both ends of the space. It reduces the risk of gum disease, helps correct bite problems and improves speech; bridges are a better option for missing teeth than removable partial dentures.
Dr. Westman works with high-strength porcelain to make bridges instead of metal for a more natural looking and attractive bridge.
