Discover the benefits of crowns and bridges from your Honolulu dentist!
Not sure if crowns and bridges are the right choice to correct your dental problems? Dr. Garrett Hayashi, your Honolulu, HI dentist, 
shares a few reasons you should consider crowns and bridges.
You're concerned about a fragile tooth
Chips or cracks in a tooth may seem like nothing to worry about, but any break in the surface of your tooth can cause problems. Bacteria can enter through those openings and cause decay, or the tooth may break unexpectedly when you gnaw on a carrot or bite into a pretzel. Crowns protect fragile teeth by encasing them in a tooth-shaped porcelain, ceramic, resin or porcelain-fused-to-metal shell.
A tooth broke
Once a tooth breaks, you have two choices: extract it or restore it with a crown. If the damage is severe, extraction is the only option, but in many cases, crowns can restore the function of your tooth. Your new crown will not only improve your appearance, but also make it easier to bite into your favorite foods.
Your tooth is too short
Your teeth work together when you chew foods. If one tooth is a little, or a lot, shorter, it can affect your bite, which can cause uneven wear, jaw pain and headaches. Restoring the short tooth with a crown is a simple way to handle the problem.
One or more teeth are unattractive
Society values a bright, uniform smile, but unfortunately our teeth don't always cooperate. If you have a few teeth that are oddly shaped or discolored, crowns can conceal the problem and improve your smile.
You lost a tooth
Missing teeth affect your appearance, your bite and your ability to chew. Bridges, which are constructed with two or more crowns supporting one or more artificial teeth in the center, are an excellent tooth replacement option.
You recently received a dental implant
Although implants replace the roots of a tooth, you still need to replace the part of your tooth that's visible above the gum line. Crowns attach to the implant, which provides a stable foundation for biting and chewing.
Crowns and bridges can strengthen and revitalize your smile! Call Dr. Hayashi, your Honolulu, HI dentist, at (808) 536-5090 to schedule an appointment to learn more about crowns and bridges.