Dental Crowns and Bridges
What are Crowns and Bridges?
Dental crowns and bridges are excellent options for replacing missing or severely damaged teeth. At Blue Ridge Dental, we are committed to ensuring that our crowns and bridges blend flawlessly with your smile, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality for chewing and speaking. We use high-quality materials to ensure the longevity and performance of our restorations. With proper care, including regular dental checkups and daily brushing and flossing, our crowns and bridges can last over 20 years.
Our dedicated team makes sure that your dental crowns and bridges not only look like your natural teeth but also function effectively. The procedure typically requires at least two visits to our office. During your first visit, we will take impressions of your teeth to send to a lab. Once your custom crown or bridge is prepared, you’ll return for a fitting, ensuring a perfect integration of your new dental restoration into your smile.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are great for situations where a tooth has a large filling surpassing the amount of natural tooth structure, has undergone root canal therapy, or for aesthetic improvements.
The primary use of dental crowns is to cover a compromised tooth, effectively capping the existing structure to restore its functionality. Additionally, crowns can be affixed to dental implants to replace missing teeth. In such cases, the implants are surgically placed into the jawbone to act as a root, anchoring the crown firmly in place.
Dental crowns also play a crucial role in supporting dental bridges. They require no special maintenance and can be cared for just like natural teeth, with regular brushing and flossing.
What is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are frequently employed when a patient has one or more missing teeth. They are termed “bridges” because they contain one or more prosthetic teeth that span the space left by the missing original teeth. Bridges can be anchored either by abutment crowns at each end or through permanently affixed precision metal mechanisms. At Capital Dental, we tailor each element of the dental bridge to ensure it appears natural and performs as expected. With proper maintenance, a dental bridge can remain functional for more than 10 years.
What is a Dental Bridge?
To accurately capture the impression needed for your permanent dental crown, your dentist will need to shape the underlying tooth structure. This shaping can leave the tooth temporarily exposed and vulnerable between the time the impression is made and when the crown is delivered. To protect your tooth during this period, your dentist will fit a temporary crown.
At your follow-up appointment, the temporary crown will be removed and your permanent crown or bridge will be securely attached to the prepared tooth base.
Do you have questions about Invisalign?
We are happy to discuss questions you may have about Invisalign or other orthodontic procedures.