Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas provides crowns and bridges, which are useful for restoring and repairing teeth damaged and weakened by decay or to even restore beauty and functionality to a gap caused by a missing tooth.
When a tooth has been broken or damaged by extensive decay, a dental crown is often used to return shape, stability, and strength. Crowns are also used to restore teeth with old, unsightly metal fillings when there is very little natural tooth remaining. Dental crowns can be crafted from tooth-colored porcelain or using a metal base covered with porcelain, depending on the needs of the patient.
When a crown is recommended, Dr. Dunn will prepare the natural tooth by removing any decay or unstable structure. An impression or virtual scan is then taken and a temporary crown is made and adhered during the same visit. The final crown is custom made in a dental laboratory to fit perfectly over the prepared tooth. The durable new crown is adhered with a strong adhesive to bond it to the underlying tooth, restoring its strength, stability, and appearance.
When one or more teeth are missing, a dental bridge can be used to replace, or “bridge” the missing teeth, restoring the desire to smile and the ability to chew and speak clearly. A dental bridge consists of an artificial tooth or teeth joined to the surrounding teeth for support. Like a crown, a dental bridge can be made of metal, porcelain or a combination of these materials.
The procedure to place a dental bridge is similar to that of a crown. The teeth surrounding the gap are prepared and shaped, and an impression or virtual scan is taken. A temporary bridge is placed while the final restoration is custom crafted by the dental laboratory. Once placed upon the surrounding prepared teeth, the final dental bridge will provide stability and strength, restore the bite, and bring back a natural looking smile.
Bridges provide a more natural, comfortable, and longer-lasting alternative to partial dentures and can be used as a cost-effective substitute to dental implants.
It is important to maintain good dental habits at home and use a water-pik or bridge flosser to clean under the bridge. Combining good dental hygiene and regular dental check-ups is key to the longevity of a dental bridge.
Your new bridge is customized to the exact specifications of your smile. Before cementing to the underlying teeth or affixing it to the supporting implants, the shade, occlusion, and all aspects of its fit get carefully checked. In addition to being designed to blend seamlessly with your smile, it's also made to suit your bite and withstand all manner of oral function. We take great care to make sure your new restoration looks great, fits well, and that your bite feels comfortable.
Replacing missing teeth with a dental bridge is a worthwhile investment in the look, health, and function of your smile. While many dental insurances offer coverage for a dental bridge, and some toward the cost of implants, the benefits and amounts can vary significantly from plan to plan. At the office of Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, we understand the financial considerations involved in care and do all we can to help patients begin treatment without any additional stress or delay. In addition to doing our best to optimize your dental benefits, we also offer several payment and financing options. Feel free to contact our office if you have any questions on the cost of care, dental insurances, financing plans, or acceptable forms of payment.
Now that your new permanent crown or bridge is in place, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene. With proper care, your new restorations will last for years to come. Make sure to brush and floss as instructed. We'll show you how to floss under your dental bridge to keep your new smile clean and bright. Remember to make appointments for your routine checkups and professional cleanings.
The standard answer is that with routine dental visits and good home care, a bridge can last ten to fifteen years, and in many cases, much longer.
At the office of Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, we fabricate your bridge from the highest quality dental materials to achieve the most cosmetically pleasing and lifelike results of care. It's also customized to the exact specifications of your smile and designed for optimal aesthetics, strength, and stability. Once fabricated and cemented into place, you'll feel confident sharing your smile, speaking, and eating your favorite foods.
As your trusted partner in care, we analyze every aspect of your smile to develop a treatment plan that provides aesthetically pleasing, healthy, and long-lasting results of care.
For more information on dental bridges, or any services we provide, give us a call today.