Dental Crowns and Bridges

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are prosthetic devices that fully cover or 'cap' damaged teeth. They not only strengthen a damaged tooth but can also improve its shape, appearance, and alignment. They can be made out of three different materials: gold, porcelain, or a mix of porcelain and metal. Most of our patients in the Lansing area get dental crowns for one of the following medical or aesthetic reasons:

• To protect a weak or damaged tooth from fracturing or becoming more damaged with use
• To replace a large filling when there isn't enough tooth remaining to work with
• To attach a bridge
• To cover a dental implant, a discolored tooth, or a tooth that has undergone a root canal
• Restore your smile
• Restore your ability to properly chew and speak
• Maintain the shape of your face
• Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
• Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position

Depending on the tooth's location and level of damage, one of our experienced cosmetic dentists, Drs. DiStefano or Nguyen, will make a recommendation as to what type of material should be used for your tooth crown(s).

The process for installing dental crowns is the same regardless of the materials used. It entails cutting the natural tooth down slightly and then creating a custom-fit crown developed using a mold of your teeth. Once the prosthetic has been created, it is attached to your teeth with dental cement that is also custom-colored to match the appearance and sheen of your natural teeth. The whole process usually takes 2-3 appointments.

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Bridges

Dental bridges can be supported by either natural teeth or implants. When supported by natural teeth, it is made up of two crowns, one over the teeth on either side of the gap, and a false tooth (or several false teeth) in between. The two anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth and the false tooth is called a pontic. It can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials.

Types of Dental Bridges

• Traditional Bridges consist of a false tooth in between two real teeth. They are usually made of metal covered in porcelain, but can also be made of gold.
• Cantilever bridges are utilized when there is only one tooth next to the missing tooth.
• Maryland Bridges are constructed of plastic teeth with metal supports like metal wings on either side, which stabilize it. The wings are bonded to adjacent teeth.

How is a Bridge Placed?

Once your dentist determines that you would benefit from having a bridge, your first appointment is scheduled. In this first appointment, the dentist prepares the opposing teeth by recontouring them so that crowns will fit over them. Impressions are then taken of the area, which are sent to the dental lab. Your dentist will secure a temporary bridge to protect the teeth, until your permanent bridge is ready to be placed.

In your second appointment, the dentist will place your permanent bridge, checking the fit and adjusting it accordingly. On some occasions, he or she will first cement the permanent bridge with temporary cement. Then, when both you and the dentist are satisfied that it fits properly, your dentist will cement it permanently.

How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?

Usually a dental bridge will last between five and seven years, or longer with proper dental hygiene, even longer than ten years.

Is Eating With a Dental Bridge Difficult?

After your permanent dental bridge is placed, eating will become much easier. You may have to cut your food into smaller pieces for a short period of time. After you adjust to having a bridge, you will experience the full benefits of having more teeth.

Will the Dental Bridge Change How I Speak?

Speaking is rarely affected when a dental bridge is placed. You may feel a bit awkward at first, but after this transition period you should hardly notice that it is there.

How Do I Care for My Bridge?

Oral homecare is very important in maintaining the health of your dental bridge. Your dentist or dental hygienist will instruct you in how to floss underneath it and brush and floss around it. This hygiene foundation will facilitate the longevity of your dental crown.

• Brush your teeth three times a day with an electric toothbrush.
• Floss daily and never forget to thread floss underneath the dental bridge.
• If any large debris has lodged itself there, use a water pik to loosen it.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash once a day.

The better your oral homecare, the longer your bridge will remain healthy, steady, and secure.

" The dental procedures we specialize in enhance our
patients' look and their quality of life! "

If you think your smile would benefit from dental crowns and bridges, contact us today to schedule an initial consultation. These procedures produce wonderful results in a relatively short time and have helped a countless number of our patients in the Lansing, Michigan area find their smiles again!