Can you explain what dental crowns and bridges are?
Dentists use dental crowns and bridges to protect and restore damaged teeth. When tooth decay is too severe for a filling, a dental crown is placed over the affected tooth. Crowns can also be used after a root canal or for cosmetic reasons. A dental bridge is used to fill gaps from missing teeth, connecting crowns to healthy teeth on each side with a false tooth filling the space.
DID YOU KNOW…
Dental crowns, also known as "caps," are used to cover and restore the existing tooth structure.
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CEREC Crowns
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Our 3D intraoral scanner eliminates the need for messy impressions by capturing digital images of your teeth, ensuring a clean and precise procedure. No more dealing with sticky molds!
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Are you experiencing pain due to missing teeth? Bid farewell to discomfort and restore your smile with implant-retained bridges for a strong, natural look.
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When comparing dental implants to bridges, dental implants are the superior choice for replacing missing teeth. They offer a secure solution that can enhance your bite, improve your overall health, and restore your smile.
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The Benefits of Same-Day Crowns
Lab-Made Crowns
Lab-made crowns are crafted by experienced technicians in specialized dental laboratories. Your dentist will take impressions, scans, and photographs of your teeth, which will be forwarded to the lab for manufacturing. These crowns are constructed using state-of-the-art techniques and high-quality ceramic and metal materials. Once finished, they will be returned to your dentist for installation. Lab-made crowns are renowned for their realistic appearance, comfortable fit, and durability.
Same-Day Crowns
Same-day crowns are made in the dental office using advanced CAD/CAM technology. A handheld digital scanner is utilized to scan the mouth and generate a 3D image on a computer. The dentist digitally designs the crown and sends the design to the milling unit, which carves the crown from ceramic or porcelain blocks. The crown is then fitted and attached by the dentist in a matter of minutes. This streamlined process usually only requires a single 1-2 hour appointment.
Traditional Bridges
Traditional dental bridges are made up of two crowns attached to healthy teeth, called "abutment teeth," next to one or more missing teeth. False teeth, or "pontics," are supported by a metal framework between these teeth to fill the gap and improve your smile.
Cantilever Bridges
A cantilever bridge is a type of dental bridge that requires only one abutment tooth for support, unlike traditional fixed bridges which need two. This involves trimming a single adjacent tooth next to the missing tooth and creating a bridge with a crown and artificial tooth. The crown is attached to the abutment tooth, while the artificial tooth fills the gap left by the missing tooth, restoring your smile.
Compared to traditional bridges, cantilever bridges are less invasive as only one tooth needs to be trimmed, and they are often more cost-effective. However, a healthy mouth is necessary for a cantilever bridge, and they are typically only suitable for use in certain areas of the mouth.
Maryland Bonded Bridges
A Maryland bridge is a conservative dental treatment where a false tooth is attached to nearby teeth using a metal framework with "wings" bonded to the back of the teeth with dental cement. This procedure can enhance your smile without removing enamel or preparing neighboring teeth, making it a common option for front teeth.
Implant Bridges
Implant bridges provide a durable option for replacing several missing teeth by anchoring to dental implants, giving a realistic look and feel. Unlike removable bridges, implant bridges are secure and do not shift, requiring only routine oral hygiene for maintenance. Additionally, they offer a more affordable option compared to getting separate implants for each missing tooth.
The Same-Day Crown Treatment Process
Preparation of Abutment Teeth
Your dentist will begin by cleaning and numbing your mouth. Next, they will carefully remove a thin layer of enamel from the two teeth adjacent to your missing tooth, known as the "abutment teeth." These teeth will serve as the foundation for your crowns, which will be attached to support your bridge for a long-term solution.
Impressions
After your abutment teeth are prepared, your dentist will create impressions of your teeth using dental putty and trays. These impressions will then be sent to a dental lab technician who will use them to make your dental bridge.
Temporary Bridge
Your dentist will place either a temporary resin bridge or two temporary dental crowns to protect your prepared abutment teeth, depending on your specific needs. These temporary solutions will safeguard and maintain your prepared teeth until your permanent bridge can be installed.
Bridge Check & Adjustment
After your permanent bridge is finished, typically in a few weeks, you will have an appointment for a fitting at the office. Your dentist may need to make minor adjustments to ensure the bridge fits properly and feels comfortable. If major changes are needed, the bridge will be sent back to the lab for further adjustments.
Permanent Placement
After your dentist verifies the correct fit of the bridge, they will firmly attach it to your abutment teeth using durable dental cement. This will not only enhance your smile but also improve your ability to bite comfortably.