Crowns and Bridges - Bright Valley Dental

Crowns and Bridges

A dental crown is a restorative dentistry procedure where a tooth-colored covering, or “cap”, replaces the top part of a tooth when a restoration is needed. Each crown is custom-made, and has the look and feel of a natural tooth. The most common reason a crown might be recommended is a cracked tooth, though old fillings might also cause part of a tooth to break off.

We start the process by taking an initial impression of the tooth, as a precise measurement will ensure the crown fits comfortably in the mouth. From there, we remove a thin layer from the overall surface of the tooth, which will be replaced by the crown. We then take another impression before sending the impressions out to the lab. The lab will fabricate the appliance and send it back to us, at which point we can place the crown on the tooth using a cement material.

What Is a Dental Bridge and When Is One Recommended?

A dental bridge is a type of dental treatment that uses a false tooth attached to two surrounding dental crowns covering the adjacent teeth. Bridges are one solution to replacing missing teeth, especially if you’re looking for something that lasts longer and feels better than a removable appliance such as a denture.

What Can I Expect During the Dental Bridge Treatment Process?

We start the process by taking an initial impression of the missing tooth space, as well as of the adjacent teeth. From there, we remove layers from the overall surface of each adjacent tooth, which will be replaced by crowns. We then take another impression before sending the impressions out to the lab. The lab will fabricate the appliance and send it back to us, at which point we can place the bridge on each tooth using a cement material. The pontic, or false tooth, is attached to either tooth, and will occupy the missing tooth’s space.

How Can I Best Care for my Crown or Bridge?

Daily oral hygiene is incredibly important for the upkeep of your dental bridge, as plaque can accumulate easily along the gum line. Brushing twice daily and flossing once daily is necessary to maintain good dental health. Routine cleaning appointments should be scheduled every six months with us in order for the doctor to ensure the appliance is working as intended.

Benefits of Crowns and Bridges

Enhanced Aesthetics: Crowns and bridges are crafted to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, resulting in a seamless and natural-looking smile.
Improved Functionality: By restoring damaged or missing teeth, crowns and bridges contribute to better chewing and speaking abilities, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods and communicate with confidence.
Preservation of Oral Health: Crowns and bridges protect remaining teeth from shifting or becoming misaligned, promoting overall oral health and preventing issues like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Alternatives to Crowns and Bridges

While other restorative dentistry options exist, such as partial dentures or dental implants, crowns and bridges offer a reliable and versatile solution for various dental concerns. Our Elgin dentist team will assess your individual needs and recommend the most suitable treatment plan based on your oral health goals.

Why Choose Us?

Our commitment to your oral health includes:

A Thorough First Appointment – the first appointment is with the dentist in Elgin so he can really take the time to get to know you. He starts by reviewing your overall medical and dental history with you, assesses the X-rays that were taken, and discusses a treatment plan specific just for you. In many cases the doctor also does your cleaning, giving you more time to get to know each other better.
Experienced Dentist and staff: Our skilled and compassionate dental team is dedicated to providing top-notch care.
State-of-the-Art Technology: We utilize advanced technology for accurate diagnostics and effective treatments.
Patient-Centered Approach: Your comfort and well-being are our priorities.

Start your journey to a brighter smile

Our Elgin dentist so we can answer all of your questions about TMD/TMJ.

Crowns and Bridges - Bright Valley Dental