A confident smile can make all the difference in your personal and professional life. Missing or damaged teeth can significantly impact not only your appearance but also your oral health and overall well-being. At Spokane Family Dental, we specialize in restorative dentistry solutions like crowns and bridges to help you regain your smile and confidence. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how our expert team can restore function and aesthetics to your teeth using these effective treatments.
Understanding Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are prosthetic devices that are cemented onto existing teeth or implants by a dentist or prosthodontist. They are used to restore damaged teeth or replace missing ones, improving both the functionality and appearance of your teeth.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown, often referred to as a “cap,” is a tooth-shaped cover placed over a damaged or decayed tooth. Crowns are designed to restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. They fully encase the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line.
When Are Crowns Needed?
- Severe Tooth Decay: When a tooth is too damaged for a filling.
- Broken or Fractured Teeth: To restore the tooth’s structure.
- After Root Canal Therapy: To protect the weakened tooth.
- Cosmetic Enhancements: To improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth.
- Dental Implants: To act as the visible tooth over an implant.
At Spokane Family Dental, we offer high-quality crowns made from durable materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloys, ensuring a natural look and long-lasting results. Learn more about our crowns and bridges services.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge is made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap—these anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth—with a false tooth or teeth in between.
Types of Dental Bridges:
- Traditional Bridges: Involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic (false tooth) in between.
- Cantilever Bridges: Used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth.
- Maryland Bonded Bridges: Use a metal or porcelain framework to bond to the back of the adjacent teeth.
Bridges help restore your smile by filling in gaps, which also prevents remaining teeth from shifting out of position.
The Benefits of Crowns and Bridges
Restorative dental procedures like crowns and bridges offer numerous advantages that go beyond mere aesthetics.
Restored Functionality
- Improved Chewing and Speaking: Missing or damaged teeth can affect your ability to chew food properly and may alter your speech.
- Even Bite Distribution: Restorations help distribute the forces in your bite properly, reducing stress on other teeth.
Enhanced Appearance
- Natural Look: Modern crowns and bridges are made to match the color and translucency of your natural teeth.
- Boosted Confidence: A complete, healthy smile can significantly improve your self-esteem.
Preventive Measures
- Prevent Teeth Shifting: Filling gaps left by missing teeth prevents adjacent teeth from moving into empty spaces.
- Protection for Damaged Teeth: Crowns protect weakened teeth from further decay or fracture.
Long-lasting Solution
With proper care, crowns and bridges can last many years, making them a cost-effective solution for long-term oral health.
Why Choose Spokane Family Dental for Crowns and Bridges?
Experienced Dental Professionals
State-of-the-Art Technology
Personalized Patient Care
Convenient Location and Flexible Scheduling
Comprehensive Dental Services
The Crowns and Bridges Procedure at Spokane Family Dental
Initial Consultation
- Assessment: We’ll perform a thorough examination, including X-rays.
- Discussion: We’ll discuss your options and answer any questions you may have.
Preparation
- Tooth Shaping: The abutment teeth are reshaped to accommodate the crown or bridge.
- Impressions: We take precise molds of your teeth to create a custom fit.
Temporary Restoration
- Protection: A temporary crown or bridge is placed to protect your teeth until the permanent one is ready.
Placement of Permanent Restoration
- Fitting: We’ll ensure the crown or bridge fits perfectly.
- Cementing: The restoration is permanently cemented into place.
Follow-up Care
- Adjustments: We’ll make any necessary adjustments for comfort.
- Maintenance Advice: We’ll provide guidance on how to care for your new restoration.
Caring for Your Crowns and Bridges
- Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day and floss daily, especially around the crown or bridge.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Be cautious with hard or sticky foods that could damage your restoration.
- Regular Dental Visits: Schedule regular check-ups for professional cleaning and examination.
Transform Your Smile Today
For more information, visit our Crowns & Bridges page or contact our Spokane Valley Family Dental Office. Let Spokane Family Dental be your partner in achieving optimal dental health.
FAQs About Crowns & Bridge Services
A crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. A bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring onto neighboring teeth or implants, effectively “bridging” the gap.
With proper care and maintenance, crowns and bridges can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years or even longer. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for longevity.
The procedures are generally not painful. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, ensuring your comfort throughout the process. Some patients may experience mild sensitivity afterward, which usually subsides quickly.
Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Avoid hard or sticky foods that could damage your restoration. Regular dental visits for professional cleanings and check-ups are also important.