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 to cover teeth after a root canal or for cosmetic reasons. A dental bridge is used to fill in gaps from missing teeth by attaching 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 process. No more dealing with gooey molds!
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Are you suffering from pain due to multiple missing teeth? End the discomfort and restore your smile with implant-retained bridges for a strong, natural look.
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Dental implants are a superior choice for replacing missing teeth compared to bridges. They offer a secure solution that can improve your bite, enhance 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 sent to the lab for fabrication. 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 natural appearance, comfortable fit, and durability.
Same-Day Crowns
Same-day crowns are made in the dental office using state-of-the-art 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 prepared to be fitted and attached by the dentist in a matter of minutes. This streamlined process usually only necessitates a single 1-2 hour appointment.
Traditional Bridges
Traditional dental bridges are made up of two crowns that are permanently attached to healthy teeth, called "abutment teeth," next to one or more missing teeth. False teeth, known as "pontics," are supported by a metal framework between these teeth to bridge the gap and restore your smile.
Cantilever Bridges
A cantilever bridge is a type of bridge that requires only one abutment tooth for support, unlike traditional fixed bridges that 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 procedure that does not require the removal of enamel or preparation of neighboring teeth. It consists of bonding a false tooth to adjacent teeth using a metal framework with "wings" that are attached to the back of the teeth with dental cement. This method can enhance your smile without the need for invasive treatments and is often used for front teeth.
Implant Bridges
Implant bridges provide a durable option for replacing several missing teeth by being firmly connected to dental implants, resulting in a natural look and feel. Unlike removable bridges, implant bridges remain secure and do not come loose, requiring only regular brushing and flossing for maintenance. Additionally, they offer a more affordable solution compared to replacing each missing tooth with a separate implant.
The Same-Day Crown Treatment Process
Preparation of Abutment Teeth
The first step your dentist will take is to clean and numb 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 securely attached to support your bridge for the long term.
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 protect and maintain your prepared teeth until your permanent bridge can be installed.
Bridge Check & Adjustment
After the completion of your permanent bridge, typically within a few weeks, you will be scheduled for a fitting at the office. Your dentist may need to make minor adjustments to ensure the bridge fits properly and is comfortable. If more extensive changes are needed, the bridge will be sent back to the lab for further refinement.
Permanent Placement
After confirming the proper fit of the bridge with your dentist, they will securely attach it to your abutment teeth using strong dental cement. This will not only enhance your smile but also improve your ability to bite with ease.