At Aventura Bright Smiles we provide all-ceramic dental crowns and bridges – that look and feel like your natural teeth. Contact us to schedule an appointment at our Aventura office.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap permanently cemented over a tooth – in order to restore its strength, shape and size. The crown will cover the visible portion of the tooth above and right at the gum line. Crowns are necessary to restore fractured teeth and ones with broken and unsightly fillings. Crowns may also be placed over dental implants.
The dentist usually requires two dental visits to complete a crown. First, the dentist prepares the tooth or implant for the crown. The dentist will then grind and shape the tooth so that the crown can be fitted properly. After that, the dentist makes an impression of tooth – which is then sent to a dental laboratory so that the crown can be fabricated. The dentist fits a temporary crown over the tooth, until the permanent crown is ready. During the second visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and permanently cement the finished permanent crown onto the tooth.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are used to permanently replace one or more missing teeth. Dental bridges are fixed, in that they are cemented on the prepared teeth.
Importance of Replacing the Missing Teeth
Replacing missing teeth will restore your ability to properly chew and speak in addition to the cosmetic improvement. Also, the space caused by missing teeth may allow the neighboring teeth to shift into that space. This shifting could cause a misalignment in your bite that can result in problems with your jaw. These shifted teeth are harder to clean, making them more susceptible to gum disease, decay or even additional tooth loss.
The Dental Bridge Treatment
It normally takes two or more visits for your dentist to complete a bridge. On your first visit the supporting teeth, which are typically the ones on either side of the missing teeth, are prepared. This is done to make room for the crowns that will cover the supporting teeth.
Next, an impression of the supporting teeth is made so a dental laboratory can customize the bridgework. A temporary dental bridge is inserted to protect the supporting teeth as well as the space between them.
On your second visit the permanent bridge is placed and adjusted for proper fit and function. If the fit of the bridge is satisfactory your dentist will proceed with permanently cementing the bridge into place.
Dental Bridge Post Treatment Expectations
After the successful completion of the bridge it is normal to feel some sensitivity for a short period of time.
Cleaning Your Dental Bridge
The longevity of your dental bridge depends in large part on the quality of the material in the bridge, as well as your oral hygiene, diet and the health of the supporting teeth and gums. Please ask your dentist for proper brushing and flossing techniques.
