Restore Your Smile with Durable and Natural-looking Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges work together to restore the function and appearance of your smile. While they serve distinct purposes, they are used in conjunction to address gaps, damaged teeth, and other dental concerns. When expertly placed at Dr. Ban R. Barbat, dental bridges and crowns provide a seamless and cohesive solution. Rediscover your brand-new smile with high-quality dental crowns and bridges in Shelby Township, Michigan.
What are dental crowns and bridges?
A dental crown envelopes the entire visible portion of the tooth, which is why they are sometimes called “caps.” Dental crowns improve the tooth’s structural integrity, restoring it to its healthy state.
Dental crowns have several applications in dentistry. The dentist can use a dental crown to:
- Support a dental bridge
- Cover a dental implant
- Reinforce a severely damaged or decayed tooth
- Protect a tooth after a root canal
- Enhance a stubbornly discolored or misshapen tooth
- Replace a worn-out filling or onlay
Dental bridges are solely used to replace missing or failing teeth. They comprise one or more prosthetic teeth (pontic) anchored to healthy teeth on either side of the toothless gap. Dental bridges fill the gap to restore your functionality and appearance.
How do dental bridges and crowns work together?
Living with tooth loss can be difficult, but some patients might not want or are not candidates for implants. Dental bridges and crowns are a conservative way to replace missing teeth to improve oral health, appearance, and confidence.
Dental bridges come in several shapes and sizes. A Maryland-bonded bridge uses a porcelain or metal framework glued to the back of neighboring teeth. This bridge is ideal for front teeth because there isn’t constant pressure from chewing and grinding. You could also opt for an implant-supported bridge, which uses titanium implants to anchor your restoration in the jawbone.
Traditional bridges use dental crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap for optimal stability. Similar to implant bridges, traditional bridges are durable enough to replace molars and premolars. Each type of bridge meets specific needs based on the location, the health of adjacent teeth, and overall oral health. Dr. Barbat will recommend the best option for your unique situation.
How are dental bridges and crowns placed?
Both restorations need 2-3 dental appointments to place. The first visit is a consultation to determine your suitability for the procedure. Then, we’ll prepare your support teeth by reshaping the enamel to create space where your crown will attach. Next, we’ll digitally scan your teeth to provide our dental lab with a blueprint for fabricating your restorations. Until your bridge and crowns are ready, Dr. Barbat will temporarily restore your teeth to maintain their appearance and function.
When we receive your restorations, you’ll schedule another appointment for placement. Dr. Barbat first attaches the crowns and then positions your bridge to fill the gap left by the missing teeth. She ensures they align properly with your bite for comfortable chewing and speaking. Afterward, she will secure your restorations with durable adhesives.
Your bridge may feel a little awkward as your mouth adjusts to the new restoration. However, this typically subsides within a few days. After the adjustment period, you’ll chew, talk, and smile like you have 100% natural teeth. Since your bridge and crowns are fixed in your mouth, you’ll clean them like natural teeth. Ultimately, life with dental bridges and crowns remains undisrupted once your restorations settle in.
Do you need dental bridges?
Ready to reclaim your confident, functional smile with dental bridges and crowns in Shelby Township, Michigan? Call (586) 551-7255 to schedule an appointment with our Dr. Ban R. Barbat team for high-quality dental services.
