Rebuild a Beautiful, Functional Smile
Your teeth are designed to last for a lifetime, but they aren’t indestructible. Over the years, your teeth can be damaged, or they may even fall out. A dental crown and bridge are two of the longest used and most dependable restorative solutions at Valley View Dental. Our St. Peter dentist, Dr. Jennifer Miller, offers dental restorations that look, feel, and function just like your healthy, natural smile. Our crowns and bridges are crafted from high-quality materials to look and feel natural.
What is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns fit completely over the top of a damaged or decayed tooth. They provide an added layer of protection while also restoring its health and function. Now, they can be made from several types of materials, including ceramic. As a result, they are also used in cosmetic dentistry to improve the appearance of a flawed tooth.
No matter the reason for your crown, it takes 2 appointments to get your restoration. During your first appointment, your tooth is reshaped to allow the crown to be fitted over it. An impression is taken to get the specifications necessary for the lab to craft your crown. This can take a couple of weeks, so a temporary one is placed in the meantime. After your final restoration is ready, you return to our office to have it bonded to your tooth.
When is a Dental Crown Necessary?
Dental crowns are versatile. They can be used to treat several issues; however, they are only recommended when there aren’t any other treatment options because you must permanently alter your tooth. A dental crown may be a suitable option for you if:
- You have a weakened tooth at risk of breaking.
- Your tooth has a break or fracture.
- You had a root canal.
- Along with a dental bridge.
- You have a dental implant.
- You have an abnormally shaped tooth.
- You have a tooth with cosmetic imperfections, like severe discoloration.
What is a Dental Bridge?
Fixed bridges act like a bridge over roads or rivers, but a dental one closes the gap left when patients lose a tooth or a few consecutive teeth. A replacement tooth fuses to dental crowns on both sides. The crowns are attached to healthy teeth for support, bridging the gap in your smile and completely renewing damaged dental structures. Fixed bridges are crafted from the same quality materials we use to create crowns.
How Should I Care for My Dental Crown & Bridge?
To ensure your new restorations last for many years, you may need to switch to a soft or ultra-soft bristled toothbrush. Our team also recommends a minimally abrasive toothpaste. If you’ve received a fixed bridge, you’ll need to use a special flossing tool to clean between the replacement tooth and the gum line. These are the same flossers recommended for patients with braces to clean beneath the wires. They have hard points on one end, so you can easily insert the floss beneath your restoration.
Rebuild Your Smile Today!
If you have damaged or missing teeth, Dr. Miller can help. Contact our office today to see if a crown or dental bridge is right for you.