Using dental crowns and bridges to restore the smile
Dr. Blanca Fernandez of South Lakeland, Florida, utilizes dental crowns and bridges to restore and repair smiles beautifully. Dental crowns are specifically designed to safeguard and strengthen deeply damaged or compromised teeth, while dental bridges function to replace one or more of one’s missing teeth. As a reputable dentist, Dr. Blanca Fernandez and her team are committed to ensuring you understand these two options and helping you to select the most appropriate solution for your specific dental needs and smile objectives.
How do dental crowns and fixed bridges work to restore the smile?
At Highland Dental Clinic, our team employs dental crowns and dental bridges to bring your smile back to its former glory. While they are both different in their functionality, both are instrumental in treating significant tooth damage or loss.
Dental crowns, sometimes referred to as porcelain crowns or “tooth caps,” have the ability to restore both the strength and function of the natural tooth. If a tooth has been treated with a filling due to decay, it could still be prone to damage if larger parts of the natural tooth structure have been removed in preparation of the fillings. In cases like this, placing a quality porcelain dental crown offers the necessary structure and strength needed to minimize the potential for any further damage. Crowns may also be used on teeth that have recently undergone root canal therapy or as part of the dental implant process of replacing a single missing tooth.
Dental bridges, on the other hand, offer a fixed and lasting solution to replace missing teeth. A dental bridge is fabricated with false teeth, known as pontics, that are fused together with a crown and fixed onto the adjacent teeth for support. These restorations can replicate one or several lost teeth using porcelain, which closely resembles the appearance of natural tooth enamel.
What are some of the benefits of dental crowns and bridges?
- These restorations can restore broken or missing teeth
- These restorations might eliminate the need for dental extractions
- These restorations use materials such as porcelain to ensure they look completely natural within the smile
- These restorations are affordable, and many patients can reduce their costs by applying their dental insurance benefits
How do I know which option is right for me?
Knowing the restoration that is appropriate for your specific needs starts with a consultation visit at Highland Dental Clinic. You can contact our office to speak to Dr. Blanca Fernandez and explore the many advantages of using these porcelain restorations for your smile restoration. Call our office today at (863) 457-1954 to book a visit to our conveniently located office. Our dental clinic welcomes both new and returning patients who are seeking comprehensive dental care for themselves or their families.
ACTUAL PATIENT BEFORE AFTER RESULTS
Titania
Patient came with 6-year-old temporary bridge broken in half. Advanced caries. “Dr. Fernandez, I am terrified of the dentist, I need help with my anxiety, and I want my teeth fixed please!”
Treatment: Preliminary picture, Study Modules and Wax up done. Treatment accepted.
Gingival tissues were treated and stabilized. Due to the advanced caries, Root Canal Therapy was needed and 6- unit ceramic crowns.
Patient Response: Patient was very happy and thankful for the “LIFE CHANGES”. “I can’t thank you enough Dr. Fernandez!”
Teresa
Patient came in with existing bridge broken. Bone loss and gingival inflammation. “Dr. Fernandez, my bridge is almost 20 yrs old and now it is mobile. Please help me!”
Treatment: Preliminary pictures, Study Modules and Wax up. Treatment plan accepted.
Gingival tissues were treated and stabilized. The existing bridge was sectioned, and extraction done #10. Healing for 3 weeks and ceramic bridge was delivered.
Patient Response: Patient was happy with her new teeth and new smile. “Thanks Dr. Fernandez, I was afraid to come to the dentist however, you helped and now I’m not afraid anymore. I love my smile. Thanks, again!”
John
Patient came into my office with advanced caries on upper anterior teeth. “Dr. Fernandez, I know my mouth is a mess, I am very nervous, and I would like you to fix my mouth.”
Treatment: Preliminary pictures, Study Modules and Wax Up. Treatment plan accepted.
Due to advanced decay at cervical level, gingival tissue was treated and stabilized, then diode laser therapy was done to reposition gingival tissues and have a sound enamel to proceed. Root Canal Therapy was necessary on anterior front teeth. Post and buildups were done, and 6 anterior ceramic crowns were done.
Patient Response: Patient was speechless with the results. “Thanks, Dr. Fernandez, you restored my smile and my confidence!”
Cindy
The patient came into the office with a broken upper incisor after misuse of her teeth. “Dr. Fernandez, see what happened to my teeth. Please fix them. I am nervous but I know with your help I will overcome the fear.”
Treatment: Pictures, Study Models and Wax Up, Treatment Accepted.
Sectioning existing crowns #7 & #10. A long-term temporary bridge was placed. After gingival tissues were treated and stabilized, a six-unit ceramic bruxer bridge was delivered.
Patient Response: Patient was happy and grateful for having “a beautiful smile. Thanks Dr. F”
Angel
Patient came into my office with a coronal fracture of #7, unrestorable. “Dr. Fernandez, I am going on a cruise in 2 days, please do something on my front tooth.”
Treatment: Preliminary pictures, study modules and wax up. Treatment plan accepted.
Extraction of #7. Long term temporary bridge and 3 weeks after healing a 3-unit ceramic bridge was delivered.
Patient Response: Patient was very thankful. “Thank you for my new smile.”
Agnes
Patient came into my office with broken crown #9. “Dr. Fernandez, please help me. I have a graduation ceremony, and I can’t go like this! I am super nervous, you know me!”
Treatment: Preliminary pictures, Study Modules and Wax up. Treatment plan accepted.
Post and build up on #9, PFM X 5-unit bridge from #9-#13. After gingival tissue was treated and stabilized, a 5-unit ceramic bridge was done and delivered.
Patient Response: Patient was happy not having to wear a partial anymore. Her appearance and smile are amazing!
Maria
Before – “I don’t like the space, shade of my front teeth. Please fix my smile”
After – Full mouth reconstruction aesthetic case, smile design was done. Happy and grateful. “My smile changed 100%, I absolutely love it. Thank you, Dr. Fernandez.”
FAQs
When might I need a dental crown?
Dental crowns are a common restoration used by dentists to restore a tooth that might have damage from decay or trauma.
Some of the more common situations in which a dental crown might be recommended include the following:
- A large area of decay that is filled but affects the structure and integrity of the tooth
- Teeth which have recently undergone endodontic, or root canal, therapy and are weakened
- To fuse to false teeth referred to as pontics to create a custom dental bridge
- To cover teeth with large cracks or chips
Dr. Blanca Fernandez and her team at Highland Dental Clinic can evaluate you and determine whether your smile could benefit from one or more crowns.
What are the benefits of using a dental crown?
Dental crowns have many advantages. They are fabricated from porcelain or ceramic to ensure they look natural when put in place. They are strong, durable, and easy to care for. Most patients will find that their dental crown will last many years with proper attention and routine evaluations at Highland Dental Clinic.
What can I expect from the process of obtaining a dental crown?
The process of obtaining a dental crown starts with a consultation and evaluation appointment to determine if it is a suitable solution for the patient and their unique needs. Then, preparations begin. The tooth is numbed, and the outside structure is filed down. Impressions are taken afterward to create molds of the current tooth.
A temporary is put in place, and the impressions are sent to an outside laboratory where a skilled ceramist will fabricate the final restoration based on Dr. Blanca Fernandez’s instructions. Patients return to the office when the crown fabrication is complete to have the temporary one removed and the permanent one bonded in place.
Will my dental crown look natural?
Because Dr. Blanca Fernandez uses an experienced ceramist to fabricate dental crowns, patients can rest easy knowing their restorations will look, function, and feel great! She always recommends using materials that mimic the look of natural tooth enamel for the best results.
How do I take good care of my dental crown?
Taking care of your dental crown is easy. We recommend continuing to see our dental team at Highland Dental Clinic of South Lakeland, Florida, at least every six months for cleanings and evaluations. Brushing, flossing, and regular appointments are critical to the longevity of dental crowns.
Patients who care for their restorations will often enjoy them for many years before needing replacement. If the crown is loose or broken, call the dentist as soon as possible to have the crown bonded back or completely replaced.
How do dental bridges restore my smile after tooth loss?
Dental bridges are a reliable solution for patients who need to replace missing teeth. They use dental crowns fused to pontics to create a single restoration. The crowns rest over the adjacent teeth, using them for support, while the pontics rest on the gumline.
What material is used to create a dental bridge?
Dr. Blanca Fernandez and her team at Highland Dental Clinic will always focus on biocompatible and aesthetic materials to create dental restorations. Dental bridges are commonly made with materials like ceramic, zirconia, and porcelain.
How do I take care of my dental bridge?
Caring for a dental bridge is easy with routine care. Be mindful of brushing around the gumline and using floss to keep food particles from becoming trapped underneath. The teeth underneath the dental crowns are still susceptible to periodontal disease and tooth decay, so special attention to these areas is highly recommended.
How many teeth are replaceable using a dental bridge?
Dental bridges have the ability to replace one or several teeth in a row, depending on the patient’s unique situation. In some cases, patients may be able to have up to four teeth replaced with a single dental bridge. This includes four pontics and two dental crowns to complete.
What are some alternatives to dental bridges?
At Highland Dental Clinic, Dr. Blanca Fernandez is pleased to offer other solutions for patients to consider, including partial dentures, full dentures, implant-supported dentures, and dental implants.
