Using dental crowns and bridges to restore the smile
Both dental crowns and bridges are used by Dr. Fernandez, South Lakeland, FL., to repair the smile. Crowns are designed to cover teeth that are severely damaged or compromised, while dental bridges are used to replace one or more teeth within the dental arch. Dr. Blanca Fernandez is a quality dentist in the community who can educate you on both options and help you select the best repair for your unique dental needs and smile goals.
How do dental crowns and fixed dental bridges restore the smile?
Dr. Fernandez and her team of professionals use crowns and bridges to restore the smile. They both work in different ways but can be used in repairing the smile from damage or tooth loss.
- Dental crowns. Dental crowns, also known as porcelain crowns or “tooth caps,” are used to restore the function and strength of a natural tooth. If a tooth has a large area of decay restored with a filling, it can still be susceptible to damage if extensive amounts of natural tooth structure are removed. Placing a dental crown over this tooth will provide the structure and strength needed to reduce the risk of further damage. Crowns are also placed over teeth that have recently had root canal therapy or abutments of dental implants to replace one missing tooth.
- Dental bridges. With dental bridges, you can replace missing teeth with a fixed restoration. Dental bridges include crowns and false teeth called pontics fused together and bonded into the smile using the adjacent teeth for support. These restorations can replace one or several teeth in a row using a porcelain material that mimics the appearance of natural tooth enamel.
Which one is right for me?
During a consultation visit with Dr. Blanca Fernandez of South Lakeland, FL, you can educate yourself further on the advantages of using dental crowns and bridges for smile restoration. Call Highland Dental Clinic at (863) 457-1954 to request a visit at the office, conveniently located at 5163 US Highway 98 South and open to new and returning patients.
FAQs
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
