Real Patient - Crowns Before & After
Crowns and bridges can be provided when teeth have been severely damaged or when they have been lost entirely. They are customized restorations that can offer major benefits for patients who have suffered significant dental damage. Once installed, the crown or bridge will provide the function of healthy teeth, and it will restore the appearance of the patient’s smile.
In order to receive a dental crown or a bridge, a patient will need to make a minimum of two visits to our practice. This is necessary since all crowns and bridges are custom-made in a dental laboratory. During the first visit at our downtown Spokane office, a patient will have impressions taken of their teeth. Using these impressions, a custom restoration can be created. Once the crown or bridge is ready, the patient will return for a follow-up visit to have the restoration fitted and installed. Our practice uses porcelain crowns and bridges. This material is excellent for these restorations because of its natural look and exceptional functionality.
CROWNS
A crown is a tooth-shaped structure that is installed at the site of a missing or heavily damaged tooth. If it is restoring a damaged tooth, the crown will “cap” the existing structure and provide it with strength and integrity. If the crown is replacing a missing tooth, it will be secured to a dental implant that is surgically inserted into the patient’s jawbone. Regardless of the application, our dental crowns provide great function, and they are very useful for restoring the look of a patient’s damaged smile.
Before a crown can be applied, some necessary preparations will need to be made. This involves either installing a dental implant or removing some existing tooth enamel. Since the crown will need to be built in a dental laboratory, the patient will receive a temporary restoration to hold them over between visits. When it’s time to apply the dental crown, it will be secured using a dental-grade adhesive. This will help ensure that the crown remains secure.
BRIDGES
A dental bridge is installed for the purpose of replacing multiple teeth in a row. This type of restoration consists of replacement prosthetic teeth that are placed in between two dental crowns on the ends. The crowns, which are called abutments, provide the support for the rest of the bridge. Meanwhile, the prosthetic teeth in the middle “bridge” the gap that was created by the missing teeth. Both the abutments and the teeth in the center are custom-made so that they appear natural and fit in seamlessly with the other teeth inside the patient’s mouth. Since the crowns provide excellent support, a dental bridge will remain secure and steady at all times.
If you are suffering from lost or damaged teeth, a crown or a bridge may be the perfect solution for you. A visit to Stein Family Dentistry in Spokane will allow our experts to determine the perfect type of dental restoration for your needs. Please call us at (509) 747-5586 to schedule an appointment.