Rebuild your Smile with Natural-looking Dental Crowns and Bridges
A bridge is a non-surgical way to replace one or many teeth. A bridge uses the adjacent teeth as anchors to support the missing tooth or teeth. With today’s dental advancements, a bridge can be fabricated in a fairly short period of time, using a metal or nonmetal foundation. Don’t let that missing tooth affect the way you speak, eat, and smile. Bridges yield immediate results that last a lifetime. Ask your dentist what type of bridge may be right for you.
Does your smile need restoration? It’s not uncommon for teeth to become damaged, lost, or decayed, but dental crowns and bridges in Longmont, Colorado, can do magic for your smile. Crossroads Dental offers dental crowns and bridges created from high-quality materials for optimal durability and aesthetics. Whether you have failing or missing teeth, our restorations can rebuild your smile to its prime state.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown or cap is a tooth-shaped appliance worn over the existing tooth to restore its health and appearance. Dental crowns are ideal for teeth that:
- Have a compromised structure because of tooth decay or damage
- Are replaced with a dental implant or dental bridge
- Can’t support a tooth filling
- Have undergone root canal treatment
Placing a dental crown involves removing a bit of enamel around the tooth. This tooth preparation is necessary to accommodate the thickness of the crown for a proper fit. After prepping your tooth, the dentist takes digital scans to create a blueprint for fabricating your bespoke crown. The final step is to bond your crown to your tooth with a strong dental adhesive.
A dental bridge: How does it restore your smile?
Dr. Amy Farmer, an experienced restorative dentist, may recommend a dental bridge to replace one or more missing teeth in a row. A dental bridge comprises a set of artificial teeth (pontics) that span the edentulous gap between two healthy teeth. Traditional bridges are secured using dental crowns attached to the adjacent teeth, called abutments. If you have missing or unhealthy abutment teeth, your dentist can support your bridgework with dental implants, offering an even more stable solution.
Placing a dental bridge involves at least 2-3 dental appointments. After an initial consultation to determine your eligibility for dental bridges, we’ll prepare your abutment teeth and take digital scans of your prepared teeth. Since creating your bridges takes several days, we’ll temporarily restore your smile until your permanent restorations are ready.
You’ll come to our office for placement when we receive your bridgework. After checking the fit and alignment of your bridge, we’ll use strong dental adhesives to permanently attach your restoration to your teeth. You’ll need a few days to adjust to your bridges. However, your bridge will look and feel like natural teeth after the adjustment period.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crowns & Bridges
How do I know whether I need a dental crown or a dental bridge?
The appropriate restoration depends on whether your concern involves a damaged tooth or a missing tooth. A dental crown is typically recommended to strengthen and protect a weakened tooth that can still be preserved, while a dental bridge is designed to replace one or more missing teeth by filling the gap between healthy supporting teeth or dental implants. During your consultation, Dr. Amy Farmer will evaluate your smile and recommend the treatment that best restores function, comfort, and long-term oral health.
Can I eat normally after receiving a dental crown or bridge?
Yes. After a brief adjustment period, most guests return to eating their normal diet comfortably. It is generally recommended to avoid very sticky or extremely hard foods immediately after placement while the restoration settles and you become accustomed to your new bite. Once fully adjusted, crowns and bridges are designed to withstand everyday chewing forces, allowing you to enjoy a wide variety of foods with greater confidence and comfort.
What happens if a dental crown or bridge feels loose?
A loose restoration should never be ignored. Even if it is not causing discomfort, movement may allow bacteria and food particles to collect beneath the restoration, increasing the risk of decay or damage to the supporting teeth. Contact Crossroads Dental as soon as possible if you notice looseness or changes in the way your restoration fits. Dr. Amy Farmer can evaluate the cause and determine whether the restoration can be re-cemented or whether another solution is needed to restore stability and protect your smile.
Can a dental bridge affect the way I speak?
Some guests notice a slight change in pronunciation immediately after receiving a new dental bridge, particularly if several front teeth have been replaced. This adjustment is temporary as your tongue becomes accustomed to the restoration. Reading aloud, having conversations, and speaking normally usually help speed the adaptation process. Within a short time, most guests speak naturally without giving their bridge a second thought and enjoy the confidence that comes with replacing missing teeth.
How can I protect my dental crown or bridge from unnecessary wear?
Although crowns and bridges are designed for everyday function, certain habits can place excessive stress on them. Avoid chewing on ice, hard candies, pens, or other non-food objects, and never use your teeth to open packaging. If you clench or grind your teeth while sleeping, Dr. Amy Farmer may recommend a custom nightguard to help reduce pressure on both your restorations and your natural teeth. Regular dental examinations also allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your restorations and identify minor wear before it develops into a larger concern.
How long can dental crowns and bridges last?
The longevity of crowns and bridges depends on several factors, including your oral hygiene routine, chewing habits, and the health of the supporting teeth. Regular dental examinations allow your dentist to monitor restorations for normal wear and identify small concerns before they become larger problems. Brushing, flossing, maintaining healthy gums, and following your dentist’s preventive recommendations all contribute to helping your restorations provide dependable function and appearance for many years.
What should I expect during my consultation for crowns or bridges?
Your consultation begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth, gums, bite, and any existing restorations. Digital X-rays or other diagnostic images may be reviewed to determine the condition of the supporting teeth and surrounding bone. Dr. Amy Farmer will explain your treatment options, discuss the benefits of each approach, answer your questions, and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your oral health goals. Whether you need to strengthen a damaged tooth or replace missing teeth, your care will focus on restoring lasting function, comfort, and a healthy, natural-looking smile at Crossroads Dental.
Crown and bridge your smile today!
Crossroads Dental welcomes new and existing guests to experience top-notch teeth restoration services. If you need crowns and bridges in Longmont, CO, call (970) 703-8556 to schedule your consultation today.
