When you have damaged or missing teeth, crowns and bridges are safe and effective treatments to restore your smile. Experienced general and cosmetic dentist Maria Shahdad, DDS, offers custom crowns and bridges at DFW Absolute Dental in Allen, Texas, to enhance the appearance and function of your teeth. To learn more about these restorative treatments, call DFW Absolute Dental or book an appointment online now.
Crowns and bridges are dental restorations that treat damaged or missing teeth. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gum line. Meanwhile, a bridge is an appliance that replaces missing teeth. The device includes crowns in one or more artificial teeth in the middle.
While bridges exclusively replace missing teeth, crowns can treat a number of dental concerns, including:
Not only do crowns attach to bridges, but they can also connect to dental implants — titanium posts that replace tooth roots — to replace missing teeth.
Dental crowns and bridges typically take two visits to place. During your first visit, Dr. Shahdad examines your teeth and performs X-rays to determine whether you’re a good candidate for crowns and bridges.
Next, she prepares your teeth for crowns by filing and reshaping them. This step ensures your crowns blend in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth.
To create your custom-made crowns, Dr. Shahdad takes digital impressions. Taking impressions with a handheld digital device is less messy and uncomfortable than the traditional impression process.
It takes about two to three weeks to create crowns and bridges. While you wait for your custom restorations, Dr. Shahdad fits you for temporary restorations to protect your teeth.
At your final appointment, she replaces the temporary restorations with permanent crowns and bridges to repair your smile.
Dental crowns and bridges can last for 5-15 years with proper care. Regular brushing, flossing, and biannual teeth cleanings help keep your restorations free of debris. By protecting your crowns and bridges against damage and erosion, you can extend their lifespan.
When your crowns and bridges do require replacement, Dr. Shahdad can evaluate your restorations to discuss your options. If you have missing teeth, she may recommend dental implants for a more permanent tooth replacement solution.
To learn more about crowns and bridges, call DFW Absolute Dental or schedule an appointment online today.