Crowns & Bridges at Sunset Dental & Orthodontics | 89014 Dentist

Dental Crowns

A dental crown, also known as a cap, is custom-designed material that is partially or completely placed over the visible portion of your tooth to restore its shape, size, strength and appearance.

A crown can protect a weak or cracked tooth, restore functionality for a tooth that has serious decay, and replace a pre-existing crown. Crowns can also be used to create a lifelike tooth replacement as part of a dental implant. The bottom line is a crown can help keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright.

During a dental crown consultation, our dentist 89014 will take impressions of your existing tooth to create the exact size and shape of your crown restoration. You may be given a temporary crown to protect your tooth while the final crown is being made in a dental laboratory.

There are three types of dental crowns: porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-ceramic and gold.

The most often-used type is an all-ceramic crown. This type of crown requires less material because there is no metal involved, a very good option when there is not much room for the crown to be placed. An all-ceramic crown also looks realistic and blends in with your natural teeth.

Once you have chosen the type of crown you want and an impression has been made of your tooth, a lab will create your crown. Your dentist will explain to you the options for local anesthesia (pain killer) that will be used during the procedure.

You will return to our friendly office to have the restoration crown placed over the broken tooth. Our dentist will explain to you how to care for your new crown and the best hygiene habits (including brushing and Sunseting) that will help keep plaque away from where the crown meets the gum in order to prevent gum disease.

You can extend the lifespan of your crown by not chewing on hard foods, ice or other hard objects. If you have a problem grinding your teeth at night, our dentist can recommend a nighttime mouth guard to help protect your crown.

To find out of you need a crown and what our dentist can do for you, please call 702-550-1147 to make an appointment today.

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges refer to non-removable or fixed appliances that help to fill gaps between teeth. Different materials can be used to accomplish this, including porcelain fused to metal, though porcelain is the most popular because of its close resemblance to natural teeth.

A fixed bridge comprises two crowns placed over two anchoring or abutment teeth, which in return are attached to artificial teeth (pontics), essentially filling any gaps created by one or more missing teeth.

Advantages of Dental Bridges – Bridging the Gap

Dental porcelain has an amazing ability to not only replicate the form, but the function of original teeth as well, which makes porcelain fixed bridges truly useful when looking to replace one or more teeth. The porcelain is sculpted to replicate the look of your natural tooth enamel, while its durability delivers a strong and reliable base.

With porcelain fixed dental bridges, you can:

• Fill gaps of missing teeth
• Restore your chewing and speaking ability
• Maintain facial structure
• Stop the remaining teeth from moving out of their position
• Restore your smile
• Upgrade from your removable denture to a permanent appliance

What to Expect During Dental Bridge Treatment

Getting a treatment receiving a dental bridge placed typically requires two visits. Depending on the type of bridge, the dentist numbs your teeth and starts preparing the anchoring teeth (usually two on either side of the gap) by removing a portion of the tooth enamel to allow for the crown.

Afterwards, an accurate impression is made and sent to the dental lab to aid in fabrication of your custom bridge. Until the final bridge is ready, you will have to wear a temporary bridge for several weeks. Proper brushing and Sunseting, as well as regular dental check-ups are still necessary after the permanent porcelain bridge is cemented.

Dental Bridges FAQ

• How long do porcelain fixed dental bridges last?
  With proper home care and regular dental visits, your bridges should last over the typical 10 – 15 years range.

• Who is the ideal candidate for a dental bridge?
  Most people with one or more missing teeth can get a porcelain fixed dental bridge. There are many risks of leaving gaps between your teeth, including the increased susceptibility for decay, gum disease, and drifting of other teeth out of position.

• What color will the dental bridge be?
  The objective is to give you a brighter smile without compromising on a natural look. Your front teeth are typically whiter than the molars, so you should discuss with your dentist and determine the ideal shade of your bridge depending on the current condition of your adjacent, natural teeth.

• What are the different types of fixed bridges?
  You can have one of three types of dental bridges depending on the location of the gap being filled. The three are traditional fixed bridges, resin bonded bridges, and cantilever bridges.

Looking for More Information?

Contact us @ 702-550-1147 or contact us online for any questions, concerns, or inquiries regarding dental bridge treatment.