Crowns and Bridges at Fletcher Dental Care

Crowns and Bridges

At Fletcher Dental Care, we are committed to restoring and maintaining your oral health and smile aesthetics. Two of the most effective solutions for damaged or missing teeth are dental crowns and dental bridges. Whether you’re dealing with a cracked tooth or need to replace missing teeth, our expert team is here to help you regain confidence in your smile while improving your overall dental function.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are custom-made caps that cover the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth. These restorations are typically crafted from materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal, selected for their durability and ability to blend in naturally with your other teeth. A crown strengthens the tooth, restores its function, and enhances its appearance, making it look and feel like a natural tooth.

Why Would You Need a Crown?

Extensive Tooth Decay: When a tooth is too weak to support a large filling, a crown can provide the necessary strength to prevent further damage.
Following a Root Canal Treatment: After removing the infected pulp during a root canal, a crown is often placed to protect the tooth from fracture.
Fractured or Cracked Teeth: A tooth that has cracked or broken can be saved with a crown, which holds the tooth together and restores its structural integrity.
Tooth Wear: Teeth that have worn down due to grinding (bruxism) or acid erosion may benefit from a crown to restore their size and shape.

The Procedure for Getting a Crown

The process of getting a crown generally takes two visits to our practice.

First Appointment: The affected tooth is prepared by removing any decay and shaping it to fit the crown. Impressions of your tooth are then taken, which are used to create a custom-made crown in a dental laboratory. A temporary crown will be placed to protect the tooth while your permanent crown is being fabricated.
Second Appointment: Once your permanent crown is ready, it will be fitted, adjusted for comfort and bite alignment, and then securely bonded to your tooth. Our dental team ensures that your new crown feels just like a natural tooth and blends seamlessly with your smile.

Types of Crowns

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are used to fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) that are supported by adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. Bridges not only restore your smile’s appearance but also maintain your bite alignment, preventing other teeth from shifting out of place.

Why Would You Need a Bridge?

Replace Missing Teeth: Bridges are an excellent solution for replacing one or more missing teeth, helping you avoid the long-term effects of tooth loss, such as bone loss and shifting of remaining teeth.
Restore Chewing and Speaking Ability: Missing teeth can affect how you eat and speak. A bridge restores full function, allowing you to chew and speak with ease.
Maintain Facial Structure: Tooth loss can lead to bone loss in the jaw, which over time may cause facial sagging. A bridge helps to maintain the shape of your face by providing support to the surrounding teeth and gums.

The Procedure for Getting a Bridge

Initial Visit: During the first visit, the adjacent teeth (called abutment teeth) are prepared by removing a small amount of enamel to create space for the crowns that will hold the bridge in place. Impressions of your teeth are taken to create the custom bridge.
Second Visit: The custom-made bridge, crafted to fit your mouth and blend in with your natural teeth, will be placed and securely bonded. We ensure the fit is comfortable and your bite is properly aligned.

Types of Bridges

Traditional Bridges: These are the most common type and involve creating crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap and placing a pontic in between.
Cantilever Bridges: Used when there are teeth only on one side of the missing tooth or teeth, this type of bridge is attached to just one tooth.
Implant-Supported Bridges: These bridges are anchored to dental implants instead of natural teeth, providing a stable and durable solution for multiple missing teeth.

The Benefits of Crowns and Bridges

Improved Function: Whether it’s chewing, speaking, or smiling with confidence, crowns and bridges help restore full function to your mouth.
Durability: With proper care, crowns and bridges can last many years, providing long-lasting results.
Natural Appearance: Our dental crowns and bridges are designed to blend in with your natural teeth, giving you a seamless, confident smile.
Protection for Damaged Teeth: Crowns help protect and preserve your natural tooth structure, preventing further decay or damage.
Prevention of Tooth Shifting: A bridge fills in the gaps from missing teeth, preventing your remaining teeth from shifting out of alignment.

At Fletcher Dental Care, we take pride in using advanced technology and the highest quality materials to ensure your dental crowns and bridges are comfortable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long do crowns and bridges last?

With proper care, crowns and bridges can last between 10 to 15 years or longer. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups will help ensure their longevity.

What is the difference between a crown and a bridge?

A crown is a cap that covers a damaged tooth, while a bridge is a dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth or implants.

Does getting a crown or bridge hurt?

The procedure to get a crown or bridge is generally pain-free, as local anaesthesia is used to numb the area. After the procedure, some patients may experience mild discomfort, but this typically subsides within a few days.

How do I care for my crowns and bridges?

Caring for your crowns and bridges is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and avoid chewing on hard objects like ice or pens. Regular dental visits are essential to ensure the health of the underlying teeth and gums.

Can a crown or bridge be repaired if damaged?

Minor damage, such as small chips or cracks, can sometimes be repaired. However, if the crown or bridge is significantly damaged, it may need to be replaced. Contact us if you notice any issues with your restoration.

Are crowns and bridges covered by insurance?

Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost for crowns and bridges. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to understand your coverage, and our team can assist in providing detailed estimates.

Book Your Appointment Today!

Let our caring team make your next visit effortless, and feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns—we’re here to support you every step of the way.