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Eliminating Gaps in Your Smile for Enhanced Functionality
Do you have one tooth that doesn’t quite shine like the rest, whether it’s stained, broken, or some other minor imperfection? Are you missing a few teeth in a row? Either way, dental crowns or bridges could help you. These tooth-shaped caps can beautifully restore your smile. All of our doctors are skilled artists when it comes to placing these restorations. Continue reading below to learn more about them.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that slips over a natural tooth that has been weakened by decay or fracture. It is also used to restore feel and function to a tooth. Finally, it can be placed over a tooth that appears discolored, stubby, or misshapen to make it beautiful once more.
We will be sure to artfully shade the crown to match the enamel of your surrounding teeth and easily blend in with the rest of your smile. No one will even be able to tell you got dental work done!
What Are the Benefits of Dental Crowns?
Compared to other restorative procedures, dental crowns come with several advantages. For one, they’re not solely restorative; they can be cosmetic as well. This means that our doctors can custom shade the crown to match the color of your adjacent teeth. In fact, we can even do so in a way that makes the rest of your teeth look brighter.
Dental crowns can also repair teeth that have been weakened for whatever reason. If, for example, a tooth has been severely affected by decay, to the point where a filling isn’t enough to do the job, we can place a crown to hold the tooth together. A crown may also be placed to protect an already damaged tooth from further wear and tear.
What Are Dental Bridges?
If you’re missing multiple teeth in a row, a dental bridge might be just the thing you need. They’re called that because they literally bridge the gaps in your smile. Bridges consist of two or more dental crowns that are anchored to the teeth on either side of the gaps in your grin, with one or more artificial teeth in between. They can be supported by natural teeth or dental implants.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?
Just like crowns, bridges offer several benefits. Once you have replaced your missing teeth with a bridge, you can easily enjoy all your favorite foods again. You will be able to speak clearly, without worrying about missing teeth creating pronunciation issues. Bridges also prevent your remaining teeth from shifting and trying to fill the gap on their own, preserving the natural shape of your jaw and keeping you looking young and vibrant for years to come.
If you’re ready to transform your smile with dental crowns or bridges, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a dental crown and a dental bridge?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers a single damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth to restore its strength and appearance. A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth (called pontics) to crowns placed on the natural teeth or dental implants on either side of the gap. Both restorations are custom-crafted at Evergreen Dental Group for patients throughout Evergreen, Golden, Idaho Springs, Conifer, and Bailey.
When do I need a dental crown?
A crown may be recommended if you have a tooth that's severely decayed, cracked, broken, weakened after a root canal, worn down from grinding, or aesthetically flawed due to staining or misshaping. Crowns are also used to complete dental implants and to anchor bridges. If a filling isn't enough to restore the tooth's strength, a crown provides full coverage and protection so you can chew and smile comfortably again.
How long do dental crowns and bridges last?
With proper care, dental crowns and bridges typically last 10 to 15 years or longer. Their lifespan depends on the materials used, your oral hygiene habits, and lifestyle factors like teeth grinding or chewing on hard objects. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily (including under your bridge), and keeping routine checkups at our Evergreen, CO, office will help your restoration last as long as possible.
Will my crown or bridge look natural?
Yes. We craft our crowns and bridges from high-quality porcelain and ceramic materials that mimic the translucency, color, and texture of natural tooth enamel. Our team carefully shades each restoration to blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth, and in some cases, we can even brighten the appearance of your overall smile in the process. Most patients in Evergreen, Golden, and Conifer are amazed at how natural their finished restoration looks.
What is an implant-retained bridge, and how is it different from a traditional bridge?
A traditional bridge relies on the natural teeth next to the gap for support, which requires reshaping those teeth to hold the anchor crowns. An implant-retained bridge is supported by dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone, eliminating the need to alter healthy teeth. Implant-retained bridges also stimulate the jawbone to prevent bone loss, offering better long-term oral health and a more secure, permanent solution.
How many appointments does it take to get a dental crown?
Traditional crowns require two visits: one to prepare the tooth and take digital impressions, and another to place the final restoration once it's been fabricated. At Evergreen Dental Group, we also offer same-day crowns using our in-office milling technology, allowing you to walk out with a permanent, beautifully crafted porcelain crown in a single appointment, which is a major convenience for patients commuting from Idaho Springs, Bailey, or beyond.
Can a dental bridge be removed?
Traditional and implant-retained bridges are considered fixed restorations, meaning they are permanently cemented or attached and cannot be removed at home like dentures. Only your dentist can remove them when needed for repair or replacement. This permanence is part of what makes bridges so stable, comfortable, and natural-feeling for chewing and speaking.
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