Improve Your Smile With a Crown or Bridge

Smiles are important — they're one of the main ways we connect and communicate with one another. A beautiful, confident smile leaves a lasting impression on the people around us.

Unfortunately, some people struggle with their smile due to imperfections such as broken or missing teeth. These abnormalities can cause a great deal of social and emotional distress. Furthermore, they may be detrimental to the person's overall oral health. Fortunately, there is hope — using crowns or bridges, our team at Marie Simon Dentistry can help you achieve a beautiful smile that feels and looks natural.

Crowns are small "caps" that your dentist can use to cover a tooth. You may need a crown if:

• Your tooth has become cracked or otherwise weakened.
• You want to cover an unsightly tooth to improve your smile.
• You have had a root canal.
• You have a cavity that is too large to be filled in the traditional manner.

Bridges are used to bridge the gap left by missing teeth. In this case, crowns are used on two or more existing teeth to create an anchor for a false tooth. The anchor teeth are called abutment teeth, and the false teeth are called pontic teeth. Bridges are able to:

• Restore your smile.
• Restore your ability to speak and chew food.
• Prevent your teeth from drifting.

Before your procedure, your dentist will need to do a number of tests, including x-rays and exams. These tests will give your dentist the information they need to create a personalized plan for you and your needs.

If your dentist recommends a crown, you can expect to have the affected area treated under local anesthetic. Your dentist will prepare the area thoroughly, using special tools to remove any damaged tissue. You will then have an impression made that will be used to create your crown. In the meantime, you will be sent home with a specialized temporary crown to use until your dentist is able to install the permanent crown that was custom made for you. The permanent crown will be ready within a few weeks time.

If your dentist recommends a bridge, you will undergo a similar procedure. Your dentist will perform any necessary dental work to prepare the area. Then, you will have an impression made that will be used to create your bridge. You will have a temporary bridge installed to protect your anchor teeth while you wait for your permanent bridge. The permanent bridge should be ready within a few weeks time.

Once installed, your crown or bridge becomes a permanent fixture to your teeth. You should continue to practice good oral hygiene as directed by your dentist.

The cost of the procedure will depend largely on your needs as a patient. If you have dental insurance, they may be able to help cover some of the procedure.