Crowns & Bridges in Charlotte, NC
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Understanding the Need for a Dental Crown
A dental crown is essentially a cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. You might need a crown if you have:
- A Damaged or Weak Tooth: Teeth that are cracked, worn down, or otherwise weakened by decay or large fillings can be protected and restored with a crown.
- Aesthetic Improvements: Crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of discolored or poorly shaped teeth, enhancing your smile’s overall look.
- After Root Canal Therapy: Following root canal treatment, a crown is often needed to protect the restored tooth.
- Dental Implants: Crowns are used to cover dental implants, providing a functional and aesthetic replacement for missing teeth.
Understanding the Need for a Dental Bridge
A bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth, spanning the space where the teeth are missing. Bridges are anchored on either side by crowns on existing teeth or implants. You might need a bridge if you:
- Have Missing Teeth: Bridges help restore your smile if you’ve lost one or more teeth, preventing the remaining teeth from shifting out of position.
- Want to Restore Chewing and Speaking Ability: Missing teeth can make it difficult to chew and speak clearly. A bridge can help restore these functions.
- Desire a Permanent Solution: Unlike removable dentures, bridges are fixed and offer a more stable and comfortable solution for missing teeth.
The Benefits of a Dental Crown or Bridge
Crowns and bridges are cornerstone treatments in restorative dentistry, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits:
- Restore Damaged Teeth: Crowns are ideal for protecting and restoring a tooth that has been damaged by decay, wear, or injury, bringing back its strength and appearance.
- Replace Missing Teeth: Bridges effectively fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth, helping to restore your smile and prevent the shifting of remaining teeth.
- Enhance Smile Aesthetics: Crafted from materials that mimic the translucency of natural teeth, crowns and bridges improves the overall look of your smile.
- Improve Oral Functionality: Restoring or replacing teeth with crowns and bridges allows for better chewing and speaking, contributing to overall oral health.
Getting Your Crown or Bridge
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are dental crowns and bridges?
Dental crowns are custom-fitted caps placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Dental bridges, on the other hand, are used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth or implants.
How do I know if I need a crown or a bridge?
You may need a dental crown if you have a tooth that is weakened, broken, severely worn down, or has had a significant portion removed due to decay. A bridge might be the right the solution if you're looking to replace one or more missing teeth to restore function and prevent remaining teeth from shifting.
What materials are used for crowns and bridges?
Crowns and bridges can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, gold, metal alloys, or a combination. Porcelain and ceramic options are popular for their natural appearance, making them ideal for visible teeth.
How long do crowns and bridges last?
With proper care, dental crowns and bridges can last many years. The longevity depends on the material used, the location in the mouth, and your oral hygiene practices. On average, they can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or longer.
Are crowns and bridges noticeable?
Modern dental technology has made it possible for crowns and bridges to look very natural. They are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from your original teeth.
Is the procedure for getting crowns and bridges painful?
At Ascend Dentistry, we prioritize your comfort. The procedure for placing crowns and bridges is performed with local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. You may experience some sensitivity after the procedure, but this typically subsides within a few days.
How do I care for my crown or bridge?
Caring for crowns and bridges involves maintaining good oral hygiene practices, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular dental checkups. Avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or other hard objects that could damage your restoration.
Can a damaged crown or bridge be repaired?
In some cases, a damaged crown or bridge can be repaired, depending on the extent of the damage. It's essential to contact us immediately if you notice any issues with your crown or bridge.
How much do crowns and bridges cost?
The cost of dental crowns and bridges varies depending on the materials used and the complexity of the procedure. We offer a range of financing options to make your treatment as affordable as possible and are happy to discuss these with you during your consultation.
Does dental insurance cover the cost of crowns and bridges?
Many dental insurance plans offer partial coverage for crowns and bridges. We recommend checking with your insurance provider to understand your benefits. Our office can also assist you in determining your coverage and maximizing your insurance benefits.