Crowns and bridges are a great way to fix problems you may have with your teeth, setting you up for a lifetime of great smiles.
What are crowns?
A crown is a covering that completely covers a tooth but is entirely on the surface, not affecting the roots of teeth or bones.
How are crowns put in place?
Advancements in digital and dental technologies have made getting a crown far less messy and time-consuming than in the past. The whole process is completed in just one visit, saving you money and less time off from work by reducing the number of times you have to come see us!
The crown process is easy for suitable candidates. First, we use state-of-the-art imaging technology to capture the topography of your tooth.
Then, we match the shading and shape of your teeth so that the final result is a shining, winning smile with no distractions or color variances. Finally, we use further imaging to make sure your bite and gum line are in perfect alignment, then you are ready to go!
With these measurements in hand, our in-house laboratory can create your ceramic crown in 15 minutes. It’s ready for you in just a few hours, and a crown can last up to 15 years when you follow the proper treatment and maintenance schedule.
Crowns are a quick, easy, and painless way to address tooth decay for suitable patients.
How about bridges? What kinds of problems do they address?
Missing one or more teeth? A dental bridge may be the right solution for you.
Dental bridges use the surrounding teeth, also called abutments, to hold a false replacement tooth in place. It’s possible that your surrounding, healthy teeth may need crowns to make them strong enough to support your replacement tooth.
Call to schedule an appointment to discuss the best way to approach your dental bridges. Dr. Lockhart will discuss your needs and determine the best course of treatment, taking into consideration:
- The location of your missing teeth
- How many teeth you are missing
- How strong your surrounding teeth are
- The overall health of your gums
- The strength, size, and length of the root for each tooth involved
Dental bridge fitting is a specialized skill and requires a specific formula for success. We are experts in understanding the structure of your teeth and how best to implement your new bridgework.
Getting a dental bridge generally requires two appointments. During the first, we’ll make 3D images of your mouth that will allow our team to create a bridge that will be a perfect fit. In the meantime, we’ll outfit you with a temporary bridge to tide you over until your second appointment.
At the second appointment, we’ll adjust the fit of your permanent bridge as necessary, ensuring a snug and perfect fit, then cement it permanently into place. We’ll use anesthesia to minimize any discomfort you may feel.
Our goal is to make sure you have a healthy smile for years to come. Call us today to schedule an appointment to see if crowns or bridges are right for you.