DENTAL CROWNS AND BRIDGES BONNEY LAKE WA

What Are Crowns?

Dental crowns, often simply called caps, are custom-made covers for teeth that are damaged or decayed. They play a critical role in restoring a tooth after significant structural loss due to injury, decay, or previous large fillings.

Crowns are crafted from a variety of materials, including porcelain and noble alloys, each chosen to ensure that your new tooth not only functions efficiently but also blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.

How are Crowns Installed?

The process of getting a crown starts with a detailed consultation at our clinic, where we assess your dental health and discuss the best materials for your situation. We then prepare the tooth, carefully shaping it to fit the crown perfectly. A temporary crown is placed while your custom crown is created in a specialized lab.

On your subsequent visit, we will fit the permanent crown, making adjustments to ensure a perfect alignment and a comfortable bite. Once confirmed, the crown is securely cemented, fully restoring your tooth’s appearance and functionality.

What Are Bridges?

Dental bridges are designed to replace one or more missing teeth, effectively bridging the gap created by tooth loss. By anchoring to the natural teeth on either side of the empty space, known as abutments, bridges restore the full functionality and appearance of your smile.

Like crowns, bridges are crafted from robust materials such as porcelain, noble alloys, or a combination of porcelain fused to metal, offering both durability and a natural look.

How are Bridges Installed?

The procedure for getting a bridge begins with preparing the abutment teeth, which involves reshaping them to ensure a proper fit for the crowns that will support the bridge. We then take precise impressions of your teeth, which are used to custom-design your bridge in a dental laboratory.

To protect your prepared teeth and maintain the correct spacing, a temporary bridge is placed while your permanent bridge is being crafted.

On your return visit, we carefully check the fit of the new bridge, making any necessary adjustments to ensure that it sits comfortably and aligns perfectly with your bite. Once everything is set, the bridge is cemented into place, instantly improving your ability to chew and speak and revitalizing the overall aesthetics of your smile.

Why Choose Crowns and Bridges?

Crowns and bridges are excellent choices for dental restoration because they provide durable, long-term solutions for a variety of dental issues. Choosing crowns and bridges can significantly improve your oral health, aesthetics, and functionality of your teeth. Here’s why they stand out as preferred options:

Durability and Longevity

Both crowns and bridges are designed to last many years. Made from high-quality materials such as porcelain and noble metals, they withstand the daily demands of chewing and speaking. With proper care, these restorations can serve you well for a decade or more, making them a worthwhile investment in your long-term dental health.

Aesthetic Improvement

Crowns and bridges are tailored to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. This attention to detail ensures that your dental work looks natural and enhances your smile seamlessly. Whether you need a crown to cover a damaged tooth or a bridge to fill a gap, the result is a complete, healthy-looking smile.

Restored Functionality

Missing or damaged teeth can impair your ability to chew food properly and speak clearly. Crowns restore individual teeth to their full function, while bridges replace missing teeth and distribute the forces in your bite more evenly. This restoration helps prevent further dental issues caused by uneven stress on your teeth.

Protection for Damaged Teeth

Crowns serve as a protective cap for damaged or decayed teeth, preventing further damage and preserving the natural tooth structure. Likewise, bridges help maintain the position of the remaining teeth, preventing them from shifting out of place, which could lead to further oral health complications.

Detailed Procedure

Getting a dental crown or bridge at Dentistry @ Bonney Lake involves a detailed and carefully managed process to ensure the best results. Here’s what you can expect during your visits:

Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a thorough examination where we assess your dental health and discuss your specific needs. This consultation helps us determine whether a crown or bridge is the most suitable option for you. We take the time to answer any questions you have and outline the treatment plan.

Tooth Preparation

For a crown, the tooth is reshaped to allow the crown to fit over it seamlessly. For a bridge, the abutment teeth are prepared in a similar way. This step is crucial for ensuring the longevity and comfort of your restoration.

Impression Taking

Once your tooth or teeth are prepared, we take a precise impression. This mold is sent to a dental lab, where your crown or bridge is custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth.

Temporary Placement

While your permanent crown or bridge is being crafted, we fit a temporary restoration. This not only protects your prepared teeth but also restores your smile and chewing function in the interim.

Final Fitting and Adjustment

When your crown or bridge is ready, you’ll return for a final fitting. We meticulously check the fit, color, and bite to ensure that everything looks and feels right. Adjustments are made as needed to guarantee the perfect fit.

Cementation

Once we confirm the restoration fits perfectly, it is permanently cemented into place. This final step secures your new crown or bridge, fully restoring your dental function and aesthetics.

Follow-Up

We schedule a follow-up visit to monitor your adjustment to the new crown or bridge, ensuring comfort and functionality. This also gives us a chance to make any necessary minor adjustments and provide care tips to extend the life of your restoration.

Insurance and Payment Options

Investing in your dental health is important, and understanding the costs involved with crowns and bridges can help you make informed decisions. At Dentistry @ Bonney Lake, we strive to provide clear and upfront pricing while helping you navigate your payment and insurance options.

• Insurance: We accept most major dental insurance plans and will work with your insurance provider to maximize your benefits. Since coverage for crowns and bridges can vary widely, we recommend contacting your insurer to understand the specifics of your coverage.
• Payment Options: For those without insurance or for costs not covered by insurance, we offer a variety of payment options to ease the financial burden. These include payment plans and financing options through third-party providers, allowing you to spread the cost over time.

We believe that financial considerations should not be an obstacle to obtaining the dental care you need. Our office staff is ready to assist you with any billing or insurance questions, and we can provide estimates for all treatments before you commit to them. By working together, we can ensure that your dental treatments are both affordable and manageable.

Caring for Your Crowns and Bridges

Maintaining your dental crowns and bridges is crucial for extending their lifespan and ensuring they continue to function effectively. Here are some simple yet effective care tips to help you keep your restorations in excellent condition:

Daily Cleaning

Just like your natural teeth, crowns and bridges require regular cleaning. Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid scratching the surface of the crowns or bridges. It’s important to focus on the gum line to prevent plaque buildup.

Flossing

Use floss to clean around your crowns and under your bridge. For bridges, consider using a floss threader or water flosser to effectively remove food particles and plaque from under the pontic (the false tooth) and along the abutments.

Avoid Hard Foods

While crowns and bridges are designed to be durable, they can be damaged by extremely hard or sticky foods. Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, or other hard objects that could crack or dislodge your restorations.

Regular Dental Visits

Schedule regular check-ups and cleanings at Dentistry @ Bonney Lake. These visits allow us to monitor the condition of your crowns and bridges, perform professional cleanings, and make any necessary adjustments or repairs.

Night Guards

If you grind your teeth at night, consider asking us about a night guard. Grinding can put excessive pressure on both natural teeth and restorations, potentially leading to damage. A custom-fitted night guard can protect your teeth and your investment.

Get the Smile You Deserve!

Don’t wait to bring back the functionality and beauty of your smile. Schedule your consultation at Dentistry @ Bonney Lake today and discover how our personalized dental crowns and bridges Bonney Lake WA can enhance your oral health. Contact us now to book your appointment and take the first step towards a brighter, more confident smile. Your new smile awaits—let us help you achieve it!