Crowns and Bridges

A beautiful smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and maintaining it involves keeping your teeth healthy and functional. However, issues like tooth decay, fractures, and tooth loss can severely impact both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your smile. Fortunately, at Q & A Dental Care in Macedonia, OH, Dr. Quentin Montgomery offers high-quality crowns and bridges that can restore the appearance, strength, and function of your teeth.

What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. It essentially covers the entire visible portion of the tooth, providing added protection against further damage or decay. Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these.

When Are Crowns Needed?

Crowns are used in various situations, including:

• Tooth Decay: When a large cavity has compromised the tooth structure, a crown can protect the remaining tooth.
• Tooth Fractures: If a tooth is broken or severely cracked, a crown can hold the pieces together and prevent further damage.
• Root Canal Treatment: After a root canal, a tooth may become brittle. A crown restores strength to the tooth and prevents breakage.
• Cosmetic Enhancements: Crowns can be used to improve the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth, giving you a more uniform smile.

The Crown Procedure

The procedure for placing a crown typically involves two visits to Q & A Dental Care:

First Visit:

• Examination and Preparation: Dr. Montgomery will evaluate the damaged tooth and take X-rays to ensure it is strong enough to support a crown. If there’s significant decay or damage, the tooth may need to be built up before the crown is placed.
• Tooth Shaping: The tooth will be shaved down to make space for the crown. This process allows the crown to fit properly and look natural.
• Impression: An impression of your tooth will be taken to create a custom-fitted crown. While the permanent crown is being fabricated, you will be fitted with a temporary crown.

Second Visit:

• Fitting and Cementing: Once the permanent crown is ready, Dr. Montgomery will remove the temporary crown and ensure the new crown fits properly. If the fit and color are to your liking, the crown will be permanently cemented into place.

What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. It "bridges" the gap between two healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth, anchoring artificial teeth in place. A bridge is typically made of porcelain, ceramic, or metal to ensure durability and aesthetics.

When Are Bridges Needed?

Bridges are often used when:

• Tooth Loss: A missing tooth or several missing teeth leave a gap that impacts chewing, speaking, and appearance.
• Gaps Between Teeth: Missing teeth can cause the remaining teeth to shift, leading to misalignment or bite problems.
• Restoration of Function: A bridge restores the ability to chew and speak properly by filling in gaps left by missing teeth. Contact us to learn more.

The Bridge Procedure

The process of getting a dental bridge is similar to getting crowns, with a few variations:

First Visit:

• Examination and Preparation: Dr. Montgomery will evaluate your oral health and take X-rays to determine if a bridge is suitable for your needs. The adjacent teeth, which will anchor the bridge, may need to be reshaped to accommodate the crowns that support the bridge.
• Impressions and Design: Impressions of your teeth will be taken, and a temporary bridge may be placed while the permanent one is being made. The final bridge will be custom-designed to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth.

Second Visit:

• Fitting and Cementing: Once your permanent bridge is ready, Dr. Montgomery will fit it to ensure it aligns correctly with your bite. After any necessary adjustments, the bridge will be securely cemented into place.

Benefits of Crowns and Bridges in Macedonia, OH

Both crowns and bridges offer several advantages when it comes to restoring oral health and appearance:

Improved Functionality

Crowns and bridges help restore proper function, allowing you to chew, speak, and smile with confidence. A well-fitted crown strengthens a weakened tooth, while a bridge ensures that you can chew comfortably even with missing teeth.

Enhanced Aesthetics

Crowns and bridges can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth in color, shape, and size. This helps blend in seamlessly with your smile, improving both function and appearance.

Durability and Longevity

Both crowns and bridges are designed to last many years with proper care. Metal crowns, in particular, offer high durability, while porcelain and ceramic crowns provide an excellent combination of strength and beauty. Bridges, when properly maintained, can provide long-lasting restoration.

Prevention of Additional Oral Health Issues

Crowns protect weakened teeth from further damage, while bridges prevent the shifting of surrounding teeth, which could lead to misalignment or bite problems. Restoring missing teeth with a bridge helps to prevent further deterioration of oral health.

Minimized Tooth Loss

When you opt for a bridge, the adjacent healthy teeth are anchored and protected, reducing the chances of tooth loss and ensuring better stability for the remaining natural teeth.

Materials Used for Crowns and Bridges

At Q & A Dental Care, Dr. Montgomery offers a variety of materials for crowns and bridges, ensuring that you receive a restoration that meets your needs, both functionally and aesthetically.

• Porcelain: Known for its natural look, porcelain is a popular choice for both crowns and bridges. It mimics the appearance of natural teeth, making it ideal for visible teeth.
• Ceramic: Similar to porcelain, ceramic offers an excellent aesthetic and is biocompatible, meaning it works well with your gums.
• Metal Alloys: Strong and durable, metal alloys are often used for crowns placed in the back teeth. They provide the strength needed to withstand chewing forces.
• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal: This material combines the strength of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain. It is commonly used for crowns and bridges in both the back and front teeth.

Maintaining Your Crowns and Bridges in Macedonia, OH

Proper care is essential to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your crowns and bridges. Here are some tips to help you take care of your restorations:

• Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Be sure to clean around the crown or bridge to prevent plaque buildup.
• Avoid Hard Foods: While crowns and bridges are durable, avoiding excessively hard foods (like ice and hard candies) can help prevent damage.
• Regular Dental Checkups: Regular visits to Dr. Montgomery for checkups and cleanings are essential to monitor the condition of your crowns and bridges and ensure optimal oral health.
• Protective Measures: If you grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a nightguard to protect your crowns and bridges from excessive wear.

Conclusion

Crowns and bridges are excellent solutions for restoring both the appearance and functionality of your teeth. At Q & A Dental Care, Dr. Quentin Montgomery offers comprehensive dental care, ensuring that you receive the best possible treatment for your oral health needs. If you’re experiencing tooth damage or missing teeth, schedule a consultation today to learn how crowns and bridges can enhance your smile and overall dental health.

Experience personalized, compassionate dental care with Dr. Quentin Montgomery at Q & A Dental Care in Macedonia, OH. Call us today at (330) 583-1059 or (330) 888-1299 to schedule your appointment, or visit us at 1011 East Aurora Rd, Macedonia, OH 44056.