Crowns And Bridges

A to Z Dental Studio -  - General Dentist

A to Z Dental Studio

General Dentist & Cosmetic Dentist located in Fairfax, VA

Dental crowns and bridges keep your smile healthy and functional when you have damaged or missing teeth. At the office in Fairfax, Virginia, Hiba Zakhour, DDS, and the experienced A to Z Dental Studio team use crowns and bridges to restore your smile. If you’re ready to revitalize your oral health, call A to Z Dental Studio or schedule an appointment online today.

Crowns and Bridges Q & A

What are crowns and bridges?

Crowns and bridges are dental restorations that return your teeth to their natural shape, size, and color. Dentists often recommend crowns and bridges if you have missing, damaged, or decayed teeth, which can change your bite, speech, and ability to chew comfortably.

A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over the visible portion of your tooth. It covers imperfections and protects weak teeth against further damage. Crowns come in many materials, including porcelain and porcelain-fused-to-metal.

Bridges consist of two supporting crowns with an artificial tooth in the center to replace a missing tooth. Your A to Z Dental Studio provider can use bridges to replace one or more missing teeth.

Why would I need crowns and bridges?

A to Z Dental Studio uses dental bridges to replace missing teeth. Meanwhile, dental crowns can restore your smile if you have one or more of the following concerns:

  • Missing teeth
  • Chipped teeth
  • Severe tooth discoloration
  • Tooth decay
  • Worn down teeth from grinding
  • Cracked or broken teeth
  • Misshapen teeth

If you have a weak or decayed tooth in danger of further damage, a crown can help protect your tooth from plaque, bacteria, and even the force of your bite.

What is the process like for crowns and bridges?

Both crowns and bridges can restore the appearance, strength, and function of your teeth. They take 2-3 visits to plan, fabricate, and place.

Dental crowns

After performing a dental exam, during which your provider removes any decay, your tooth is filed down to make room for your new crown. Next, impressions of your tooth are made to serve as models for the restoration.

It takes about 2-3 weeks to create a crown, so you might wear a temporary crown to protect your tooth while you wait.

At your final visit, your provider fits your new crown and makes any necessary adjustments before cementing it in place.

Dental bridges

To create a bridge, your provider must prepare the two teeth that surround your missing tooth for crowns. These teeth are reshaped to make room for the crowns, and impressions are created to serve as a model for your restorations.

While you wait for your bridge over the next 2-3 weeks, your provider might fit you for a temporary bridge to protect your teeth.

When you return to the office, your bridge will consist of two crowns with an artificial tooth in the middle. The two crowns fit directly over your prepared teeth, while the tooth in the middle covers the socket left behind by your missing tooth.

After making any necessary adjustments to your bridge, your provider cements it in place to restore your smile.

Call A to Z Dental Studio or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about crowns and bridges.