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Dental health is a vital part of our overall well-being, and maintaining a healthy smile significantly boosts confidence. However, teeth can become damaged or lost over time due to decay, trauma, or natural wear. Dental crowns and bridges offer effective, long-lasting solutions for patients facing these issues to restore functionality and aesthetics. If you're considering Crowns and Bridges in Denver, NC, it's essential to understand how these treatments work and how they can benefit your oral health. Let's dive deeper into these dental restoration options and how a qualified Dentist in Denver, NC, can help.

What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown, often called a "cap," is a custom-made covering placed over a damaged or weakened tooth. The crown restores the tooth's shape, size, strength, and appearance. Dental crowns are typically recommended when a tooth is cracked, worn down, or severely decayed and cannot be restored using a simple filling.

Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of materials. The type of crown your Dentist in Denver, NC, recommends will depend on the tooth's location, your bite, and your aesthetic preferences.

Benefits of Dental Crowns:

• Enhanced Appearance: Crowns can improve the appearance of damaged or discolored teeth, blending seamlessly with your natural smile.
• Durability: Crowns are designed to withstand normal chewing forces, making them a durable option for long-term dental restoration.
• Protection: A crown can protect a weakened tooth from further damage or even prevent the need for extraction.
• Restored Functionality: Crowns allow patients to bite and chew properly again, improving overall dental function.

Understanding Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a prosthetic device to fill the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) anchored by dental crowns on the adjacent healthy teeth (called abutment teeth). Dental implants may sometimes support a bridge, especially if the neighboring teeth are not strong enough to act as anchors.

Different types of dental bridges exist, including traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, and implant-supported bridges. Your dentist in Denver, NC, will recommend the type that best suits your specific needs and the condition of your teeth.

Benefits of Dental Bridges:

1. Restored Smile: Dental bridges fill gaps, restoring the natural appearance of your smile and preventing any misalignment of surrounding teeth.
2. Improved Chewing and Speaking: Missing teeth can make chewing food and speaking difficult. Bridges restore these essential functions.
3. Maintained Facial Shape: Missing teeth can cause changes in facial structure over time. A bridge helps maintain the shape of your face by supporting the underlying bone structure.
4. Prevent Shifting Teeth: When there is a gap in your teeth, the surrounding teeth may shift into the space, causing alignment issues. A bridge prevents this from happening.

The Procedure for Crowns and Bridges

If you're considering Crowns and Bridges in Denver, NC, understanding the procedure can help ease any anxiety and prepare you for what to expect. The process generally involves a few key steps:

• Consultation: The first step is to schedule a consultation with a Dentist in Denver, NC. During this visit, the dentist will evaluate your oral health, take X-rays, and discuss whether crowns, bridges, or both are the right solution for you.
• Tooth Preparation: For crowns, the dentist will reshape the damaged tooth by removing a portion of the enamel to make room for the crown. If you're getting a bridge, the adjacent teeth anchoring it are also prepared by reshaping them to fit the crowns.
• Impression: After preparing the teeth, the dentist will take impressions of your mouth. These impressions are sent to a dental lab where custom crowns and bridges are fabricated to fit your mouth precisely.
• Temporary Restoration: While your permanent crown or bridge is being made, the dentist will place a temporary crown or bridge to protect your teeth and gums.
• Fitting and Placement: Once the permanent crown or bridge is ready, you'll return to the dentist's office. The dentist will check the fit, make necessary adjustments, and cement the crown or bridge.
• Follow-Up Care: After placing your crown or bridge, follow-up visits may be necessary to ensure everything fits correctly and functions properly.

Aftercare for Crowns and Bridges

Taking care of your crowns and bridges is crucial to ensure they last for many years. Here are a few tips:

• Maintain Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss daily, especially around the crown or bridge, to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.
• Regular Dental Visits: Regular checkups with your Dentist in Denver, NC, will help ensure your crowns and bridges remain in good condition.
• Avoid Hard Foods: While crowns and bridges are durable, chewing on hard objects (like ice or hard candy) can cause damage. Avoid habits like nail-biting or chewing on pens.
• Wear a Nightguard: If you grind your teeth at night, a nightguard can protect your crown or bridge from excessive wear.

Choosing the Right Dentist in Denver, NC

When it comes to restorative dental treatments like Crowns and Bridges in Denver, NC, selecting an experienced and skilled dentist is critical. Look for a Dentist in Denver, NC, who specializes in restorative dentistry and has a track record of successful treatments. A consultation will allow you to ask questions, review the dentist's qualifications, and ensure you feel comfortable with their approach to your care. So, to get the perfect smile you have always wanted, please contact us at West Lake Dentistry for the best crowns and bridges.

Conclusion

Crowns and bridges are exceptional dental solutions for restoring damaged or missing teeth. Whether you're dealing with decay, fractures, or tooth loss, these restorations can significantly improve your smile's look, function, and health. If you're considering Crowns and Bridges in Denver, NC, don't hesitate to schedule a consultation with a trusted Dentist in Denver, NC. You can enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts years with the right care and expertise.

So schedule an appointment with us at West Lake Dentistry, located at 298 N. Hwy 16 Suite E, Denver 28037, please call (704) 483-1870 for bookings and consultations. Please visit our official website today to learn more about the various services we provide.