Dental Crowns & Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are solutions to restore smiles compromised by decayed, broken, or missing teeth. At Oriani Cosmetic Dental, we offer restorative dentistry to give you back a fully functioning, healthy smile, including crowns and bridges.
Dental Crowns Restore Damaged and Broken Teeth
Dental crowns are also called “caps” because of the way they cover and surround a tooth. We offer crowns in porcelain and zirconia because they are durable materials that resemble tooth enamel. When we color-match the shade of the material to your teeth, the result is a seamless, realistic-looking tooth restoration.
Why We Recommend Dental Crowns
A dental crown restores a tooth's strength, function and appearance. Some common situations where Dr. O would recommend a crown include:
- A tooth cavity that’s too large for a filling
- Cracked, broken or weakened teeth
- After root canal therapy
- Support a dental bridge
- Restore a dental implant
Dr. O designs your crown with great care and attention to detail for a realistic appearance. She works with top dental labs in our area that we trust to produce your restoration to our high standards. The result is a healthier smile that functions comfortably and blends seamlessly with your smile.
How Dental Crowns Work
Once you and Dr. O decide a tooth crown is right for you, the steps are as follows:
First, we alter the size and shape of the tooth to make room for your crown. Next, we use an intraoral scanner to take mess-free digital impressions and create a 3-D virtual model of your teeth. We place a temporary crown on the tooth to protect it while we wait for your final crown.
Your final crown will be ready in about two weeks, and you’ll return to our OC Dental for a second visit. At this time, we’ll remove the temporary, check your final restoration for fit, and use special dental cement to secure it to the tooth.
How Long do Dental Crowns Last?
Our high-quality crowns can last 10–15 years or longer when cared for properly. You must protect the underlying tooth by brushing at least twice daily and flossing once. Stay current with routine dental exams and teeth cleanings every six months or as Dr. O recommends. These appointments can help you avoid gum disease and cavities and allow us to check your crown’s condition periodically.
Dental Bridges: Solutions for Missing Teeth
A bridge is a dental prosthetic that replaces one or two missing teeth in a row. The artificial tooth fills the empty tooth space, and crowns on either side are attached to adjacent teeth for support.
The benefits of a bridge are that it improves your smile’s appearance and prevents surrounding teeth from shifting out of place. A bridge is a great option if you aren’t a good candidate for a dental implant or don’t want to wait for months.
The steps for getting a bridge are similar to getting a crown. We prepare adjacent teeth for the crowns, take impressions, and a custom dental lab prepares your final restoration. You’ll wear a temporary; then we’ll remove and replace it when your final bridge is ready.
Do You Need a Dental Crown or Bridge?
Dental crowns and bridges are staples in dentistry because they allow us to restore your oral health and beautiful smile. If you have a decayed, damaged, or broken tooth or are dealing with tooth loss, we invite you to contact our dental office in Downtown Washington, DC.
Dr. O and her experienced team are always here to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile!
