Save Your Smile with Dental Crowns & Bridges in Wichita Falls
What is a crown and bridge?
A fixed-bridge is a custom dental appliance designed to permanently supplant one or more missing teeth in a row. The actual bridge, which contains the replacement porcelain teeth, is held in place by dental crowns that cover the teeth on either side of the gap. These teeth are called abutment teeth, and they must be sufficiently strong to support dental crowns. In cases where the abutment teeth are not strong enough, Dr. Shelly Strohman may recommend dental implants to replace them.
Why do you need a crown & bridge?
Losing a permanent tooth can sometimes affect the health and stability of your dental structure as well as your emotional and psychological well-being. Support and chewing movements can be altered, which may lead to the shifting—and possible loss—of other teeth. There’s also a risk of accelerated gum disease, which in itself is one of the leading causes of tooth loss among American adults.
Furthermore, people tend to be quite self-conscious about their missing teeth. This can lead to reduced self-confidence and social and professional drawbacks. This is why the need to replace missing teeth is imperative for both oral health and overall well-being.
How is a crown and bridge beneficial?
A crown and bridge can reverse the negative impact of missing teeth. It can restore and maintain your natural bite as well as prevent stress on your remaining teeth. It discourages further dental decay, allows for better chewing, and enhances your smile.
What is the crown and bridge procedure like?
The process for creating and inserting your crown and bridge may differ depending on a number of factors. For bridges, we’ll make careful impressions of the bridge area utilizing the 3M Intraoral True Definition Scanner in order to manufacture a restoration that will fit well between the adjacent teeth and will not interfere with your bite alignment.
Then, Dr. Strohman will prepare the abutment teeth for the crowns by slightly reducing their size. She will gently file away the minimum amount of tooth structure in order to make room for it. An impression will be made of the prepared tooth to ensure that the aesthetics of your crown and bridge are exactly right for you. While the lab fabricates your permanent dental bridge, Dr. Strohman will provide a temporary one.
After a couple of weeks, the lab will send us your custom-made crown and bridge. Dr. Strohman will check the fit, the size, and the color to make sure they are perfect. If necessary, minor adjustments can be made with hand tools in our office. Then, the crown and bridge will be cemented into place and you will have a complete smile once again.
If you have any questions about getting a crown or bridge or want to schedule an appointment, be sure to contact our office today. Dr. Shelly Strohman provides comprehensive restorative services to the residents of Wichita Falls, Iowa Park, Burkburnett, Vernon, Henrietta, Holliday, Archer City, and the surrounding areas.