When it comes to restorative dentistry, our team at Irvington Dental in Streamwood, Illinois, often recommends common restorations such as dental bridges and crowns. These two porcelain restorations are typical for repairing and replacing missing teeth. They are cost-effective, natural-looking, and long-lasting with proper care. Let’s talk more about each to understand their purpose in dentistry better.
Dental crowns are restorations used by our dentists at Irvington Dental to protect and strengthen a tooth that may have damage or weakness. This might be due to root canal therapy or a large area of decay. These restorations are made of porcelain to mimic the appearance of natural tooth enamel, ensuring an aesthetic repair. While some patients might have metal or gold tooth “caps,” these are not the ideal material to use to ensure a natural finished look.
Dental bridges work differently than dental crowns. While dental bridges are often made with dental crowns, they include a false tooth called a pontic which is fused to the surrounding crowns to create a single restoration. The dental bridge uses surrounding teeth or dental implants to place them and restore the smile when tooth loss occurs. These restorations are also made of porcelain to look as natural as possible when placed.
If you are looking to protect a tooth, you might be better suited for a dental crown. A fixed dental bridge may be the ideal solution if you want to replace missing teeth. Our dentists at Irvington Dental can evaluate your smile and make recommendations for treatment based on your unique situation.
Whether you are looking for cost information or just curious about your options for smile restoration, call Irvington Dental at (331) 233-1747 to request an appointment at the office, conveniently located at 945 West Irving Park Road in Streamwood, IL. Our team is also pleased to serve new and current patients from the areas of Elgin, Hoffman Estates, Hanover Park, Bartlett, and Schaumberg, IL as well!
A bridge is a non-surgical way to replace one or many teeth. A bridge uses the adjacent teeth as anchors to support the missing tooth or teeth. With today’s dental advancements, a bridge can be fabricated in a fairly short period of time, using a metal or nonmetal foundation. Don’t let that missing tooth affect the way you speak, eat, and smile. Bridges yield immediate results that last a lifetime. Ask your dentist what type of bridge may be right for you.
Getting a dental crown or bridge is usually very comfortable. The dentist numbs the area with powerful anesthetics to ensure a comfortable experience. You’ll only feel a little more than slight pressure during the procedure. If you are anxious about your treatment, let us know. We offer several sedation options to make your dental care stress-free.
At our office, we are renowned for creating natural-looking restorations. We use premium materials that mimic the properties of natural teeth. Whether it’s a crown or bridge, your restoration will blend seamlessly with your smile. That means you can smile, speak, and laugh without feeling self-conscious about your teeth.
A traditional bridge can replace 1-3 missing or failing teeth in a row, depending on the strength of the supporting teeth. Your bridge can replace more teeth, but longer bridges tend to be less stable. If you want to replace more teeth with a bridge, your dentist will recommend an implant-supported bridge for long-term stability and function.
Dental crowns and bridges are secured to your teeth with durable adhesives to ensure maximum stability. However, they can loosen or even fall out because of trauma, teeth grinding, natural wear, or decay. If you notice any movement, discomfort, or changes in your restoration, contact our office promptly for an evaluation. Your dentist will either repair or replace your dental crown or bridge to restore full function.
With proper maintenance, they can last many years, up to 10-15 years. Their longevity depends on oral hygiene, eating habits, and regular dental visits. Avoiding hard foods, chewing ice, and grinding your teeth can also help extend their lifespan.
Dental bridges are low maintenance, but the area where the bridge meets the gums requires special care. This area can accumulate food debris and plaque, which can lead to decay. To ensure efficient cleaning, you need to clean this area with an interdental brush or water flosser.
At first, you may notice a slight change in your speech, especially if you have a bridge at the front. However, this is temporary and improves within a few days or weeks once your mouth adjusts to the bridge. If speech challenges persist, talk to our team. Your bridge may require some refinements to enhance comfort.
The cost of bridges or crowns depends on several factors, including materials used, the number of teeth involved, and the complexity of your case. Since every smile is unique, we’ll provide a personalized cost estimate after your consultation. We’ll also discuss how to make your dental care more affordable with dental financing. This option allows you to break down your treatment cost into manageable installments.
Most insurance providers classify dental crowns and bridges as major procedures, covering about 50% of your treatment cost. However, it’s important to understand that each plan is unique. That’s why it’s important to verify your benefits with your provider or our dental office to ensure you proceed with confidence.
Living with a damaged or missing tooth means changing how you smile, speak, or feel about yourself. Don’t let compromised teeth hold you back. Dial (331) 233-1747 and schedule an appointment with Irvington Dental for high-quality restorations.
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