Crowns and Bridges in Wheat Ridge, CO

Dental crowns and bridges are essential restorations that not only enhance the appearance of your smile but also restore the function of your teeth. At Trailhead Dental in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, we use top-quality materials and the latest technology to craft and place your crowns or bridges. Whether you're missing a tooth and need a bridge or have a broken or weak tooth in need of a crown, we are here to help restore both form and function to your smile.

What Are Crowns and Bridges?

Crowns

A dental crown (often referred to as a “cap”) is a dental restoration used to rebuild and strengthen a damaged or decayed tooth. They are made from materials like ceramic, porcelain, resin, metal (such as gold), or porcelain-fused-to-metal, each offering unique benefits in terms of appearance, durability, and cost.

Crowns can serve the following purposes:

Conceal imperfections such as cracks, discoloration, or misshapen teeth
Restore damaged teeth caused by injury, decay, or previous procedures like root canals
Attach to dental implants to replace a missing tooth

Bridges

A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap and attaching to the neighboring teeth. Essentially, a bridge consists of multiple connected crowns and can:

Restore the appearance and function of missing teeth
Be secured to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants
Replace several missing teeth, typically 3-4

While bridges can provide a strong and durable solution, they require more attention to oral hygiene due to the small space beneath the middle crown, which can trap food and lead to decay if not properly cleaned.

Benefits of Crowns and Bridges

Improved Chewing Function:

Missing or damaged teeth can make eating difficult, especially when trying to chew certain foods. Crowns and bridges restore your ability to chew and bite comfortably, helping you maintain a healthy, balanced diet.

Stronger Teeth:

Crowns strengthen weak or damaged teeth, protecting them from further decay and injury. If you’ve had a root canal, trauma, or large fillings, a crown can provide essential support.

Pain Reduction:

Damaged or decayed teeth can be painful or sensitive. Crowns help shield the affected tooth, alleviating pain and discomfort while also preventing additional damage or sensitivity.

Improved Appearance:

Even minor imperfections in your teeth can affect your confidence. Crowns and bridges enhance your smile by restoring damaged or missing teeth, helping you feel more confident and happy about your appearance.

The Procedure for Crown and Bridge Restorations

Crown Procedure:

During the crown procedure, the first visit begins with numbing the area around the damaged tooth using local anesthesia. The tooth is then carefully reshaped and filed to make room for the crown. An impression of the tooth is taken, either using traditional impression material or a digital scan, to create an accurate model of the tooth for the custom crown. In some cases, a temporary crown may be placed while the permanent one is being fabricated.

During the second visit, the permanent crown is ready, and we will check its fit, color, and bite to ensure everything is just right. Once the perfect fit is confirmed, the crown is securely bonded to the tooth.

Bridge Procedure:

During the bridge procedure, the first visit begins with numbing the supporting teeth adjacent to the gap and reshaping them to accommodate the crowns. An impression or digital scan is then taken to create an accurate model for the bridge. While the permanent bridge is being fabricated, a temporary bridge is placed to protect the area. On the second visit, the permanent bridge is carefully placed and adjusted for optimal fit and bite. Once everything is perfectly aligned, the bridge is securely cemented in place.

Why Choose a Crown and Bridge Specialist?

Dr. Leong, our prosthodontist, is a specialist in crown and bridge restorations. His expertise in the materials, design, fabrication methods, and clinical procedures ensures that your crown or bridge will not only restore the function and aesthetics of your smile but also have lasting durability. Dr. Leong’s attention to detail and patient care will provide you with the best possible outcome for both your smile and overall dental health.

Maintenance and Care for Crowns and Bridges

While crowns and bridges are durable, they still require good oral hygiene and care to ensure they last for many years:

Brush and floss regularly: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day, taking extra care around the edges of crowns and bridges to remove food particles.
Use non-abrasive toothpaste: Avoid toothpaste that could scratch or damage the crown's surface.
Avoid hard foods: Be mindful when biting into hard or sticky foods to prevent damage to your crown or bridge.
Regular dental check-ups: Regular visits to Trailhead Dental allow us to monitor the health of your crowns and bridges and ensure they remain in good condition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, crowns and bridges are highly effective dental solutions for restoring both the function and appearance of your smile. Whether you need to protect a weakened tooth with a crown or replace missing teeth with a bridge, these restorations can significantly improve your oral health and confidence. At Trailhead Dental, we use advanced techniques and high-quality materials to ensure your crowns and bridges are durable, natural-looking, and comfortable. If you’re considering crowns or bridges to enhance your smile, schedule a consultation with us today to learn how we can help restore your teeth to their optimal condition.

For more information on dental crowns and bridges, or to schedule a consultation, visit us at Trailhead Dental, located at 4350 Wadsworth Blvd Suite 360, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. You can also reach our office at (720) 242-6803 to make an appointment. Let us help you restore your smile with high-quality, durable dental restorations.