Dental Crowns in Alexandria,VA - Alexandria Smiles Dentistry

What are crowns and bridges?

Crowns slide over teeth, strengthening them and concealing cosmetic issues. They're made of a variety of durable materials, including porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, nickel, gold, ceramic, and resin. Crowns must be tough because they're subjected to very strong forces when you bite.

Bridges consist of two crowns that anchor one or more false teeth, called pontics They're used to replace missing teeth. Bridges are usually made of porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal.

How can crowns and bridges help me?

A missing tooth not only affects your appearance but also makes it more difficult to bite and chew. If several teeth are missing on one side, it can be particularly hard to chew foods. Unfortunately, if you don't chew foods thoroughly before swallowing them, you can experience an upset stomach. When you receive your new bridge, you'll be able to enjoy your favorite foods again without a problem.

Crowns are very versatile restorations and are used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Strengthening Damaged or Weakened Teeth: Crowns provide stability to cracked or chipped teeth in danger of breaking and restore teeth that are already broken.
• Providing Stability After Dental Procedures: Large fillings and root canal therapy are very effective treatments used to treat and repair tooth decay or inflammation and infection, but they can weaken teeth and make them more likely to break if they're not protected with crowns.
• Correcting Cosmetic Issues: Crowns conceal discolorations and chips, lengthen short teeth and change the appearance of crooked or oddly shaped teeth.

How do I receive crowns and bridges?

Teeth that will receive crowns must be reduced in size in order to accommodate the crowns. After the teeth are reduced, an impression of your mouth is made. A dental laboratory uses the impression to create crowns or bridges that will fit your mouth perfectly. You'll leave your dentist's office with temporary crowns or bridges and will return two or three weeks later when your permanent restoration is ready.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Crowns are designed to be durable and withstand the everyday strains and pressure that we experience with natural teeth, like biting, chewing, and habits like teeth grinding during sleep. The lifespan of a crown will vary from person to person, but the general range is anywhere between 5 - 15 years. Some can last much longer, while others may need maintenance after just a few years.

Are you looking to restore your natural smile? Call our Alexandria, VA office (also serving Alexandria West, Shirlington, & Bailey's Crossroads, VA) at (703) 671-0626 for more info!

Related Articles