Whether you are missing one tooth or several, the consequences are more than cosmetic. As if feeling self-conscious when you smile or talk isn’t bad enough, there is also the risk of your remaining teeth becoming misaligned. This can lead to a bad bite, gum disease or even temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ. The way to avoid all of this is to fill the void, and one viable option is a crown and bridge from Smile Fitness Dental Centers in Phoenix, AZ, and Peoria, AZ. With a crown and bridge, your smile is complete and other oral health hazards are averted.
Crown and Bridge to the Rescue
A crown, otherwise known as a cap, is usually made of dental porcelain and made to cover a tooth that is badly damaged by decay or injury. In the case of a crown and bridge, the crown is placed on the teeth that abut the space of the missing tooth. These abutments then act as anchors to firmly hold the bridge in place. The bridge, in turn, spans the space of the missing tooth and holds the replacement tooth, or pontic, in proper position.
As the first step in fabricating your custom-fitted crown and bridge, the dentist at Smile Fitness Dental Center will slightly diminish the size of the teeth on either side of the open space, so they can accommodate crowns. Then, an impression is made in order to create a precise mold from which the crown and bridge are made in a professional dental lab. You’ll wear a temporary replacement while your crown and bridge are manufactured. When this is ready, the temporary is removed and the permanent crown and bridge are secured in place with dental cement. With good oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups, your crown and bridge can last for decades.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you’re ready to fill the void of a missing tooth or teeth, call either the Phoenix, AZ, or Peoria, AZ, office of Smile Fitness Dental Centers to learn more about a crown and bridge. We’ll gladly answer your questions and schedule a consultation. Our offices also conveniently serve patients in Tempe, Glendale, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Sun City.