Mission Viejo Dentist Recommends a Crown or Bridge only if Necessary

The Vartanian Dental Group takes a conservative approach when it comes to replacing teeth with porcelain crowns and bridges. They only want to replace a tooth when it is absolutely necessary. The same approach is taken when it comes to recommending a dental bridge. What is the difference between a crown and a bridge? A crown covers or goes right on top of a damaged tooth. A dental bridge is literally the bridge that closes the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge is made up of two or more crowns molded together for the teeth on either side of the gap. The anchoring teeth are called abutment teeth and usually has a false tooth in between.

Some of the benefits include strengthening a damaged tooth, cosmetically fixing damaged areas of the mouth, bridges and crowns can be used to improve a tooth’s appearance, shape, alignment and bite or alignment. Gaps left by missing teeth can cause the remaining teeth to shift, which can result in a bad bite. Bridges and crowns have many advantages. Below are just a few.

5 more Advantages of a Dental Bridge can be:

1. Restore your smile
2. Restore the ability to properly chew and speak
3. Maintain the shape of your face
4. Distribute the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth
5. Prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position

What Types of Dental Bridges are there?

There are three main types of Dental Bridges:

1. Traditional bridges – involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic, or false tooth in between. Traditional bridges are the most common type of bridges and are made of either porcelain fused to metal or ceramics.
2. Cantilever bridges – are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth. This is becoming less and less popular and is not recommended in the back side of the mouth where the crunching motion of chewing can put too much force on other teeth and damage them.
3. Maryland bonded bridges – (aka resin-bonded bridge) are made of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or plastic teeth and gums supported by a metal or porcelain framework. This is where metal or porcelain wings often on just one side of the bridge are bonded to your existing teeth.

What Is the Process for Getting a Dental Bridge?

During your visit to The Vartanian Dental Group of Mission Viejo for getting a dental bridge fitted, the first step is to prepare the abutment teeth. Preparation involves re-contouring these teeth by removing a portion of enamel to allow room for a crown to be placed over them. Then, impressions of the teeth are made, which serve as a model from which the bridge, pontic, and crowns will be made by a dental lab. The specialist from The Vartanian Dental Group will make the temporary bridge to wear to protect the exposed teeth and gums while the bridge is being made at the lab.

During the second visit to Vartanian Dental Group, your temporary bridge will be removed and the new porcelain or metal bridge will be fitted and adjusted, as necessary, to achieve a proper, comfortable fit. Once all the adjustments are made, the bridge is cemented into place.

If you are looking for a new crown or bridge, I highly recommend Vartanian Dental Group. Located in City of Mission Viejo Ca 92691, They have early morning appointments as well as extended hours to help serve the community of Mission Viejo and abroad.