Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a secure way to fill gaps and help restore your smile if you have missing or damaged teeth. A crown can also help you bite and chew better, which can positively impact other systems in your body, such as a your digestive system.
What is a crown?
A crown is a cover or “cap” your dentist can put on a tooth. The crown restores the tooth to its normal shape, size and function. The purpose of a crown is to make the tooth stronger or improve the way it looks.
Why do I need a crown?
You may need a crown if you:
have a cavity that is too large for a filling
have a missing tooth and need a bridge
need to cover a dental implant
have a tooth that is cracked, worn down or otherwise weakened
have had root canal treatment—the crown will protect the restored tooth
want to cover a discolored or badly shaped tooth and improve your smile!
What is it made from?
Crowns are made from several types of materials. Metal alloys, ceramics, porcelain, composite resin, or combinations of these materials may be used. In the process of making a crown, the material often is colored to blend in with your natural teeth.
DENTAL BRIDGE
A dental bridge will hold your other teeth in place and make everyday activities such as eating and talking easier. It can also help preserve your teeth as a lost tooth can cause the remaining teeth to loosen, which may lead to additional tooth loss.
First Smile Dental offers a range of handcrafted dental bridges. Your dentist will recommend the best bridge options for you and the team at First Smile Dental will partner with you every step of the way.
What Is a Bridge?
A bridge is a replacement tooth or teeth that fill the space where one or more teeth are missing. The bridge restores your bite and helps keep the natural shape of your face.
Before you get a bridge, your dentist wants you to know more about the steps involved. He or she can advise which type of bridge is best for you.
Why Do I Need a Bridge?
A missing tooth is a serious matter. Teeth are made to work together. When you lose a tooth, the nearby teeth may tilt or drift into the empty space. The teeth in the opposite jaw may also shift up or down toward the space. This can affect your bite and place more stress on your teeth and jaw joints, possibly causing pain.
Teeth that have tipped or drifted are also harder to clean. This puts them at a higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
When a tooth is missing, the bone may shrink. If that happens, it may change the way the jawbone supports the lips and cheeks. Over time, this can make your face look older.
How Do I Replace a Tooth?
Placing a bridge usually takes more than one dental visit. On the first visit, your dentist prepares the teeth on both sides of the gap. He or she will later attach the bridge to these teeth.
Your dentist then takes an impression or an image of your teeth and the space and sends it to a dental laboratory. Technicians at the lab make the bridge. Your dentist will place a temporary bridge to protect your prepared teeth while you are waiting for the permanent bridge.
When the permanent bridge is ready, the dentist fits, adjusts and cements the bridge to the prepared teeth. This type of bridge is permanent and cannot be taken out of your mouth without a dentist’s help.
Full and Partial Dentures
Full / Complete Dentures
We offer several styles of full dentures, each with its own distinct advantages.
Premium Dentures
The Premium Denture is very high in natural appearance. It features enhanced natural appeal, wear and stain resistance, with detailed customization. As with the Economy Dentures, the Premium’s extra-high density teeth are first set in wax for you to try in. Changes may be made at that time. After you have approved the look of your Premium Denture, the lab will custom finish your denture in the permanent acrylic base material. This additional customization results in a more natural look.
Economy Dentures
The Economy Denture is the most affordable denture and is selected by many patients. It is processed by our on-site lab and individually fit for you. The dentist and lab technician will determine the size, shape and look of the teeth, based on your needs.
Partial Dentures
We offer several types of partial dentures - cast metal, flexible and acrylic. The cast metal and flexible partials are our best partials. Please check with the practice nearest you to learn which partials they provide.
Cast Metal Partial Denture
The cast metal partial denture is stronger, less bulky and offers a great fit. This partial has a metal framework to which our on-site laboratory will attach higher-quality denture teeth. Since our special metal framework is made by an outside laboratory, availability of this partial is about two to three weeks.
Flexible Partial (Valplast)
The flexible partial is made from a special material that gives you added comfort and fit.
Acrylic Partial Denture
Acrylic partial dentures are more affordable. This partial has an acrylic base into which the denture teeth are set and is attached to your natural teeth with small metal clasps. The acrylic partial may be available with more durable, natural-looking teeth.