Are dental bridges permanent?

No, your dental bridge isn’t permanent, but with proper oral care, it can last between 10 and 15 years. By maintaining an excellent at-home oral hygiene routine combined with regular visits to Hickman Family dental every 6 months, you can increase the longevity of your custom restoration. To help your dental bridge last longer, follow these tips: Avoid hard or chewy foods that may place stress on your restoration Use fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse Refrain from consuming sugary or starchy foods that can lead to tooth decay Floss between your teeth and gums once per day

How much do dental crowns cost?

The cost of dental crowns treatment varies from patient to patient. Factors that influence the total cost include which type of crown you receive and whether or not your insurance covers a portion of the expenses. It’s important to keep in mind that most insurance providers will cover a part of your dental crown treatment unless it’s being used for cosmetic purposes. If you have any questions about the total cost of dental crowns treatments, contact our Urbandale office at (515) 276-4981.

Dental Crowns and Bridges| Cosmetic Dentist in Urbandale, IA

Restoring Smiles with Precision

A vibrant, healthy smile can significantly impact your daily life, from boosting confidence to improving oral function. At Hickman Family Dental in Urbandale, IA, Dr. Erickson offers advanced dental bridges and crown treatments to restore smiles and enhance patient confidence. These restorative solutions are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits.

Whether you’re dealing with a weakened tooth that needs protection or a gap that requires filling, our team is ready to guide you through the process. Call our Urbandale dental office at (515) 276-4981 to see how they can help restore your smile to its full potential.

What are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are custom-made caps that cover the entire visible portion of an existing tooth above the gum line. They are designed to restore a damaged or weakened tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. Dr. Erickson recommends dental crowns for various situations, including:

Protecting a weak tooth from breaking or holding together parts of a cracked tooth

Restoring a severely worn down or broken tooth
Covering and supporting a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t much tooth left
Holding a dental bridge in place
Covering misshapen or severely discolored teeth
Covering a dental implant
Making cosmetic modifications

Dental crowns can be made from various materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of these. Dr. Erickson at Hickman Family Dental will help you choose the best material for your specific needs, considering factors like the tooth’s location, your budget, and aesthetic preferences.

What are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are prosthetic devices used to literally “bridge” the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A typical dental bridge consists of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap (called abutment teeth) and a fake tooth or teeth in between, known as pontics. These fake teeth are called pontics and can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials.

Bridges serve several important functions:

Restoring your smile
Maintaining the shape of your face
Preventing remaining teeth from drifting out of position
Restoring your ability to chew and speak properly
Distributing the forces in your bite properly by replacing missing teeth

There are several types of dental bridges, including traditional bridges, cantilever bridges, and Maryland bonded bridges. Dr. Erickson will assess your specific situation and recommend the most suitable type of bridge for your needs.

Young woman smiling and pointing to her teeth

Benefits of Dental Crowns and Bridges

Dental crowns and bridges offer a multitude of benefits for those dealing with damaged or missing teeth. These restorative solutions not only enhance your smile but also contribute significantly to your overall oral health. Here are some of the key advantages:

Improved Oral Health: Crowns and bridges can help prevent further decay and damage to surrounding teeth. By covering and protecting weakened teeth, they reduce the risk of future dental issues.
Enhanced Appearance: These dental restorations are designed to match the natural shape and color of your teeth, providing a seamless and aesthetically pleasing look. This can boost your confidence and self-esteem, allowing you to smile freely.
Increased Functionality: Crowns and bridges restore the ability to chew and speak properly, making everyday activities more comfortable and enjoyable. No more worrying about gaps or weakened teeth affecting your daily life.
Long-term Solution: With proper care, dental crowns and bridges can last for many years, offering a durable and reliable solution to dental problems. This longevity makes them a worthwhile investment in your oral health.
Versatility: Whether you have a damaged tooth or a missing tooth, crowns, and bridges can address a wide range of dental issues. They are a versatile option that can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

By choosing crowns and bridges, you are not only restoring your smile but also taking a proactive step toward maintaining your oral health.

The Processes

Dental Crown Procedure:

Initial Consultation: Dr. Erickson will examine your tooth and determine if a crown is the best solution. X-rays may be taken to check the roots of the tooth and surrounding bone.

Preparation: The tooth receiving the crown is prepared by removing the outer portion to make room for the crown. Core buildup material may be used if additional tooth structure is needed to support the crown.

Impressions: Detailed impressions of your teeth are taken to create a custom-fit crown. These impressions are sent to a dental lab where your crown will be fabricated.

Temporary Crown: While waiting for your permanent crown, a temporary crown is placed to protect the prepared tooth.

Fitting and Cementing: Once your permanent crown is ready, usually in about two weeks, you’ll return to Hickman Family Dental. Dr. Erickson will remove the temporary crown and check the fit, shape, and color of the new crown before permanently cementing it in place.

Dental Bridge Procedure:

Initial Consultation: Dr. Erickson will examine your teeth and discuss the best type of bridge for your situation.

Preparation: The abutment teeth are prepared by removing a portion of the enamel from the existing teeth to allow room for a crown to be placed over them.

Impressions: Impressions of your teeth are made as a model for the bridge, pontic, and crowns to be made by a dental laboratory.

Temporary Bridge: A temporary bridge is put in place to protect the exposed teeth and gums while your permanent bridge is being made.

Fitting and Cementing: When your permanent bridge is ready, you’ll return to Hickman Family Dental. The temporary bridge is removed, and the new bridge is checked and adjusted as necessary to achieve a proper fit. Once you and Dr. Erickson are satisfied with the fit, the bridge is permanently cemented into place.

How Long Do Dental Crowns and Bridges Last?

The longevity of dental crowns and bridges can vary based on several factors, including the materials used, your oral hygiene habits, and overall health. Here’s a general overview of how long you can expect these dental restorations to last:

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns: Typically, these crowns can last between five to 15 years. They offer a good balance of durability and aesthetics.
All-Porcelain Crowns: Known for their natural appearance, all-porcelain crowns can last from 10 to 20 years with proper care.
Traditional Dental Bridges: These bridges generally have a lifespan of five to 10 years. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene can help extend their durability.
Implant-Supported Bridges: Offering a more permanent solution, implant-supported bridges can last between 10 to 20 years, making them a long-term investment in your dental health.

To maximize the lifespan of your dental crowns and bridges, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and visiting your dentist for routine check-ups. These habits can help ensure your restorations remain in excellent condition for many years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Once your permanent crown or bridge is in place, you can generally eat as you normally would. However, it’s advisable to avoid extremely hard or sticky foods that could damage or dislodge the restoration.

Caring for your dental crown or bridge is similar to caring for your natural teeth. Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.

Depending on your specific situation, alternatives may include dental implants, partial dentures, or in some cases, tooth-colored fillings. Your dentist can discuss all available options with you during your consultation. In certain situations, a root canal treatment might also be considered as an alternative to address underlying dental issues.

Don’t Wait for Your Perfect Smile: Call Hickman Family Dental Now!

Your smile is a powerful asset, capable of boosting your confidence and lighting up a room. Don’t let dental issues hold you back from sharing it with the world. At Hickman Family Dental, we’re passionate about helping you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve. Whether you’re in Urbandale, West Des Moines, or Johnston, we’re here to serve you with compassionate care and expert treatments.

Take the first step towards a transformative dental experience – call us today at (515) 276-4981. Our friendly team is ready to welcome you, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan that will have you smiling brighter than ever before. Don’t wait another day to invest in your oral health and confidence.

Bridges & Crowns in Urbandale, IA