What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?

Crowns and bridges are restorative dental treatments designed to address a wide range of issues, from tooth damage to missing teeth. Here’s a breakdown of each:

• Crowns: A dental crown is a cap that covers and protects a damaged tooth. It strengthens the tooth, restores its functionality, and improves its appearance.  
• Bridges: A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth or implants. This “bridges the gap” caused by missing teeth and prevents complications like shifting teeth or jawbone deterioration.

At Rocky View Family Dental, we provide personalized treatment plans for both crowns and bridges to ensure long-term benefits for your oral health.

Types of Crowns and Bridges We Offer  

At our Littleton office, we offer various types of crowns and bridges to suit the specific needs of our patients. Here’s a look at your options:

Crowns

1. Porcelain Crowns: These types of crowns are known for mimicking the natural look of your teeth. They’re both functional and aesthetically pleasing.  
2. Gold Crowns: Durable and long-lasting, gold crowns are perfect for teeth that endure high biting forces, like molars.  
3. Porcelain Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM): These crowns combine the natural appearance of porcelain with the strength of a metal core.  
4. Zirconia Crowns: These advanced crowns are an excellent choice for many patients because they are known for being both strong and beautiful. 
5. Ceramic Crowns: Metal-free and biocompatible, ceramic crowns are ideal for patients with metal sensitivities.  

Bridges

1. Traditional Fixed Bridges: The most common type, anchored by crowns on the healthy teeth adjacent to the gap.  
2. Cantilever Bridges: Used when there’s only one tooth available to support the bridge.  
3. Maryland Bonded Bridges: These are minimally invasive bridges that rely on a metal or porcelain wing bonded to existing teeth.  

Dr. Walt Vogl will help you determine the best options for your needs, balancing functionality, durability, and aesthetics.

Who Needs Crowns and Bridges?

Crowns and bridges serve both cosmetic and functional purposes, making them invaluable for patients across various situations. You may benefit from crowns and bridges in Littleton if you’re experiencing any of the following:

Crowns Are Ideal If You Have:

• A severely decayed tooth
• A cracked or fractured tooth
• A weakened tooth due to a large filling or injury
• A root canal that requires additional protection
• Discolored or misshapen teeth you’d like to improve aesthetically  

Bridges Are Ideal If You Have:  

• One or more missing teeth affecting your smile  
• Gaps that are altering your bite or causing discomfort  
• Shifting of nearby teeth  
• Difficulty chewing or speaking  

Crowns and bridges restore oral health and can boost confidence by completing your smile.  

The Procedure for Crowns and Bridges  

Getting crowns and bridges in Littleton involves a multi-step process to ensure the final result is durable, precise, and comfortable. Here’s what you can expect when you visit Rocky View Family Dental:

Initial Consultation

Dr. Walt Vogl will conduct an examination, discuss your needs, and recommend the best treatment option.  

Preparation

For crowns, we will reshape the affected tooth to make room for the crown. For bridges, we will prepare the adjacent teeth to serve as anchors.  

Impression or Digital Scan

We will take an impression or scan to create custom crowns or bridges that fit perfectly.  

Temporary Crown/Bridge (If Needed)

We may place a temporary crown or bridge while your permanent restoration is being created.  

Placement

Once the custom-made crown or bridge is ready (usually within a few weeks), it will be securely bonded or cemented.  

Final Adjustments

We will make any necessary minor adjustments after placement to ensure comfort and proper bite alignment.  

How to Care for Your Crowns and Bridges  

Proper care is essential to maximize the lifespan of your dental restorations. Follow these tips to maintain your crowns and bridges in Littleton:

• Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day and floss daily, paying extra attention to the area around your crown or bridge.  
• Use Specialized Tools: Consider floss threaders or water flossers to clean under your bridge effectively.  
• Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Foods like caramel or ice can damage your crown or loosen your bridge.  
• Schedule Regular Check-ups: Routine visits to Rocky View Family Dental allow us to monitor the health of your dental work and address any issues early.  
• Wear a Night Guard (If Needed): If you grind your teeth, wearing a night guard can protect your crown or bridge from unnecessary wear.   

With proper care, crowns and bridges can last 10 to 15 years or longer, ensuring a functional and beautiful smile for years to come.

Crowns and Bridges in Littleton

Whether you need to repair a damaged tooth or fill a gap caused by missing teeth, Rocky View Family Dental and Implant Center is here for you. By offering top-quality crowns and bridges in Littleton, Dr. Walt Vogl and our team are committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health and a smile you’re proud to show off.

Please book a consultation today to learn how we can tailor treatments to your unique needs.