Complete Your Smile With Dr. Cortes
Here at Comfy Smile Dental, your comfort, health, and happiness come first. That’s why we use seamless, beautiful dental crowns and bridges to restore your natural teeth back to perfection. These restorations will strengthen your oral health and give you an eye-catching smile that’ll last for many years to come.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, also known as a cap, is used to cover a decayed, damaged, or unattractive tooth. They’re custom-made to restore the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth. A crown is fitted comfortably along the gum line, and can be used to replace a missing tooth.
Dr. Cortes offers several types of dental crowns: porcelain, ceramic, or metal alloy material. At your consultation, we’ll explain the benefits of each type of crown to help you determine the best option for your individual needs.
Benefits of Crowns
There are numerous advantages when you choose our natural-looking, porcelain crowns to cover dental imperfections. These include:
- Protect a cracked, chipped, or fractured tooth
- Support a tooth damaged by decay
- Improve the appearance of crooked teeth
- Enhance the brightness of your smile
- Restore a tooth after root canal therapy
The Crowning Process
The crowning process is completed in as little as two to three appointments at Comfy Smile Dental and includes five simple steps:
- Dr. Cortes will examine your oral health, discuss your treatment goals, and recommend which type of dental crown is best for you.
- We’ll prepare your natural tooth to receive its new restoration by shaping it to ensure your crown fits snugly. You’ll also receive local anesthetic to relieve any pain or discomfort.
- After your tooth is prepared, we’ll take digital impressions of your teeth to send to a special lab. This will ensure that your new crown is crafted to match the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.
- We’ll provide you with a temporary crown to protect the tooth until your permanent, custom-made crown is ready for placement.
- Once your crown is ready, Dr. Cortes will attach your permanent crown to the tooth with a strong dental resin, which hardens when exposed to a special light. At this point, you’ll be ready to leave our Davie office with a beautiful new smile.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a restoration treatment that literally “bridges” the gap between two or more missing teeth. The replacement tooth in a bridge is called a pontic which is secured by a natural-looking dental crown or implant. Porcelain is the best material for bridges because it matches the strength and appearance of your natural teeth.
Dr. Cortes may need to reshape neighboring teeth at the end of each gap so your temporary crowns are securely fitted. Once your bridge is custom-created, you’ll return to our Davie office to have it placed.
Benefits of Bridges
If you’re looking for an affordable, natural-looking restoration option, then a dental bridge may be right for you. There are a variety of benefits you’ll enjoy with a bridge, including:
- Restore your ability to chew and speak
- Prevent your natural teeth from shifting
- Preserve the natural shape of your face
- Replace a number of missing teeth
- Enhance the aesthetic of your smile
How to Care for Your Crown or Bridge
Taking care of your dental crown or bridge is as simple as caring for your natural teeth. Make sure to floss daily and brush at least twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush. This will prevent scratching or possibly damaging your new restoration.
It’s also important to come in for regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings every six months, or twice a year. Our Comfy Smile team can help maintain your healthy teeth and gums for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
On average, the cost of a dental bridge ranges between $300 and $1,000 and a regular crown can cost up to $1,500. However, these costs vary depending on your insurance plan, the number of teeth being restored, and the type of restoration you choose. We’ll provide you with an estimate of your treatment plan during your initial consultation with Dr. Cortes.
While your permanent bridge is created, we’ll provide you with a temporary bridge after your teeth have been prepared so you won’t have to go a day without a complete smile. The temporary bridge will be removed after your custom-made, permanent bridge is ready and your permanent crown is placed. This can typically be done in as little as two visits to Comfy Smile Dental.
Dental crowns and bridges are designed to last anywhere from five to fifteen years with good oral hygiene and care. This means brushing and flossing regularly, as well as scheduling bi-annual dental check-ups and cleanings. Dr. Cortes and our Davie team will help ensure that they’re properly maintained to last for years.
Unfortunately, regular teeth whitening treatments won’t work on a dental crown. Our porcelain crowns are resistant to staining and personalized to match the shade of your natural teeth. If your natural teeth begin to stain, our practice features whitening treatments to ensure they seamlessly blend in with your restoration.
Transform Your Smile in South Florida
At Comfy Smile Dental, we’re committed to providing you with the highest quality of care and treatment. To learn about our restoration options, contact our office at (954) 251-0804 and we’ll schedule your free consultation. We take a gentle approach to crafting your new smile, giving you something to feel proud of.