Crowns & Bridges

Cosmetic Dentistry

Crowns & Bridges

Living with missing teeth can be difficult, and some people might not want or be eligible for oral surgery. In these cases, a combination of dental crowns and bridges can restore your teeth, improve your oral functions, and increase self-confidence.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns completely cover every visible part of the tooth, which is why they are sometimes referred to as “caps.”

While porcelain crowns can certainly improve the look of a tooth or multiple teeth, they are usually recommended only for restorations – not simply for cosmetic purposes.

What Are Dental Bridges?  

Like dental implants, we use dental bridges to replace missing teeth. Bridges can be composed of one or multiple false teeth, which are fused between two porcelain crowns to fill open gaps in your smile. Fixed bridges can last over 10 years and are permanent fixtures in your mouth.

Installing a dental bridge is typically completed in two visits. First, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth, which they’ll send off to a lab where a technician will cast it into a mold. You’ll be given a temporary bridge in the meantime. On your second visit, the dentist will fit this mold, and we’ll make any necessary corrections or adjustments.

Types of Bridges

Cantilever Bridges

This method replaces a tooth that does not have supporting teeth on both sides of the gap.

Maryland Bonded Bridges

This restorative method includes artificial teeth and gums held in place by a metal frame.

Traditional Bridges

These bridges are the most common and literally bridge the gap by securing a false tooth using crowns on either side.

What Are the Benefits of Crowns and Bridges?

Having one or more missing teeth can have a serious effect not only on your smile, but also on your dental health. Specifically, missing teeth can cause:

• A shift in the alignment of your teeth
• Increased risk of periodontal disease and decay
• Loss of adjacent teeth
• Speech disorders
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder  

With a combination of crowns and bridges, these risks are much less likely. As an added benefit, you’ll feel much more confident knowing that you have a complete, beautiful smile.

Are You Looking for Crowns and Bridges in Fort Walton Beach?

Dr. Nabors can help you determine if crowns and bridges are the right restoration method for your smile. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.