How to Achieve a Natural-Looking Smile
Smiling has a range of physical and mental benefits which can lead to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life. For patients with missing or noticeably damaged teeth, they may lose the desire to smile over time. Crowns and bridges are designed to correct this issue so patients can once again reap the benefits of smiling. They both look and feel like natural teeth and can create a dramatic improvement in the appearance of your smile.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns (or caps) are coverings that fit over damaged teeth in order to restore not just the look but also the function of your teeth. There are a variety of dental crowns, such as:
- Cast gold: they’re highly durable, but some patients may not find them to be the most aesthetically pleasing choice
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFM): these types of crowns have a metal interior for increased strength and a porcelain exterior which provides a more natural look
- All-porcelain: these crowns are made with long-lasting zirconia
What to Expect When Getting a Crown
During your consultation, Dr. Kosinski will examine your teeth in order to help you determine the best option to suit your needs. The process of crowning or capping a tooth will typically take two to three visits. Dr. Kosinski will first need to prepare your tooth by shaping it to fit your new crown. A local anesthetic will be used to ensure a painless experience and in cases where there isn’t enough tooth for the procedure, a tooth-colored filling may be needed in order to continue.
After the tooth has been prepared, Dr. Kosinski will take a digital impression of your teeth which will be sent to a professional laboratory that will provide your custom-made crown. It typically takes a couple of weeks for the crown to be prepared — however, Dr. Kosinski will attach a temporary crown to protect your teeth until your permanent crown is ready. When it arrives, he’ll attach the permanent crown to your tooth with dental glue and solidify it with a special light. At this point, you’ll be ready to smile with confidence.
FAQs About Crowns
Are dental crowns covered by insurance?
Dental crowns can be covered by insurance if they’re deemed medically necessary. This can vary depending on the patient’s specific needs.
Can I whiten my dental crown?
On the bright side, dental crowns are stain-resistant. That being said, they can’t be whitened. If you’re interested in a whiter smile, we highly recommend having your teeth whitened first. From there, your dental crown will be color-matched to your newly whitened smile.
What if my crown has been damaged?
If any damage should occur to your crown, don’t hesitate to call us at (248) 646-8651 and schedule an appointment. Dr. Kosinski will determine whether your crown needs to be repaired or replaced altogether.
Can I replace gold or metal crowns with porcelain crowns?
Generally, it isn’t recommended to replace crowns too often. However, Dr. Kosinski can safely replace your gold or metal crown with a more natural-looking porcelain crown. If you’re interested in upgrading to a porcelain crown, schedule a consultation at our Bingham Farms, MI practice.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges may be a better option for patients who are missing one or more teeth. Missing teeth can become a very serious matter, especially if the neighboring teeth start to shift due to the loss. Dental bridges improve both the function and appearance of your smile by filling in or “bridging” those gaps.
Typically, a crown is placed on each neighboring tooth and the bridge will be secured to the crowns, closing the gap. In some cases, Dr. Kosinski may need to reshape the neighboring teeth to ensure a better fit.
What to Expect When Getting a Dental Bridge
Similar to crowns, it will typically take more than one visit to have a dental bridge placed. A consultation will be needed to ensure a bridge is the best option for you. The procedure itself involves Dr. Kosinski administering a local anesthetic into the gum tissue next to the anchoring teeth.
As the anchors are shaped and prepared, Dr. Kosinski will take an impression of your teeth so your bridge can be custom-made just for you. While you wait, he’ll provide a temporary bridge to fill the gaps in your smile. In a few weeks, you can return to our office and we’ll place your permanent bridge.
FAQs About Bridges
Are dental bridges covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans will cover at least a portion of the fees for a dental bridge. Depending on your specific plan and whether your bridge is medically necessary, some plans may offer full coverage.
Are dental bridges safe?
Dental bridges are not only safe but durable as well, and can improve your overall oral health. If you have one or more adjacent missing teeth, a bridge may be the most convenient tooth replacement available.
How long do dental bridges last?
Depending on how well the patient takes care of their new smile, dental bridges can last upwards of 10 or more years. To get the most out of your bridge, make sure to brush and floss every day in addition to visiting our practice for cleanings at least twice a year.
How to Care for Your New Smile
Both dental crowns and bridges require the same daily maintenance that your natural teeth do. Brushing and flossing twice a day will help prevent plaque build-up. In addition to practicing healthy oral hygiene, it’s recommended to schedule check-ups and cleanings with Dr. Koninski at least twice a year. If you grind your teeth, it’s recommended that you wear an oral appliance such as a nightguard to protect your teeth from damage.
Enhance Your Smile Today
Dr. Kosinski realizes the importance of helping patients reclaim a natural-looking smile through custom-fit crowns and bridges. Give us a call at (248) 646-8651 to smile with confidence again.