Crowns & Veneers

If you're dealing with one or more missing teeth, your dentist might suggest artificial replacements. But when deciding between crown implants and bridges, which option suits you best? Let's explore the ideal choice for your dental needs at Springfield Dental.

What are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns, also known as caps, are custom-made prosthetic devices that are placed over a damaged tooth. They are designed to restore the tooth's shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of materials. They are commonly used to:

• Protect weak or damaged teeth
• Restore broken or severely worn teeth
• Cover dental implants
• Support dental bridges
• Improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth

At Springfield Dental, we use the latest technology and techniques to create crowns that blend with your natural teeth, providing both durability and aesthetics.

Dental Crowns Procedure at Springfield Dental

The dental crown procedure at Springfield Dental typically involves two appointments, each with specific steps and objectives:

First Visit

• Preparing Your Tooth: The initial step involves preparing the tooth that will receive the crown. Your dentist will remove a portion of your natural enamel to create space for the crown and ensure a secure fit. In some cases, filling material may be used to strengthen the tooth's foundation.
• Dental Impressions: After tooth preparation, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth. These impressions can be physical, made with a putty-like material, or digital, using a handheld scanner. The impressions are then sent to a dental lab where a technician will craft your custom dental crown based on these specifications.
• Temporary Crown Placement: Since it takes time for the dental lab to fabricate your permanent crown (usually two to three weeks), your dentist will place a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth in the meantime. Temporary crowns are typically made of resin or acrylic and serve to maintain the tooth's shape and function until the final crown is ready.

Second Visit

• Removal of Temporary Crown: During your second appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary crown to prepare for the placement of the permanent one.
• Evaluation of New Crown: Your dentist will carefully assess the shape, color, and fit of the new crown to ensure it meets your expectations and blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
• Bonding the Crown: Once approved, the permanent crown will be bonded to your tooth using strong dental cement. This bonding process ensures that the crown remains securely in place and functions like a natural tooth.

After undergoing a dental crown procedure, most individuals can typically resume their daily activities, such as work, school, and other routines, immediately following the placement of the crown. However, it's common to experience some sensitivity, particularly to hot and cold temperatures, for a couple of weeks post-procedure.

During this time, you may also notice mild soreness or tenderness in the gums surrounding the treated tooth. These side effects are normal and typically subside within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate any discomfort you may experience.

At Springfield Dental, we understand that the best choice depends on your budget, preferences, and oral health goals. Our expert team will guide you through the process, ensuring you receive the ideal crown for your needs.

Veneers

Porcelain veneers have become a well-liked and practical option for improving the appearance of teeth in the pursuit of a brilliant smile. These thin, custom-made porcelain shells are intended to mimic tooth enamel in terms of resistance and longevity while also enhancing the natural appearance of teeth. This thorough guide covers the advantages of porcelain veneers, typical signs that they're necessary, and how to schedule a consultation to have the smile you've always wanted.

Comprehending Ceramic Veneers

High-grade dental porcelain is used to create the delicate shells that makeup porcelain veneers. Every veneer is made in order to fit over a tooth's front surface, effectively hiding flaws and boosting aesthetic attractiveness. Whether you're seeking to correct misalignment, change tooth shape or size, or improve tooth color, porcelain veneers offer a versatile solution tailored to your unique dental needs.

Symptoms That Indicate You Might Need Porcelain Veneers

Several symptoms suggest that porcelain veneers may be the ideal solution to address your dental concerns:

• Misaligned Teeth or Tooth: Porcelain veneers can offer a non-invasive substitute for orthodontic treatment if you have one tooth that is slightly out of position or if your teeth are just somewhat misaligned. This will improve the appearance of your smile overall.
• Different Colored Teeth: Porcelain veneers are an efficient way to mask tooth color variations brought on by discoloration, staining, or dental procedures, giving the appearance of a uniform and natural smile.
• Chipped Teeth: With little to no modification to the original tooth structure, porcelain veneers provide a strong and aesthetically acceptable way to fix chipped or cracked teeth, restoring their appearance and functionality.
• Uneven Spaces in Teeth: To create a more harmonious and balanced smile, uneven spacing, also known as diastema, between teeth can be rectified using porcelain veneers.