Restorative Dentistry

Crowns and Bridges

Dental crowns and dental bridges are typically considered "restorative dentistry." While they certainly help create a more attractive smile, crowns and bridges are often critical to good oral health.

With dental crowns and dental bridges, Dr. Tim Meyer can fill in gaps left by missing teeth, repair decay and prevent painful shifting in the mouth. Without crowns or bridges to maintain proper teeth alignment, you may be susceptible to headaches, jaw pain, and speech problems.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is commonly used to strengthen a weak or damaged tooth. These crowns, otherwise known as "caps," fit over a damaged tooth. Crowns may be necessary to repair broken-down old fillings, fractured teeth, or a severe amount of tooth decay.

At First Impression Dental, we typically use natural looking, tooth-colored porcelain crowns. Patients with old fashioned gold or amalgam crowns may opt to have them replaced with today's more attractive dental crown technology. This can significantly improve your smile while providing strength to the underlying tooth structure.

How Dental Crowns Work:

Fitting a dental crown requires at least two appointments. During your first visit, the tooth is prepared for the crown, a mold is made, and a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth.

At the next visit, the temporary crown is removed and the final crown is fitted, adjusted and cemented into place.

Like most other dental procedures, dental crowns can be completed while a patient is under sedation.

Dental Bridges

If you've lost teeth due to accident or gum disease, we can create a dental bridge to restore your smile. A dental bridge is more than cosmetic; it prevents your remaining teeth from repositioning and putting your bite out of alignment.

By replacing missing teeth, dental bridges make chewing more comfortable. They also provide the important, internal mouth structure that makes your face look more youthful—even when you aren't smiling.

How Dental Bridges Work:

To create a dental bridge, the teeth on either side of the gap are covered with natural-colored crowns. These crowns form the anchor that holds the new, replacement tooth in place.

The procedure requires two visits and can be completed with sedation if you are anxious about dental treatment.

On the first visit, Dr. Meyer will prepare the teeth that will support the bridge. He takes a dental impression that is sent to a state-of-the-art lab which creates a natural, porcelain, tooth-colored bridge that matches your existing teeth. In the meantime, a temporary dental bridge is fabricated and placed for you to wear until your next visit.

On the second visit, the temporary bridge is removed and the custom dental bridge is bonded into place.

Insurance and Payment Options

Most dental insurances provide some coverage for dental bridge and dental crown procedures. The First Impression Dental team would be happy to assist in determining your benefits.

We accept most dental insurance plans and are preferred providers for many companies. Please feel free to call our office to check if we are a preferred provider for you. If you do not have dental insurance, or your provider will not cover treatment, interest-free financing is available. In addition, we will discount procedures paid in full prior to service.