At Meadows Dental Group by Espire, quality care means using the best materials to help patients achieve their functional and cosmetic goals. Through our longstanding partnership with a reputable dental lab, we are able to provide patients with customized restorations for one or more teeth.
Our dentists will discuss your needs and goals to help you decide between a dental crown, a dental bridge or another option. We serve patients throughout the Lone Tree area, including Colorado communities like Highlands Ranch, Centennial and more. Call Meadows Dental Group by Espire today at 303-790-2323 to schedule your initial consultation.
Porcelain Tooth Crowns
A crown fits over a tooth like a cap. It is generally used to repair teeth that are decayed or damaged. However, dental porcelain makes crowns a key component of our cosmetic dentistry services as well.
Dental crowns treat the following issues:
- Chips
- Cracks
- Stains
- Fractures
- Prior restorations (i.e. a badly damaged tooth treated with earlier metal fillings)
Crowns are also used to complete a dental implant replacing a missing tooth.
Do You Offer Same-Day Dental Crowns?
Many dental offices have adopted chairside devices that fabricate crowns and other restorations in just one day. This technology is popular with patients because they can leave the office with a permanent crown, rather than getting a temporary cap and returning for a second appointment.
But, Meadows Dental Group by Espire does not offer same-day crowns. The latest technology doesn’t necessarily mean the best, and we find that patients enjoy better, longer-lasting results when we work with our dental lab to create custom crowns using precisely shaped dental porcelain.
Overnight results aren’t always the best results. Quality dental crowns are worth the wait!
Does My Insurance Cover Porcelain Crowns?
Our helpful team members will help you with submitting insurance forms and tell you about our financing options. Most dental insurance plans cover crowns, but the position of the crown and the reason for getting it will affect coverage in your specific situation.
If you need to repair a tooth, your insurance will likely cover a crown. However, if the tooth is located outside of the smile line, your benefits may only extend to metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
If you’re getting a crown for chiefly cosmetic reasons, your insurance company likely won’t extend coverage.
Ultimately, the best dental treatment should be between the patient and his or her dentist. We encourage patients frustrated by their dental insurance coverage or seeking a second opinion to find out how Meadows Dental Group by Espire can help!
Dental Bridges
Not all patients with missing teeth are suitable candidates for dental implants. Bridges are still an effective alternative for filling that gap in your smile.
Dental bridges can replace one or more teeth. A fixed bridge requires the placement of crowns on either side of the empty space and is cemented in place (as opposed to a partial denture, which is generally removable).
Am I an Ideal Candidate for Dental Crowns or Bridges?
If you have missing or badly decayed teeth, a dental crown or dental bridge may restore your smile and protect existing teeth from further damage. Dental crowns are best for a decayed tooth with an intact root. The crown is placed over the existing tooth and hugs it, creating the appearance of a healthy tooth with regular functions.
A dental bridge is used to fill space where a tooth or several teeth are missing. The bridge can help protect implants and artificial teeth. Good candidates for a bridge include patients with good gum health who are missing teeth.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
The average dental crown will last for ten years. However, durability will vary depending on the materials used in the crown and how well the patient takes care of their teeth in the years following.
At Meadows Dental Group by Espire, we use porcelain crowns to treat chipped teeth, cracked or fractured teeth, and teeth that were previously restored using metal fillings. Porcelain crowns typically last between five and fifteen years before they will need to be replaced. Taking proper care of your crown following treatment can extend its longevity.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
A dental bridge is used to fill in the space of a missing tooth. Before a bridge may be inserted, two crowns must be placed on the surrounding teeth to provide added support.
Depending on how well you care for your teeth following the insertion of a dental bridge, it may last from five years up to a lifetime. People who regularly brush their teeth, floss, and otherwise care for their dental health are likely to have longer-lasting results.
What is the Recovery and Aftercare for Dental Crowns?
Following the insertion of a dental crown, the anesthetic used to numb your mouth will wear off, generally within a few hours. It may be uncomfortable to chew food, talk, or drink liquids during that time. There may be minimal pain associated with the placement of the crown, but ibuprofen is usually enough to take care of any aches.
To care for your crown, you’ll need to follow the same regular dental care practices that you do for your other teeth. Ensure you brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily. You should also regularly floss between your teeth to remove any buildup. Regular dental cleanings help extend the lifespan of your crown and other teeth.
How Do I Maintain Dental Crowns and Bridges?
To maintain the results of your dental crown or bridge, ensure that you follow a strict program of oral hygiene best practices.
Brush your teeth thoroughly in the morning and evening. Remember to floss between your teeth to remove any buildup, stuck food, or other debris. Some people find that a water pick can help remove food and debris that regular flossing can’t.
You should visit your regular dentist for a cleaning and checkup every six months. If you notice problems with your dental crown or bridge, contact our office to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Waiting too long to visit us can cause further damage to the bridge or crown.
Finding the Best Treatment Option
Many patients come to us with questions about crowns, bridges, dentures and dental implants. Ultimately, our dentists value stick-with-it-ness, and we work closely with each patient to determine the optimal procedure for restoring their dental health and improving the appearance of their smile.
Find out if porcelain crowns, dental bridges or another treatment is right for you. Meadows Dental Group by Espire performs free limited consultations for patients seeking single-tooth treatment, but more extensive treatments will require a complete examination with a standard fee.
Call 303-790-2323 to find out if you are eligible for a free consultation. Meadows Dental Group by Espire serves patients in and around Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Centennial and other nearby areas.
