Having a beautiful smile is more than just how it looks…
Many Americans suffer from tooth decay, chipped teeth and damaged teeth, which all weaken not only the affected tooth, but also the teeth adjacent. Bridges and crowns are the best solution to these serious and embarrassing dental problems that keep people from feeling that they have a healthy, strong smile they can show.Dr. Curtis Couch DDS in Thousand Oaks offers comprehensive treatments that strengthen teeth through crowns and bridges.
Here are some key differences between treatments that Dr. Couch wants to share to help you decide which is the best way forward to a beautiful new smile that others can appreciate.Crowns
Dental crowns are a restoration procedure that significantly improves the fortitude of teeth. They are simply a tooth cap that completely covers a tooth or dental implant. These type of teeth caps help protect teeth when a large cavity has destroyed the majority of a tooth, leaving it vulnerable to further damage. Through the application of a dental crown, the teeth will be restored with enhanced strength and shape resulting in an improved aesthetic and overall appearance. During this dental procedure, a specialized cement is used to bond the dental cap to the natural tooth, or, in the case of capping an implant, they are screwed into place.Crowns can be made from a variety of materials. However, here in Thousand Oaks at the office of Dr. Curtis Couch, our goal is to execute dentistry that is undetectable.
Thus, we utilize only the highest quality porcelain, or “pasted on gold” porcelain crowns that mimic the transparency and texture of real teeth, leaving you with the most natural looking, new smile possible.Bridges
Dental bridges are pretty self-explanatory though their name. They are literally a bridge that connects a space created by one or more missing teeth. They are highly recommended in the case of several missing teeth. If a gap is left untreated, a series of problems can arise such as a compromised bite that can jeopardize jaw alignment, or, the shift of existing teeth causing them to become crooked and lose proper function. During a dental bridge procedure, a device (the bridge) is custom formed to fill the space of the missing teeth. Artificial teeth are created and are attached to the device. The completed set is then anchored into the mouth. The supporting structure is anchored by utilizing the stability of surrounding, or what are called ‘abutment’ teeth.Dr. Couch takes careful consideration as to what is the best solution for his patients seeking to revitalize their smile though a dental bridge procedure…
The two options offered at our state of the art office in Thousand Oaks are:- Fixed Bridges- This is a type of bridge that is strongly bonded into place. They are considered a permanent solution unless removed by a dental professional. They require no special cleaning treatments. Daily brushing, flossing, and bi-annual check-ups and routine office cleanings will keep fixed bridges in optimal condition.
- Removable Bridges- The benefits and function of a removable bridge is similar to that of a fixed bridge. But as implied by their name, they can be taken out by the individual and be thoroughly cleaned outside of the mouth.