Dental Crowns & Bridges – Flint, MI
Restoring Your Smile Without Sacrificing The Appearance Of It
Whether you have a damaged tooth or gaps in your smile, it’s vital to restore them to repair the function of your mouth. If you wait too long, it could cause even more serious issues down the road. Dr. Chitra Naik offers completely customized dental crowns & bridges in Flint to restore your comfort and repair your ability to eat and speak with ease. She uses high-quality, long-lasting, and strong dental porcelain to make her restorations, so with the proper maintenance, they can last for several years. If you’d like to finally take the first step towards preserving your oral health and repairing your smile, schedule a consultation today to discuss restoration with dental crowns and bridges in Flint, MI!
Why Choose Chitra P. Naik, DMD For Dental Crowns & Bridges?
- Natural-Looking Restorations
- High-Quality Dental Materials
- Accepts Most Major Dental Insurance Plans
What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are cap-shaped ceramic shields that are customized to securely and comfortably fit over the visible biting surface of damaged teeth. Before they can be placed, Dr. Naik will need to prepare your affected tooth by removing a small portion of the outer layer to compensate for the thickness of the crown. Once the restoration arrives at her dental office, she’ll secure it to your tooth using cement.
While dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, most patients prefer porcelain because the shade of it can be customized to flawlessly blend-in with existing teeth. They can also be used to fix a variety of oral issues, including:
- A damaged tooth.
- A weakened or worn-down tooth.
- A severely decayed tooth.
- A discolored or stained tooth.
What are Dental Bridges?
We usually recommend dental bridges for patients who are missing one or more teeth in a row. On either side of the replacement teeth are dental crowns which hold the restoration in place. The artificial teeth act to literally bridge the gap between your natural teeth and restore the function and appearance of your smile. Just like individual dental crowns, bridges can be made from natural-looking dental porcelain or ceramic.
Before Dr. Naik places your bridge, a small amount of enamel will need to be removed from the existing teeth that will hold the crowns on either side of the restoration. After that, she’ll permanently cement the bridge in place. This restoration comes with a variety of benefits to your oral health, including:
- Keeping your surrounding teeth from drifting out of place.
- Makes it easier to eat and speak.
- Prevents plaque and bacteria buildup in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth.
The Importance Of Repairing & Restoring Teeth
Even if an oral health issue like a missing or damaged tooth isn’t causing you intense pain, they’re still important to address immediately. If you don’t, your oral health will decline, resulting in more serious issues down the road. They offer the best of both aesthetic and functional dentistry and can also help boost your confidence as well.
If you’re experiencing oral discomfort or are missing one or more teeth, schedule a consultation today to learn how Dr. Naik can help bring your smile back to life!
Dental Crowns FAQs
If you believe you could benefit from a new dental crown, Dr. Naik and our team are ready to help. Before you get in touch with us to schedule your appointment, however, you might like to learn more about these restorative treatments. That is why we have put together this brief list of frequently asked questions. If you don’t see the information you were hoping for, please reach out to us directly so we can personally assist you.
How Much Do Dental Crowns Cost?
The cost of a dental crown depends on a few different factors, including the specific type of restoration and the materials used to make it. During your consultation, we will provide you with a candid estimate for the price of your treatment. We’ll also assist you in figuring out how your insurance applies, and we’ll even file claims for you. Most insurance policies cover about half the cost of crowns, up to the amount of the policy’s annual maximum. Patients who do not wish to pay for the entirety of their treatment upfront may be eligible for financing through CareCredit.
How Can I Take Care of My Restoration?
Caring for your dental crown is easy. You should stick to a diligent oral hygiene routine and avoiding biting on anything hard that might damage the crown. If you tend to grind your teeth at night, you should wear a mouthguard while you sleep. Visiting our office at least twice a year for a checkup and cleaning is also important.
How Long Can I Expect My Crown to Last?
It is common for crowns to last for a decade or longer. However, there may be some instances where replacement is required sooner than that. For example, if you accidentally break your crown or you notice that your gums are receding around it, you should call us right away. We may need to provide you with a new restoration.
How Long Does It Take to Get a New Crown?
It usually takes at least two appointments to design and place a crown. The appointments may be a couple weeks apart. Between them, you will wear a temporary restoration to protect your prepared tooth while the laboratory fabricates your permanent one.
I’m Tired of My Old Metal Crowns. Can You Replace Them?
Even if your old metal crowns are still perfectly functional, it is understandable if you want to replace them for aesthetic reasons. Dr. Naik will be happy to examine your mouth and talk to you about your options for improving the look of your smile. Most patients are eligible to receive beautiful, natural-looking porcelain crowns to replace their old metal ones.