Veneers, Crowns and Bridges

Venners
Veneers are thin shells that are laid onto the teeth and bonded to the outer surface. Although they can be made of different materials, porcelain is generally used because of its durability and realistic appearance. Veneers are a more conservative alternative to crowns since they require less removal of the tooth's original surface. With veneers in place, patients can expect straighter, whiter, and more even looking teeth.

The Procedure
During the initial visit, the patient and Dr. Shahbaz discuss the process of placing veneers and the options available (e.g. shape and shade of veneers). At the next visit, the dentist removes a very small layer of each tooth's outer enamel. A local anesthesia may be used, but is not always necessary. The dentist makes a mold of the teeth and sends it to a dental lab where customized veneers are created. The lab procedures generally take seven to ten days. During this time, the teeth have a slightly different appearance because of the removal of the outer layer of enamel. We place temporary restorations on the teeth. Once the veneers are returned from the lab, the dentist bonds the veneers onto the tooth with a composite material. Exposed to light, the material hardens, bonding the veneer firmly onto the tooth.

Following the Procedure
Patients may experience some sensitivity in the teeth, especially with contact to hot or cold substances. This sensitivity should lessen within two weeks. If you grind or clench your teeth while you sleep, your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect the teeth. Veneers are quite strong and can withstand considerable force when a patient bites, but can occasionally fracture under stress. Patients should avoid hard foods such as ice or bones that may cause undue stress. Veneers should be cared for in much the same way as natural teeth. This includes daily brushing, flossing, and periodic check-ups with a dentist. Given the proper care, veneers can keep you smiling for decades to come.

Crowns
When a tooth is cracked, decayed, or damaged a crown may need to be fitted onto the tooth. A crown is a permanent covering that fits the original tooth. Crowns can be made of porcelain, gold, or other metals, acrylic resin, or- a mix- of these materials. Porcelain crowns typically have the most realistic appearance and the newest porcelain crowns are as durable as other materials. Crowns can lighten, reshape, and realign existing teeth creating a healthy and vibrant smile.

Preparing the Tooth and Crown
During your first visit, the dentist will numb the tooth or teeth to be crowned. Each tooth is prepared to provide an excellent fit for the crown. This is a painless process generally performed in one visit.

An impression of your teeth is then taken and sent to the dental lab where permanent, custom-made crowns are created (this usually takes one or two weeks). During this interim period, temporary crowns made of an acrylic resin are fitted onto teeth.

Applying the Crown
On your next visit, Dr. Shahbaz removes the temporary crown and fits the permanent crown onto teeth. He makes sure the crown has the proper look and fit, and then cements the crown in place.

Maintaining Your New Crown
The proper dental hygiene for normal teeth should be applied to your new crown. Daily brushing and flossing will help keep teeth, gums, and new crown free from the bacteria that can cause gum disease. Avoid chewing on the hard foods such as ice or chicken bone, which over time can cause crowns to crack or break. Given proper care, crowns can last several decades, and may last a lifetime.

Bridges
A bridge is a device used to fill the space where teeth have fallen out or been removed. A typical fixed bridge consists of pontic (a filler tooth) that is attached to two surrounding crowns (abutments). Without the use of a bridge, spaces in the mouth from missing teeth can cause multiple teeth to shift, leading to or jaw problems, and may spur periodontal disease. Bridges safeguard the integrity of existing teeth and help maintain a healthy, vibrant smile.

Replacing missing tooth by a bridge, treatment completed in 2 appointments, one week apart.

The Process
Fixed bridges usually require at least two trips to the dentist's office. During the initial visit, the surrounding teeth are numbed with a local anesthetic. The dentist prepares the surrounding teeth by cleaning any plaque or decay that remains and reducing them so that the crowns can be fitted. The dentist makes a mold of the teeth and sends it off to a dental lab where the customized bridge is fabricated. The custom made bridge takes one to two weeks to return to the office. In the interim, patients are fitted with a temporary bridge constructed of acrylic resin. When the patient returns to the dental office, the dentist removes the temporary bridge and replaces it with the permanent one. The dentist then adjusts the bridge for the proper bite and fit, and the bridge is permanently cemented.

Proper Maintenance
Special care must be given to insure that the gumline and area surrounding the new structure is kept clean. This is especially true because the pontic and crowns are constructed as a single piece. Special floss called SUPER FLOSS is often necessary to clean the underneath teeth and maintain strong, healthy gums. With proper dental care, bridges are healthier and last longer.