Crowns & Bridges

Healthy tooth function is essential for chewing, biting, and speaking clearly. At Arlington Dental Care in Falls Church, Virginia, Homan Solemaninejad, DMD, offers crowns and bridges to repair worn, fractured, and missing teeth and improve their function. Crowns and bridges are fixed treatments that can last for more than a decade with proper care. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about crowns and bridges. 

What are crowns and bridges?

Crowns and bridges are restorative treatments that repair and protect damaged or missing teeth. Dr. Solemaninejad may recommend crowns on their own or combine them with a bridge to restore your smile. 

Crowns

Crowns are caps shaped like teeth. They cover damaged or decayed teeth to restore their appearance, protect against additional damage, and improve your tooth function. Crowns are available in many materials, including ceramic, porcelain, and porcelain-fused-to-metal.

Bridges

Bridges are fixed devices that replace missing teeth. These appliances include two crowns with one or more artificial teeth in the center. The crowns fit over your surrounding teeth for support.

Which dental concerns can crowns and bridges address?

While bridges replace missing teeth, crowns can correct several dental concerns, including:

• Chipped teeth
• Fractured teeth
• Misshapen teeth
• Worn teeth
• Discolored teeth
• Decayed teeth
• Teeth with large fillings
• Teeth treated with root canal therapy

Crowns can also attach to bridges and dental implants to replace missing teeth. After performing a dental exam, Dr. Solemaninejad can determine which treatment is right for you.

What happens during the crowns and bridges process?

Crowns and bridges typically take two visits to place. During your first appointment, Dr. Solemaninejad assesses your teeth and takes digital X-rays. Next, he prepares your teeth for crowns by filing and reshaping them. Finally, he takes impressions of your teeth to create your custom restorations. 

Because crowns and bridges take 2-3 weeks to create, Dr. Solemaninejad fits you for temporary restorations in the meantime. These temporary restorations allow you to eat and speak clearly while you wait for your permanent crowns and bridges.

At your final visit, Dr. Solemaninejad places the permanent crowns and bridges. He makes any necessary adjustment for the proper fit before cementing them in place.

How long do crowns and bridges last?

Most crowns and bridges last more than 10 years with proper care. To extend the lifespan of your restorations, Dr. Solemaninejad recommends that you:

• Practice good oral hygiene
• Brush at least twice a day
• Floss at least once daily
• Avoid hard, sticky, or overly chewy foods
• Schedule teeth cleanings every six months

Call Arlington Dental Care today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about crowns and bridges.