Dolive & Acres Dentistry - Longview, TX

Crowns & Bridges

If you have a missing tooth, have severe dental decay, or have a broken tooth, a dental crown or bridge in Longview, TX may be right for you. We can place dental crowns and bridges in a few appointments, and they can restore the appearance and function of your teeth.

What Are Dental Crowns?

A crown is a custom-made covering that fits over an original tooth that is either decayed, damaged, or cracked. A dental crown is often called a cap because it sits over the natural tooth like a cap. Crowns are made of various materials such as porcelain, gold, acrylic resin, or a mix of these materials. Porcelain generally has the most natural appearance, although it is often less durable.

How Are Dental Crowns Placed?

After your original consultation appointment and exam, your dentist will schedule you for an impression of your tooth. An image is made in the office and sent to a lab where the crown is designed. Once your crown arrives at the dental office, you will be invited back for a fitting. To prepare the tooth for the dental crown, your dentist will first numb around the tooth. If you have dental decay, your dentist will remove the decay with dental tooths. Once we remove the decay, we will buff around the edge of the tooth. This process removes the outer layer of the tooth, the enamel, and creates a rougher surface for the crown to attach.

Once we prepare the tooth, your dentist will place a bonding paste onto the outer part of your tooth. Then, they will put the dental crown on top of your tooth. They will seal the bond with a heat light. Once the crown is bonded, they will make minor adjustments to the tooth. These adjustments will make the new dental crown comfortable and fit your natural bite. 

This process generally consists of two to three visits over three to four weeks. Once we complete the procedure, proper dental hygiene, including daily brushing and flossing, is required to maintain healthy, bacteria-free teeth, gums, and crowns. Good oral hygiene helps in the prevention of gum disease. Given proper care, your crowns can last a lifetime.

Bridges

If you are missing one or more teeth in a row, your dentist may recommend a dental bridge. A bridge is a dental device that fills a space that a tooth previously occupied. A dental bridge may prevent teeth shifting, leading to bite problems (occlusion), jaw problems, and periodontal disease. Additionally, bridges safeguard the integrity of existing teeth and help maintain a healthy, vibrant smile.

Types Of Dental Bridges

There are three main dental bridges: a fixed bridge, a “Maryland” bridge, and a cantilever bridge. A fixed bridge is the most popular and consists of a filler tooth attached to two crowns, which fit over the existing teeth and hold the bridge in place. The “Maryland” bridge is commonly used to replace missing front teeth and consists of a filler attached to metal bands bonded to the abutment teeth. The metal bands consist of a white-colored composite resin that matches the existing tooth color. The cantilever bridge is often used when there are teeth on only one side of the span. A typical three-unit cantilever bridge consists of two crowned teeth positioned next to each other on the same side of the missing tooth space. The filler tooth is then connected to the two crowned teeth, which extend into the missing tooth space or end.

A dental bridge or crown can transform the appearance of your smile. If you need dental crowns or bridges in Longview, TX, give our dental office a call to schedule an appointment today!

Before Crowns and Bridges Brian B. Dolive & Acres Dentistry dentist in Longview, TX Dr. Bian B. Dolive Dr. Acres After Crowns and Bridges Brian B. Dolive & Acres Dentistry dentist in Longview, TX Dr. Bian B. Dolive Dr. Acres
Crowns and Bridges Before Brian B. Dolive & Acres Dentistry dentist in Longview, TX Dr. Bian B. Dolive Dr. Acres Crowns and Bridges After Brian B. Dolive & Acres Dentistry dentist in Longview, TX Dr. Bian B. Dolive Dr. Acres
  • Scroll to Top

    Book Appointment