Dental Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are custom-fitted tooth prosthetics that are used to replace or restore damaged or missing teeth. Crowns – also known as caps – are fixed over the surfaces of natural tooth structures or dental implants. Bridges are used to fill in the gaps left by missing teeth and are anchored in place by the natural teeth or crowns nearest the empty space. Both crowns and bridges are non-removable and must be cemented in place by a licensed dentist. Patients who get crowns or bridges to restore their smiles achieve both the function and appearance of natural, healthy teeth.
Did you know… that the Etruscan civilization were the first to use crowns as a means of restoring damaged teeth? In fact, the materials they used – ivory, gold, and bones – were still the standard in dentistry as recently as the 20th century, when porcelain crowns were first invented. Today, crowns and bridges are customized specifically for the patient’s bite and can usually be placed in as little as one or two dental visits. With proper cleaning and regular dental check-ups, crowns and bridges can last many years, or even a lifetime.
The Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth
It may seem like some teeth are more important than others. If you’re missing a front tooth, you obviously want it replaced. If you’re missing a molar, you may not put it as high on the priority list. All teeth, though, are essential to your overall oral health – and dental restorations aren’t just about making you look better, they’re about making sure your smile is healthy.
Replacing missing teeth is essential because when a tooth is absent, its root system is too. Without at least a repair above the gum line, you are susceptible to several serious oral health problems like:
- A weakened jawbone
- Compromised neighboring teeth
- Tissue damage caused by shifting teeth
- Bite and alignment problems
Only one missing tooth, while it may not seem like a big deal overall, can lead to a wholly unstable mouth. Over time, the absence of a tooth or two will lead to more and more oral health complications.
The Many Timelines of Invisalign
Besides the overall treatment timeline, there are many timelines that fall under that umbrella. Here is how some of the numbers and hours are broken up:
- 2 weeks: The amount of time each set of aligners is typically worn. Patients will be told at the start of Invisalign when they’re to switch trays and move on to the next part of their treatment.
- 6 to 8 weeks: Invisalign checkups usually occur every six to eight weeks, depending on the length and type of your treatment. Your dentist will review your progress, provide the next several sets of aligners, and make adjustments if necessary.
- 20 to 22 hours: The daily wear time of Invisalign is 20 to 22 hours a day, offering a few hours for the removal of trays so meals and snacks can be eaten without damaging the aligners.
Discover Your Customized Invisalign Timeline
Find out if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign with an evaluation from Bethesda Family Dental. Then learn about your Invisalign timeline and what you can expect for your smile if you say yes to this treatment. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
