Tooth Replacement

Are you self-conscious about missing or damaged teeth? A replacement bridge or crown may be the ideal solution. A precision-crafted dental bridge fills the gap where teeth are missing with a natural-looking artificial tooth or teeth perfectly suited to the patient's individual needs. Crowns are used when teeth have lost a significant structure. Bridges are used to close gaps between adjacent teeth.

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is a false tooth fused between two porcelain crowns to fill in the space left by a missing tooth. The two crowns holding it in place are attached onto your teeth on each side of the false tooth. We’ll create a non-removable fixed bridge using three porcelain crowns to replace your missing teeth. Our dental bridges are composed of the finest, most resilient materials allowing patients the ability to eat, talk and smile with renewed ease and confidence.

Why a Dental Bridge

Missing teeth can cause numerous unanticipated and severe challenges, from digestive problems to migraine headaches. In addition, unfilled spaces in the mouth can cause the surrounding teeth to drift out of position leaving remaining teeth vulnerable to tooth decay and your gums more susceptible to gum disease. By filling the gap between natural teeth, dental bridges can help prevent these teeth from drifting out of alignment. Because they are fixed, teeth will not slip or be removed by hand. Bridges offer a stable, long-term solution to problems that may develop when chewing and speaking. A customized dental bridge will fit snugly yet comfortably in the mouth.

Hugger Bridges by TrueVitality

Now you can smile with confidence and assurance with help from the new, custom-designed Hugger Bridges by TrueVitality!

With non-invasive Hugger Bridges by TrueVitality, we can bridge your gap, quickly, easily and pain-free. They’re ideal for restorative or emergency care, and can also be used as a short or long-term solution to space from a missing tooth. Made of TrueVitality composite resin exclusively available through Cerinate Smile Design Studios, Hugger bridges will protect your tooth’s implant site and is ideal for patient’s who don’t want their teeth ground down. It’s safe, durable and virtually undistinguishable from your natural teeth!

Ask us about the new Hugger Bridges by TrueVitality and see if it’s right for you!

Crowns

What Are Crowns?

A crown is a porcelain restoration that covers, or "caps" the tooth restoring it to its normal shape and size, in addition to strengthening and improving the appearance of the tooth.

How is a crown placed?

To prepare the tooth for a crown the remaining tooth is reduced so the crown can be made to fit over it. An impression of tooth and gums is then made and sent to the lab for the enamel crown fabrication.

Caring for Bridges, Crowns and Caps

Welcome to your brighter, whiter smile!

Taking adequate care of teeth is vital for patients with crowns. To prevent damaging or fracturing we suggest the following tips for caring for your crowns:

• Avoid chewing hard food, ice or any hard objects
• Discontinue teeth grinding (i.e. use a night guard appliance)
• Brush at least twice a day, paying close attention to spaces between teeth
• Floss or use interdental cleaners - specially shaped brushes and sticks- to remove plaque from the crown area where the gum meets the tooth.

Remember: Plaque build-up in the areas between gum and tooth can cause dental decay and gum infections.

If you have a crown or filling which is causing discomfort or sensitivity, don’t ignore it. Call Dr. Merrick for a simple adjustment to keep you happy and smiling again.