CROWNS
Crowns
A crown is an artificial cover that restores a decayed or damaged tooth to its normal shape and size. It is useful for protecting the structure of a tooth that is cracked, broken, or had root canal therapy. Your first appointment involves preparing the damaged tooth by reducing and reshaping the tooth so the crown will fit. Then an impression of the prepared tooth and the surrounding and opposing teeth is taken, we apply a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth between visits. Your next appointment time, approximately 2 weeks, will be to permanently cement the crown in place. If the crown needs further adjustments, additional visits may be required. Please note you may be required to visit our dental lab for custom shade and shaping appointment.
BRIDGE
Bridge
A fixed bridge can replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more replacement teeth attached to crowns that are placed on two or more surrounding healthy teeth. Along with replacing teeth, the fixed bridge helps restore the normal function and proper position of your bite. The first appointment involves reshaping the teeth that will hold the bridge in place. Then an impression of the prepared teeth and the surrounding and opposing teeth is taken. We then apply a temporary bridge to protect the prepared teeth between visits. Your next appointment, in approximately 2-3 weeks, will be to permanently cement the bridge into place. If the bridge needs further adjustments, additional visits may be required.
VENEER
Veneer
A veneer is paper thin; custom made covering that conceals the front surface of your tooth. Veneers are made of a very durable ceramic material that actually can strengthen your tooth. They can correct stains, breaks, odd shapes, and lengthen individual teeth without removing them. The first appointment involves Dr. Bae choosing the best color to blend in with your natural teeth. Tooth enamel is then removed so the veneer will blend in with the surrounding teeth. An impression of the prepared tooth and the surround and opposing teeth is taken. A temporary material is then applied to protect the prepared tooth between visits. Your next appointment, in approximately 3 weeks, will be to permanently cement the veneer in place. If the veneer needs further adjustments or changes, additional visits will be required. Please note you may be required to visit our dental lab for custom shade and shaping appointment.
POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
Congratulations of your new smile! We are confident that your dental enhancement will provide you with the confidence and personal satisfaction for many years to come. The following are important aspects to help care for your new smile:
VISUAL ADJUSTMENT:
Adjusting to your new smile may take time. For many patients, the initial look of their new smile may be shocking, especially if there were significant changes made. The shade, size, bite, positioning of the teeth may have been altered and that may take time to get used to. Whether your procedure was simple or involved, you will look different than you did before. The finished restoration may be contoured slightly different and have different texture that the original teeth.
SENSITIVITY:
You may experience tooth sensitivity to hot or cold substances for a few days. We recommend using Ibuprofen to control the sensitivity. Sensitivity can be caused by many things-deepness of cavity, the bonding agents used, types of dental cements used and the number of teeth involved. During the procedure, we used a desensitizing agent to minimize the sensitivity; however, some generalized sensitivity may occur.
BITE ADJUSTMENT:
It may take time to adjust to your new bite. If your bite or occlusion has been altered, it may take time for your body to adapt to the new configuration. We will meticulously adjust your bite to your comfort before you leave, but if you detect any high spots over the next few days, please contact us and we will adjust it to your satisfaction.
ORAL HEALTH:
Daily plaque removal is necessary for your new smile design. You now have a wonderful new smile and it is important that you keep it looking its best with regular daily homecare as well as routine professional cleanings twice per year. Even if your gums are sore at first, keep them clean. You may use rinses as needed to help your gums stay healthy.
PROTECTION:
Protect your new teeth. Your dental restorations were manufactured using the highest quality of dental materials available. Please use caution when eating particular foods or biting hard objects. Anything that may chip or crack natural teeth would more than likely do the same to your dentistry. We recommend a mouth guard to help protect these teeth at night, when playing sports, or when under stress.
