Crowns, Bridges And Veneers Specialist

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped covering used to restore a tooth’s size, shape, strength, or aesthetic appearance. When cemented in place, a crown covers the entire visible portion of your tooth that sits above your gum line. 

What is involved in getting a dental crown?

Receiving a dental crown typically takes two separate appointments. At your first appointment, Dr. Brodsky performs an oral exam, reviews your medical history, and takes a series of X-rays. If you have a tooth with extensive decay or there’s an infection present, a root canal may be necessary. 

Before making your crown, Dr. Brodsky numbs your teeth and gums with a local anesthetic. Next, she carefully files down the tooth that’s receiving the crown. After reshaping your tooth, Dr. Brodsky uses putty to make a series of impressions. She sends your impressions to a dental lab that manufactures your permanent crown. 

A week or two later, you return for your second appointment. Dr. Brodsky once again numbs your teeth and gums and cements your permanent crown in place. 

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is an oral prosthetic that helps fill gaps or spaces in your smile. To hold your dental bridge in place, Dr. Brodsky affixes it to two permanent teeth on either side of the gap. If you’re missing more than one tooth, or your missing tooth is surrounded by damaged teeth, Dr. Brodsky might recommend first placing dental implants to support the bridge. 

What is involved in getting a dental bridge?

Getting a dental bridge typically requires two separate appointments. At your first appointment, Dr. Brodsky takes impressions of your teeth and orders your bridge. She also prepares your teeth to support the bridge. Dr. Brodsky administers a local anesthetic to numb your teeth and carefully files them down to receive a crown. 

At your second appointment, Dr. Brodsky places your bridge and bonds it to your teeth. She provides you with a list of careful recovery instructions, and schedules a follow-up appointment for a week or two later. At your follow up appointment, Dr. Brodsky assesses how you’re adapting to your bridge. 

What are veneers?

Dental veneers are wafer-thin shells of porcelain or composite resin attached to the front of your permanent teeth. Veneers can correct a variety of cosmetic issues including chips, cracks, misshapen teeth, discolored teeth, and even gaps. Veneers are translucent and mimic the properties of your natural tooth enamel. 

What is the process for receiving veneers?

Getting veneers usually takes two separate appointments. 

At your first appointment, Dr. Brodsky examines your teeth and asks you about your aesthetic goals for treatment. If your teeth and gums are healthy, she can prepare your teeth for veneers. To do this, Dr. Brodsky administers a local anesthetic numbing your teeth and gums. Next, she removes about ½ millimeter of enamel from each tooth’s surface in preparation of the veneers. Finally, Dr. Brodsky makes impressions of your teeth and sends them to a dental laboratory.

A week or two later, you return to the office. At your second appointment, Dr. Brodsky aligns your veneers, trims them, and permanently bonds them in place using dental cement. The process typically takes between 60-90 minutes.  

If you want a Hollywood-worthy smile, crowns, bridges, and veneers are worth considering. Call the office or click the online scheduling tool to book your appointment at Jane Brodsky, DMD, MS, today.