Crowns and Bridges in Kalamazoo

Dental crowns and bridges restore your smile's function and aesthetics. Dr. Mark masterfully blends science and artistry to design restorations that meet patients' oral health needs and exceed their aesthetic expectations. 

Modern Dental Crowns in Kalamazoo 

Also known as dental caps, crowns are tooth-shaped coverings placed over a damaged or weakened tooth. They serve multiple purposes:

• Protection — Crowns provide a protective layer to prevent further damage to a tooth weakened due to decay, fracture, or large fillings.
• Restoration — They restore a tooth's shape, size, and strength, allowing it to function correctly.
• Cosmetic Enhancement — Crowns can also be used for cosmetic purposes, improving the appearance of a tooth that is discolored, misshapen, or poorly positioned.
• Bridge Attachment — Crowns anchor dental bridges, holding the artificial tooth or pontic in place.

A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth and consists of artificial teeth (pontics) held in place by dental crowns or dental implants. Bridges offer several advantages, such as:

• Restored Function — Bridges restore your ability to chew, speak, and properly align your bite.
• Enhanced Appearance — They fill the gaps left by missing teeth, enhancing your smile's appearance.
• Stability and Alignment — By replacing missing teeth, bridges prevent neighboring teeth from shifting out of position, leading to alignment issues.
• Improved Speech — Missing teeth can affect speech; bridges help you speak clearly and confidently.

At Mark E. Richardson, DDS, we always prioritize what's best for the patient. We use high-quality, durable materials for crowns and bridges to ensure long-lasting results. 

1. Initial Consultation — During your first visit, we assess your oral health, discuss your concerns and goals, and determine if crowns or bridges are the appropriate solution.
2. Preparation — Whenever possible, we opt for conservative treatments that preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. We prepare the tooth for crowns by removing a portion of the outer enamel. For bridges, we prepare the adjacent teeth to support the pontic.
3. Impressions — We take precise impressions of your teeth to create custom-fitted crowns or bridges that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
4. Temporary Restorations — While your final crowns or bridges are being crafted in a dental laboratory, we provide temporary restorations to protect your teeth.
5. Placement — Once your final crowns or bridges are ready, we carefully bond them in place, ensuring a comfortable fit and natural appearance.
6. Final Adjustments — We make necessary adjustments to ensure your bite is aligned correctly and your restorations feel comfortable.
7. Post-Treatment Care — We provide detailed instructions on how to care for your new crowns or bridges to ensure their longevity. 

Our commitment to providing what's best for the patient drives our approach to restorative dentistry in Kalamazoo. If you need dental crowns or bridges, please call us at (269) 343-6907 for more information. 

We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, radiant smile that lasts a lifetime!