Question 1

I don't like my smile. How can I improve it?

Accepted Answer

There are multiple ways to improve your smile depending on the complexity of your needs. The most conservative is Zoom in-office whitening which can brighten your smile dramatically in an hour. If your teeth are crooked, Invisalign is a conservative way to straighten teeth without altering the teeth at all. Conservative bonding can deal with small imperfections in your smile but crowns and veneers are used when larger smile makeovers are needed.

Question 2

I am missing a tooth. What are my options?

Accepted Answer

There are three basic options to replace a missing tooth. The 21st-century solution involves the placement of an implant which after healing will support a crown. The 20th-century options are still viable depending on the clinical complexity of treatment needs. These options involve fixed bridgework and removable prostheses.

Question 3

Why use veneers instead of teeth whitening?

Accepted Answer

Porcelain veneers are a very successful option in many situations where the original tooth has developed poor color, shape, and contours. It is also a good choice for fractured teeth, gaps between teeth, and in some situations where the tooth position is compromised and there are minor bite-related problems. For some people, superficial stains do not respond well to tooth whitening or bleaching. In these situations, a porcelain veneer may be the best option.

Question 4

What is a dental bridge?

Accepted Answer

A porcelain fixed bridge replaces missing teeth by using the surrounding teeth as a foundation. This creates a literal “bridge” between the remaining teeth and the missing teeth.

Question 5

What is a dental crown?

Accepted Answer

Porcelain dental crowns replace the exterior portion of a tooth to re-establish its original function and to create a natural appearance. Crowns are the treatment of choice in situations where tooth decay has destroyed most of the original tooth, when a traumatic event has caused damage, or in cases of severe enamel erosion. They are also an option for people who grind and clench their teeth so much that the original structure of their teeth has been compromised.

Question 6

How much are crowns and bridges?

Accepted Answer

The cost depends on the type of bridge that you select: Traditional all-ceramic bridges typically cost $1700 or more for each unit of the fixed bridge. Porcelain fused to metal bridges cost $1750 or more for each unit. Maryland bridges typically cost $3500 or more for one pontic with the framework, or wings, attached to the abutment teeth.

Question 7

How much does it cost to get a tooth crown?

Accepted Answer

Generally, crowns can range in cost from $1700 to $1750 or more per crown depending on which type and whether the crown is on the front teeth in the aesthetic zone. A portion of the cost of crowns is generally covered by insurance. To be certain, check with your dental insurance company.

Question 8

Why is a dental crown so expensive?

Accepted Answer

Dental crowns are expensive in part because of the technology needed to produce a cap to repair your tooth. Less expensive materials, such as fillings, don't provide the same protection and durability so it's worthwhile in the long run to invest in a dental crown when it is indicated.

Question 9

How long does a crown last?

Accepted Answer

On average, dental crowns last between five and 15 years. The lifespan of a crown depends on many factors including the amount of wear and tear the crown takes, how well you follow good oral hygiene practices, how often you get your teeth cleaned, medications, the amount of saliva and your personal mouth-related habits.

Question 10

Can I get a crown without a root canal?

Accepted Answer

Most crowns do not need root canals. If a tooth is not infected or acutely inflamed, it will not need a root canal.

Question 11

How long after a tooth extraction can a bridge be fitted?

Accepted Answer

Traditionally it is best to wait 8-12 weeks for the jawbone surrounding the position of the extracted tooth to heal over completely. In many cases, a provisional bridge can be placed to deal with the aesthetics while the area heals.

Question 12

Can you get a cavity under a crown?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Man-made crowns can fail especially at the crown margin. Not only that, but when the cavity becomes very bad it can cause severe pain and potentially, tooth loss. If tooth decay happens under the crown it must be replaced.

Question 13

Do you need a crown after a root canal?

Accepted Answer

You typically need a dental crown after a root canal on your back grinding teeth, molars and premolars. Front teeth, canines, and incisors may not require a dental crown. Contact us to learn more about how getting a durable and stain-resistant dental crown can be helpful after your root canal treatment.

Question 14

How much is a root canal and crown without insurance?

Accepted Answer

Root canals can cost $1500-3000 depending on which tooth is treated and the complexity of the procedure. Crowns can cost $1700-1750.

Question 15

Does a crown hurt more than a filling?

Accepted Answer

No. With today's local anesthetics and techniques, crown preparations are virtually painless. After the procedure is over and the anesthesia has worn off, the patient may have some sensitivity with the temporary crown or some soreness in the gums around the tooth which resolves quickly.

Question 16

What happens if I don't replace an extracted tooth?

Accepted Answer

Teeth will move resulting in malocclusion or a bad bite. The results of shifting teeth can lead to difficulty in chewing, fractured teeth, aesthetic problems, gum problems, Temporomandibular joint symptoms (TMJ) and shrinkage of the jawbone that make it hard to place implants or do bridges.

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Cosmetic Dentistry in Hamden, CT

Cosmetic dentistry can be transformative to your smile and your confidence!

Procedures used alone or in combination to create beautiful smiles include:

Teeth Whitening

Veneers

Cosmetic Bonding

Repairing Chipped Teeth

Microabrasion

Cosmetic Services May Also Include:

Test Drive Your Smile!

Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs