Smile Care Experts
548 Ridge Road Suite A
Munster, IN 46321
(219) 836-9122
Jeffrey Milne DDS
Joel Schoen DDS
Indiana Dentists
Patient Reviews of White Orchid Dental
Add a review of your White Orchid Dental experience below.
In order to view or print these forms you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed. Click here to download it.
Request an appointment online (Click Here)
or call 219-836-9122
Mon. through Thurs. 8AM - 7 PM
Friday 9AM-1 PM
Please explore the pages listed below and learn how easily we can help you look and feel your best!
ClearCorrect Invisible Orthodontics
Please become a fan of White Orchid Dental on Facebook.
Click the link below
Please subscribe to our blog to learn the latest advanced dental offers.
Follow us on Linked in and Twitter
Dental Bridges Replace Missing tooth
Please call 219-836-9122 or request an appointment online.
Bridges
Dental Bridges replace missing teeth.
Bridges are natural-looking dental appliances that can replace a section of missing teeth. Because they are custom-made, bridges are barely noticeable and can restore the natural contour of teeth as well as the proper bite relationship between upper and lower teeth.
Bridges are sometimes referred to as fixed partial dentures, because they are semi-permanent and are bonded to existing teeth or implants. Some bridges are removable and can be cleaned by the wearer; others need to be removed by a dentist.
Porcelain, gold alloys or combinations of materials are usually used to make bridge appliances.
Appliances called implant bridges are attached to an area below the gum tissue, or the bone.
A dental bridge can be designed using the same materials as a crown. When a tooth or teeth are missing, the teeth adjacent to the space are prepared for crowns. These crowns are supports for crowns that replace the missing teeth. The bridge is cemented in place and non-removable. Careful attention to design will result in a very natural appearing form of tooth replacement.
Missing Tooth-Dental Bridge Video
What if I don't Replace a missing tooth?
Dental bridges require the assistance of an outstanding dental laboratory.
Fabricating a dental laboratory restoration requires a multiple step process. While it is more time consuming than a filling, it is no more uncomfortable. I would like to describe the steps involved so that no surprises arise for you.
We will anesthetize your tooth, because we will need to remove some of the tooth structure with a high speed bur and water spray. The anesthetic will keep you comfortable during the procedure. You should be aware that your tooth may be sore or uncomfortable for a while after the preparation. This usually only lasts a short while. On occasion, the pulp (nerve and blood supply inside the tooth) may be irritated by the preparation process, prior trauma or decay. If discomfort persists, your tooth may need a root canal, which will be an additional charge.
One of the key steps to making a great restoration is the tooth impression of the prepared tooth. We do this by placing a soft, creamy material in a tray and then place this in your mouth. It's very easy and only takes a few minutes to harden. We then make an accurate model of your teeth for our laboratory technician to make a cast restoration that is crafted specifically for your tooth.
The laboratory fabrication of your cast restoration takes a few weeks. While you are waiting to receive your new restoration we will place a temporary restoration to protect your tooth and permit near normal chewing. This is just a short term restoration and is designed to be replaced within a few weeks. Thus, it is important for you to return when scheduled to avoid dental decay, gum disease, and bite problems.
When you return for the placement of your permanent cast dental restoration, we will check to make sure it is the proper color and the appearance meets with your approval. It will be checked for proper fit and bite relations. Then it will be cemented onto your tooth. It may be necessary to make additional adjustments to your bite (occlusion) before you are totally comfortable. Occasionally the cast restoration will feel "too tight" or "different" until you become accustomed to it.
While your crown or other lab restoration is made of materials that are resistant to decay, it is important that you care for it as if it were a natural tooth. The edges of any cast restoration are still susceptible to decay. Make sure you brush and floss this area regularly. This will minimize the chances of dental decay forming where your restoration meets the natural tooth. It's also necessary to keep the gum tissues healthy around your new restoration.
How do I take care of my temporary crown?
(Before & After Temporary Crowns on two upper small front teeth, by Jeffrey Milne DDS)
Home Care Instructions for Custom Made Temporary Dental Bridge
This temporary is meant only to serve your needs while a definitive dental bridge is being made for you. The color of the temporary bridge does not resemble the permanent crown exactly. The temporary crown, while custom made for every individual, does not have the exact same shape and size of the permanent bridge. Your temporary crown is made to protect the tooth while the custom crown is being fabricated at the lab. Since the temporary does not fit your mouth like the custom dental crown will, you may notice mild sensitivity to heat, cold and sweets.
Here are some other things you need to know about your temporary crown:
1. The temporary cement requires about 30 minutes to set. Please do not chew during that period of time.
Your temporary has been placed with a type of cement that can easily be removed at your next visit.
2. Certain foods will stick to the temporary crown.
Avoid eating sticky foods - i.e. chewing gum, candy bars, peanut butter sandwiches, etc. as these may adhere to your temporary and lift it off.
Avoid eating hard foods - i.e. peanuts, popcorn, hard candies, etc. as these may rock loose or break your temporary
3. Temporary crowns are not strong. They may occasionally break or come off. If this should happen to you, please contact our office immediately, bring your crown with you and we will replace it. Should you be unable to contact us, simply go to a pharmacy and get some Fixodent. Replace the temporary crown on your tooth using the Fixodent to hold it in place until you can contact us.
4. Please do not leave the temporary crown out of your mouth. Without the temporary crown your teeth may move and then the customized dental crown may not fit!
5. Do not brush or floss too vigorously around your temporary crown. When flossing be sure to pull your floss out through the side instead of popping it up and down, as this could also cause the temporary to become loose. ( You may be advised not to floss around the temporary)
Remember it is important to keep the area clean -- but use caution and a gentle touch.