Do you know? Crowns & Bridges

Crowns & Bridges 

Do you know about crowns & bridges? Have you wondered what they are and when they are used? Check out the information below and find out!

Bridges
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. There are several types of fixed dental bridges (cannot be removed), including conventional fixed bridges, cantilever bridges and resin-bonded bridges.  Unlike a removable bridge, which you can take out and clean, your dentist can only remove a fixed bridge.
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.

Crowns
Crowns are synthetic caps, usually made of a material like porcelain, placed on the top of a tooth. Crowns are typically used to restore a tooth's function and appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root canal.

At Germantown Dental Care (located in Germantown, MD), we have been providing crown & bridges for patients for many years and have the knowledge and expertise to ensure a smooth procedure. Please visit us at: http://www.germantowndentalcare.com/ for more information, or to set up an appointment with us today!

Preventative Care for Your Teeth: Helpful Tips from Germantown Dental Care!

Good morning,

We hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend! Today we would like to share a little bit with our patients about preventative care.

Both natural teeth and teeth with restorations survive best in an oral environment that is clean and where the intake of harmful foods is controlled. Our program is designed to help prevent new cavities, preserve teeth that have been restored and manage periodontal disease. At the initial visit oral hygiene instructions are reviewed and are reinforced at subsequent recall visits. The following are helpful recommendations:

• Brush your teeth twice a day in a circular motion with a soft bristled toothbrush aimed at the gum.
• Floss every night in an up-and-down motion while keeping the floss in a U-shape and against the tooth surface.
• Avoid smoking.
• Avoid sticky sugary foods.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Use antiseptic and fluoride rinses as directed.
• Have sealants placed on young permanent teeth.

If you have any questions or would like to set up an appointment to come see us, please visit our website at: http://www.germantowndentalcare.com/

About Dr. Mansfield

Have you wondered more about the owner of Germantown Dental Care? Well now you can!

Dr. Raymond J. Mansfield was born in Washington DC. He studied at the University of Maryland and received his dental degree in 1976 from the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery.  Since graduation, Dr. Mansfield has continued his education in an effort to stay current with the rapidly changing advances in technology in the field of dentistry.  Every year he completes between 15-25 hours of continuing education classes.  This helps to ensure excellent dental care and quality service to all of his Germantown patients.  Dr. Mansfield has also achieved lifetime membership status in the ADA, MSDA and Southern Maryland Dental Society.

In his spare time, Dr. Mansfield enjoys horses. He and his wife and two daughters and their families own a farm where one of his daughters teaches riding, trains horses and competes in various equestrian events.  Dr. Mansfield enjoys working with his hands and spends most of his spare time building, repairing, and generally maintaining the family farm.  If there is any time left, he will be found out on the trails riding. He says it's great because he can spend time with most of his family and grandchildren every day.  

To come meet Dr. Mansfield in person and schedule your next dental appointment, visit: http://www.germantowndentalcare.com/