Missing a few teeth in a row? We've got you! Since crowns are affixed to your smile, they won’t move or shift so you can get back to smiling again.
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What are dental crowns and bridges?
Dental crowns and bridges allow dentists to protect and restore damaged teeth. Typically, when tooth decay is severe enough that it can’t be treated with a filling, a dental crown will be used to cover, or cap, the tooth. Crowns are also commonly used to seal teeth that have been treated with root canal therapy. And occasionally, dental crowns are used for cosmetic purposes or in smile makeovers.
A dental bridge is a type of dental work that replaces a tooth or a few consecutive missing teeth. Two dental crowns are placed on the healthy teeth living on either side of the gap left by your lost tooth. A false tooth, or pontic, is attached to the crowns and literally bridges the gap, replacing your missing tooth.
Did you know…
Dental crowns are also referred to as “caps” because they cap the existing tooth structure in order to restore it.
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No Putty Necessary
Say goodbye to goopy impressions! Our 3D intraoral scanner allows us to capture images and create models of your tooth for a digital, mess-free procedure.
Restore Your Arch
Missing more than just a couple of teeth? There’s no need to wait in pain and discomfort any longer. Implant-retained bridges can replace the entire arch of your grin for a sturdy, seamless smile.
You’ve Got Options
Bridges aren’t the only way to restore your missing teeth. Dental implants are one of the most secure dental replacement options available. They can completely mend the functionality of your bite, improve your overall health, and bring back the smile you’ve been hiding.
Your Care, Your Terms
You deserve affordable, accessible care. That’s why we provide a variety of flexible financing options to meet your unique needs. Ready to work out a budgeting plan? Reach out to our team to get the conversation started.
Types of dental crowns and bridges
Lab-Made Crowns
Lab-made crowns are manufactured by experienced technicians at dental labs that specialize in building dental prostheses. Your dentist will take impressions or models, scans, and photos of your teeth, which will be sent directly to the lab.
Using an advanced manufacturing process, your crowns will be built out of durable ceramic and metal materials, and sent back to your dentist for the final fitting and placement. Lab-made crowns look and feel very natural, and are usually the most long-lasting and durable type of crown.
Traditional Bridges
Traditional dental bridges are made out of two crowns, which are attached permanently to “abutment teeth.” These are the healthy teeth located next to one or more missing teeth within your mouth. Between these teeth, a metal framework is used to suspend one or more “pontics” (false teeth). These false teeth literally “bridge” the gap between your missing teeth, restoring your smile.
Cantilever Bridges
Unlike a traditional fixed bridge, which supports your bridge using two abutment teeth, a cantilever bridge uses only a single tooth to support your bridge. In this type of bridge, a single tooth is trimmed next to your missing tooth. Then, a bridge is made that consists of a single crown and an artificial tooth. The crown is attached to your abutment tooth, and then the artificial tooth is suspended in the gap where your missing tooth used to be, restoring your smile.
Cantilever bridges are less invasive than traditional bridges, since only one tooth has to be trimmed, and they are usually less expensive than traditional bridges. However, you must have a healthy mouth to get a cantilever bridge, and they typically can only be used in a few areas of the mouth.
Maryland Bonded Bridges
A Maryland bridge does not require any removal of enamel or preparation of the adjacent teeth. In this treatment, a false tooth is built using a metal framework with “wings” that attach to the adjacent teeth. These “wings” are attached to the backs of your teeth using dental cement, holding the false tooth in place and restoring your smile. Maryland bridges are commonly used in the front teeth, and are ideal if you would like to restore your smile without any invasive dental treatment.
Implant Bridges
Unlike removable bridges, an implant bridge is permanently fixed to dental implants to restore multiple missing teeth. Implant bridges look, feel, and function just like healthy natural teeth, and you never have to worry about them becoming loose or falling out. Removable implant bridges require you to take them out for regular cleanings, while implant bridges can be brushed and flossed just like regular teeth. Plus, implant bridges are a treatment option that is often less expensive than replacing every missing tooth with an implant.
The Crown Process
Preparing The Tooth
To start the procedure, your dentist will clean your mouth and apply local anesthesia for comfort. Based on your preference or your dentist's assessment, you may also receive sedation.
Next, the decayed enamel will be removed with a dental handpiece. This process also involves reshaping your tooth to provide a sturdy base for the placement of a dental crown.
Imaging & Temporary Crown Placement
The process of creating your custom dental crown starts with obtaining impressions of your teeth. This can be done through the use of dental putty or a cutting-edge 3D scanner. To ensure a seamless integration with your natural smile, we'll also take some supplementary images of your teeth.
Your impressions will then be forwarded to a dental laboratory for the fabrication of your crown using durable materials. During this time, your dentist will place a temporary crown to safeguard your recently shaped tooth until the completion of your permanent crown.
Final Fit & Finish
Once your permanent dental crown is complete, you'll be scheduled for a final fitting at our office. Our team will conduct a thorough examination to confirm the comfort and proper fit of your crown, making any necessary modifications. Once the fit is deemed satisfactory, your dentist will securely fasten the crown in place using a strong dental adhesive. This final fitting completes the dental crown process.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are dental crowns and bridges made of?
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This varies, depending on the type of dental crown or bridge you choose. However, most dental crowns and bridges are made from porcelain. Acrylic teeth are sometimes used for dental bridges and crowns, but usually, they are only used for temporary bridges and crowns, since acrylic is much less durable than porcelain and ceramic materials.
How much do dental crowns and bridges cost?
The cost of dental crowns and bridges is different for each patient. Factors that may affect the cost of your crown or bridge include your overall oral health, the type of crown or bridge you choose, pre-treatment surgeries (like tooth extraction) and more. The best way to find out how much you’ll pay for a dental bridge is to schedule a consultation with your dentist.
However, dental bridges are usually covered, at least in part, by dental insurance when they’re used to restore missing teeth. Contact your insurance provider to learn more about your coverage.
Can dental crowns be repaired or replaced?
Yes. Dental crowns, just like all dental prostheses, can become damaged over time, or simply worn down from daily use when chewing, biting, smiling, and speaking. Typically, crowns last between 10-20 years, but the expected lifespan of your crown may be different depending on how well you care for your teeth.
Are dental crowns and bridges covered by insurance?
Dental crowns and bridges that are required for restorative purposes, such as severe cavities or a broken tooth, are typically covered by insurance. The exact amount of coverage you receive will depend on the deductible and yearly limits of your policy.
If you require a crown or bridge for cosmetic purposes, such as covering up a discolored tooth, the procedure may not be covered by insurance. To make sure your procedure is covered, we recommend consulting with your insurer.
How do I care for my dental crown and bridge?
You can treat your dental crown and bridge just like a natural tooth. Make sure you brush twice a day for at least two minutes, ensuring you scrub the full surface of every tooth. You should floss at least once per day, preferably at night. This should only take a few minutes, but be sure to floss against the tooth and below the gum line. You should also see your dentist every six months for a check-up to make sure that your dental work and teeth are healthy.
How long do dental crowns and bridges last?
A well-made and properly placed dental crown and bridge will typically last up to 15 years. It’s critical to maintain good oral health habits to enhance your crown’s longevity. These practices include brushing twice per day, flossing once per day, and seeing your dentist every 6 months for a professional cleaning and exam.
How do I know if I need a dental crown or bridge?
If you have one or more damaged or severely decayed teeth, you may need a dental crown or bridge. You should see your dentist if you are experiencing tooth pain and discomfort, or if your teeth are visibly damaged or discolored. Depending on the cause of your dental issues, they may recommend a dental crown, dental bridge, or another restorative treatment.
What issues can a dental crown and bridge treat?
Most commonly, dental crowns and bridges are used to protect and restore teeth that have been damaged by a serious cavity, or that have been cracked or broken by dental trauma, like an accident or injury. Because crowns and bridges cover up and protect your entire tooth structure, they are ideal for preventing further complications and restoring the shape, appearance, and function of damaged teeth.
Dental crowns and bridges are also used to cover up and protect teeth after root canal treatment. In more rare cases, they may also be used for cosmetic dentistry if other treatments like veneers and dental bonding are not appropriate.
How are crowns and bridges related?
Both dental crowns and bridges protect and restore damaged teeth to their normal shape, size, and function. A crown restores one decaying tooth by covering it with a cap, while a dental bridge restores multiple teeth through a fixed appendage that mimics the look and feel of your other teeth.
How to do crowns and bridges work?
While every type of bridge is different, dental bridges all share similar characteristics and work in the same way. A bridge is used to attach one or more false teeth to your existing teeth – locking them into place by using dental crowns (fixed and cantilever bridges) or metal “wings” that attach to the rear of your teeth (Maryland bridges).
Because they won’t move or shift, they’re a great alternative to partial dentures. And since they do not require invasive surgery, some patients prefer dental bridges as an alternative to dental implants.
