Dental Crowns & Dental Bridges

A dental crown is a custom-made covering—like a cap—that fits over a tooth to restore its strength, shape, and appearance. Crowns are commonly used to repair teeth that are decayed, cracked, fractured, or have large or old fillings that need replacement.

Dental crowns can be made from several materials, including porcelain, gold, or ceramic, depending on the patient’s needs and aesthetic preferences.

When You May Need a Crown

A crown may be recommended when:

•  A tooth is cracked or fractured
• There are large or worn-out fillings
• A tooth has significant decay
• You want to improve the appearance or alignment of a tooth

The Dental Crown Procedure

1.    Consultation:

The process begins with a consultation to evaluate your oral health and discuss your symptoms. The dentist may take X-rays to examine the tooth’s roots and surrounding bone and confirm that a crown is the best option.

2.    Tooth Preparation:

The tooth and surrounding area are numbed for comfort. The dentist reshapes the tooth, removing decay and creating a stable base for the crown to fit securely.

3.    Impressions:

An impression (either traditional putty or a digital scan) is taken to design your custom crown. This ensures the crown matches your bite, contour, and the shade of your natural teeth.

4.    Temporary Crown:

A temporary acrylic crown will be placed using temporary adhesive to protect the prepared tooth while your permanent crown is being made at the dental lab.

5.    Final Placement:

Once your crown arrives from the lab—usually within 2–3 weeks—you’ll return for your second visit. The temporary crown is removed, and the permanent one is adjusted for fit, color, and comfort before being cemented securely in place.

Dental CrownAftercare

Once your crown is placed, caring for it is simple—just continue your regular oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing daily. With proper care, your crown will keep your tooth strong, functional, and looking great for many years.

A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth. It quite literally “bridges” the gap between two healthy teeth or implants, restoring your smile and helping maintain facial shape and alignment.

Bridges can be supported by natural teeth (abutments) or implants, and the artificial teeth that fill the space are called pontics. Pontics can be made of porcelain, gold, alloys, or a combination of materials.

Why a Dental Bridge May Be Recommended

• Prevents shifting of surrounding teeth that could lead to bite or jaw problems (malocclusion)
• Strengthens adjacent teeth with supporting crowns
• Restores your smile and ability to chew or speak properly
• Helps maintain facial structure and prevents a “sunken” appearance that can occur after tooth loss.

Types of Dental Bridges

1. Traditional Dental Bridges:   The most common type, where crowns are placed on the teeth adjacent to the gap with a false tooth in between.
2. Maryland Bonded Bridge:  A more conservative option using metal or porcelain wings bonded to the back of adjacent teeth.
3. Implant-Supported Bridge:  Anchored to dental implants instead of natural teeth, providing excellent stability and preserving jawbone health.

The Dental Bridge Procedure

 1.    Consultation:

Your dentist will discuss your goals, take X-rays to assess the surrounding teeth, and review your treatment options and estimated cost.

2.    Tooth Preparation:

The adjacent teeth are numbed and gently reshaped to make room for the crowns that will support the bridge.

3.    Impressions:

An impression of your teeth is taken and sent to a dental lab where your custom bridge will be fabricated.

4.    Temporary Bridge:

A temporary bridge is placed to protect the prepared teeth and maintain your smile while the permanent bridge is made.

5.    Final Placement:

Once your permanent bridge is ready—typically in 2–3 weeks—you’ll return for the final fitting. The temporary bridge is removed, the fit and shade of the permanent bridge are checked, and it is cemented into place once everything looks and feels right.

Dental Bridge Aftercare

Your bridge will function and feel like natural teeth, but cleaning requires a few adjustments:

• Use a floss threader or super floss to clean under the pontic (false tooth).
• Gently move the floss back and forth to remove debris and bacteria without irritating the gums.
• Use the C-shape technique to clean around each supporting tooth (abutment).
• A water flosser can also be very effective for cleaning around bridges.

With proper care, your bridge can last many years, restoring both function and confidence to your smile.