Crowns and Bridges

What are crowns and bridges?

Crowns and bridges are fixed dental restorations that treat damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the visible part of your tooth, also called the crown. Made of ceramic, porcelain, or metal, this restoration can improve your tooth function and appearance.

Bridges replace one or more missing teeth. There are several types, but the most common is a traditional bridge, which includes two crowns and artificial teeth in the center.

What are the benefits of crowns and bridges?

Crowns and bridges are attractive, custom-made, and effective options for replacing damaged or missing teeth. The team at First Dental Associates may recommend crowns to:

• Cover a damaged, decayed, or broken tooth
• Protect a vulnerable tooth after root canal therapy
• Fit over a tooth with a large filling
• Connect to a bridge or dental implant

These restorations also preserve the integrity of your surrounding teeth by preventing them from loosening and shifting out of place.

What can I expect from the crowns and bridges placement process?

After an initial consultation, the team at First Dental Associates can predict an accurate timeline for your placement process. First, the team performs a teeth cleaning and dental exam, which typically includes digital X-rays. Then, they discuss which materials may work best for your restorations. 

To prepare your teeth for crowns and bridges, the team must reduce their size. This step ensures your implants blend in with your teeth without appearing bulky or unnatural. Since crowns and bridges take about 2-3 weeks to create, you’ll wear temporary restorations in the meantime. 

When you return, the team replaces your temporaries with your permanent restorations. They make any necessary adjustments for the perfect fit before cementing them in place.

How do I care for crowns and bridges?

Crowns and bridges can last for more than a decade with proper care*. To protect your restorations, you should:

• Brush and floss after meals
• Schedule a teeth cleaning every six months
• Avoid chewing on hard objects (such as candy, ice, and pen caps)
• Use an antiseptic mouthwash

If you grind your teeth at night, the team can fit you for a custom-made nightguard that protects your teeth from gnashing together.

Call First Dental Associates or schedule your appointment online to learn more about crowns and bridges today.

*Individual results may vary