Aesthetic Services are now available

Crowns & Bridges

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.

What are dental crowns and bridges?

Dental crowns and bridges allow for the restoration of your 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.

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.

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.

👩🏾‍⚕️ Healthcare Lenders 🚹Membership Plan

Did you know…

Dental crowns are also referred to as “caps” because they cap the existing tooth structure in order to restore it.

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.

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.

Implant Bridges

Unlike removable bridges, an implant bridge is attached 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.

How dental crowns and bridges work together

Process

Preparation of Abutment Teeth

First, your dentist will carefully reshape and contour the abutment teeth, which are the teeth on either side of the gap where the bridge will go. Don't worry – this is done with precision and your comfort in mind. The goal is to make sure the crowns fit snugly over the abutment teeth so they can securely support the bridge, which will fill the gap and restore your smile.

Impressions or Digital Models

Once your abutment teeth have been prepared, your dentist will take impressions or models of your teeth. These impressions or digital models will be used to build a custom-fit dental bridge.

Temporary Bridge

Depending on your needs, your dentist will place a temporary resin bridge to protect your prepared abutment teeth, or two temporary dental crowns. Either way, your prepared teeth will be covered and protected until your bridge can be placed.

Bridge Check & Adjustment

Once your bridge is ready, usually within a few weeks, you’ll come into the office to have the bridge checked for proper fit. Minor adjustments may be made by your dentist, if necessary, to ensure that your bridge looks and feels natural. If the bridge requires larger adjustments, it will be sent back to the lab for further refinement.

Placement

Once you and your dentist have determined that the fit of your bridge feels right, they will use powerful dental adhesive to attach it to your abutment teeth, restoring your smile and your bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.

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 much do 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 our dentists.

However, dental bridges are usually covered, at least in part, by dental insurance when they’re used to restore missing teeth. Contact us and we can perform a complimentary benefits check for you to determine your insurance benefits.

How 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.

How do i know i need a 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.

How do i care for my dental bridge or crown ?

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 does a crown or bridge 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.

What issues do crown and bridges fix ?

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 some cases, they may also be used for cosmetic dentistry if other treatments like veneers and dental bonding are not appropriate.

Can crowns or bridges be replaced or repaired?

Replaced? Yes, most of the time depending on the integrity of the tooth. Repaired? Rarely, but it depends, Dr. Amuasi is great at evaluating all your options.