Crowns & Bridges

What are crowns and bridges?

Crowns and bridges are dental restorations that improve your tooth function and appearance. They often work together or crowns can function well on their own. While crowns and bridges often go hand in hand, they are different restorations that serve unique purposes:

Crowns

A crown is a dental cap that fits snuggly over the visible part of a damaged or decayed tooth. Crowns can be restorative or cosmetic, improving a tooth’s shape, size, and color while enhancing your ability to chew and speak.

Bridges

Bridges replace missing teeth. They can replace one tooth or several, depending on your needs. Each bridge includes two crowns that fit over your supporting teeth (abutments) with artificial teeth in the center.

Why might I need crowns and bridges?

While bridges solely replace missing teeth, ceramic crowns can address several cosmetic and functional concerns, such as:

• Chipped teeth
• Fractured teeth
• Misshapen teeth
• Tooth discoloration
• Teeth worn down by bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Decayed teeth

The team can connect crowns to bridges or dental implants. They may also recommend a crown if you’ve recently undergone root canal therapy or have a cavity that is too large for a filling.

What is the process like for getting crowns and bridges?

First, the team examines your teeth and performs digital X-rays. Next, they administer a local anesthetic and reshape your teeth to prepare for dental crowns. The team also takes digital impressions of your teeth to create your custom-made restorations.

It can take two to three weeks to create your restorations. You’ll wear temporary restorations while you wait.

When you return, the team places your crowns and bridges. They may make minor adjustments before cementing the restoration in place, improving your speech and chewing abilities.

Call Eric Klein D.D.S. & Associates today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about crowns and bridges.