Crown and Bridges

What are crowns and bridges?

Crowns and bridges are custom-made prosthetics that Dr. Modi places to restore damaged, decayed, or missing teeth. These prosthetics enhance the appearance and function of your teeth in as little as two visits. 

Crowns

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that fit over the visible part of your tooth, called the crown. A dental crown rebuilds the shape and size of a damaged or decayed tooth, while also improving its color and overall appearance. 

Bridges

A bridge is an appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth. The most common type — a traditional bridge — consists of two crowns with an artificial tooth in the center. The two crowns fit over your surrounding teeth to hold the artificial replacement securely in place.

What can crowns and bridges treat?

While a bridge specifically replaces missing teeth, Dr. Modi may recommend crowns to:

• Protect a weak tooth
• Restore a fractured or misshapen tooth
• Cover a tooth treated with root canal therapy
• Attach to a dental implant
• Seal out bacteria from a decayed tooth

A crown is also a durable alternative to a large filling. Crowns are more likely to seal out bacteria and protect a weak tooth from damage than fillings.

What can I expect from crowns and bridges?

Crowns and bridges take at least two visits to place. During your first appointment, Dr. Modi performs a dental exam, teeth cleaning, and discusses your crown material options. While there are many different crown materials available, porcelain and porcelain-fused-to-metal are two of the most popular options.

After completing your exam, Dr. Modi prepares your tooth for a crown by filing and reshaping it. Preparing your tooth is essential to ensure the crown blends in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. Finally, Dr. Modi takes impressions of your teeth to create your custom-made crown and places temporary restorations.

The crown creation process takes about 2-3 weeks. When you return to the office, Dr. Modi removes your temporary crowns and places the permanent restorations. She makes any necessary adjustments before cementing the crown in place.

How long do crowns and bridges last?

Crowns and bridges can last for 10-15 years or more* with proper care. To protect your restorations, you should:

• Avoid sticky, chewy, hard candies
• Brush and floss twice a day
• Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
• Visit for bi-annual teeth cleanings

To learn more about crowns and bridges, call Miracle Smile Dental or schedule an appointment online today.

*Individual results may vary