Crowns and Bridges

What are crowns and bridges?

Crowns and bridges are dental restorations that repair missing or damaged teeth. Though they’re often mentioned together, crowns and bridges are two different things.

Crowns

Crowns are tooth-shaped coverings bonded on top of the teeth being prepared to be protected by a crown. Once placed, they restore a tooth to its near-original size, strength, shape, and appearance. 

At The Center for High Tech Dentistry, the team provides crowns that are all-ceramic, zirconia, or porcelain-to-precious-metal (PFM). Each of these techniques has advantages and disadvantages. The team evaluates each patient and your clinical situation to help you decide. 

If an all-ceramic crown is the best treatment, we can prepare the tooth, take a digital (lightsaber-like) impression, and design and mill the crown with the CEREC® 3D system. That means you can get a crown in a single appointment. 

If a Zirconia or PFM crown is better for you, your provider takes impressions either digitally or with impression material, and sends the impressions and bite to the lab with detailed instructions, and you will receive the final crown one-to-two weeks later.

Bridges

Bridges are oral prosthetics that fill a gap caused by a missing tooth. There are several types of bridges, which include the conventional fixed bridge, which involves preparing the teeth next to the missing one for a crown. 

There is also the option sometimes to do what is termed a Maryland bridge, which involves minimal tooth modification of the adjacent teeth but has the disadvantage of showing the metal retainers. 

The team at The Center for High Tech Dentistry is also certified in placing FirstFit® bridges, made from a tough, tooth-colored material called zirconium. FirstFit® bridges are a two-visit procedure with minimal tooth reduction and often require no anesthesia, resulting in less pain, quicker recovery times, and better results.

Application is a two-visit procedure with minimal tooth reduction. FirstFit bridges require no anesthesia, resulting in less pain, quicker recovery times, and better results. 

What does getting crowns and bridges involve?

If a CEREC® all-ceramic crown is appropriate, it typically takes one in-office appointment. The tooth is prepared, and any visible decay is removed. Digital impressions of your teeth and bite are made, and the crown is designed in front of you with CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) software. 

The CEREC® milling machine uses your impressions to craft a custom crown out of porcelain that matches the color of your adjacent teeth. About 45-60 minutes later, the crown contacts are fit, the porcelain and tooth are chemically treated to increase the bond, the crown is cemented in place, the occlusion (bite) is checked, and the new crown receives its final polish. 

If a lab-fabricated crown or bridge is required for your situation, then the tooth/teeth are prepared, an impression is made either digitally or with impression materials, the shade is selected with your agreement, and this is sent to the lab. One to two weeks later, the crown or bridge returns from the lab, is sterilized again in our office, and is fit and cemented in place.

Getting a FirstFit® bridge takes two appointments. During your first visit, the teeth may need minor modifications, and a final impression is made. At the second visit, FirstFit®  uses patented computer-designed 3D printed prep guides to prepare your teeth, resulting in 75% less tooth reduction and 50% less chair time. The team verifies the fit of your FirstFit® bridge and bonds it in place, restoring your smile and your bite.

Do crowns and bridges require regular maintenance?

Crowns and bridges are just like your natural teeth in that they collect plaque, tartar, and bacteria. To keep them in optimal shape, the team at The Center for High Tech Dentistry recommends practicing good oral hygiene. Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and visit the office twice a year for an exam and professional cleaning.

To prevent chips, cracks, or other damage, avoid bad habits like opening objects with your teeth, nail-biting, or biting down on hard objects like ice cubes or popcorn kernels.

To explore crowns and bridges further, request a consultation at The Center for High Tech Dentistry. Call the office or book online today.