What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over an old or damaged tooth (after it is stabilized). Crowns restore the natural feel of your teeth and make your smile look healthy again. We make most of our dental crowns out of advanced ceramics, but we do offer other materials as well. Some are produced from stainless steel (usually for children’s baby teeth), other metals (like gold) or, in certain cases, even porcelain fused with metal. When you come in for your consultation, your Westchester dentist will discuss your needs and help you decide which type of dental crown is right for you. This decision will ultimately depend on various factors, including the strength needed for your new tooth.

What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is a replacement tooth supported by your natural teeth. Before dental implants, these came in a variety of different configurations. Today, most dental bridges are one replacement tooth supported by two dental crowns on either side of the missing tooth. If you’re looking to replace more than one tooth, or don’t have strong supporting teeth on both sides, a dental implant might be a better tooth replacement option.

What Are the Benefits of a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are both strong and durable, often lasting for many years. Usually made of porcelain or porcelain bonded to gold, they provide:

  • A functional bite and a natural and comfortable chewing surface.
  • An aesthetic look that blends in with your natural teeth.
  • Support for your natural teeth in the arch.
  • Relief from pain due to hairline cracks in the molars.
  • Up to 20-30 years of use before you need a replacement.

In many situations, a dental crown is the best choice. Typically, when crowns are averted in favor of another form of treatment, it is only because a less invasive procedure will offer similar or better results.

What Are the Benefits of a Dental Bridge?

Dental health can be very personal. After all, each patient appoaches treatment for specific reasons, and each has their own unique set of needs. In order keep you informed as much as possible about what advantages this particular form of treament can provide, here are some benefits dental bridges offer:

  • Aesthetics: It restores the appearance of a healthy smile and can also fill out the shape of the bottom part of your face.
  • Restoration: You’ll restore your speech clarity and increase your ability to chew your food.
  • Distribution: A bridge distributes the force of your bite equally to alleviate stress on other teeth.
  • Cost: Bridges are much less expensive than dental implants, especially if you need multiple teeth replaced.

However, dental bridges aren’t always the best choice. During your consultation, make sure to ask your dentist about the disadvantages of dental bridges so you can make an informed decision.

When Do I Need a Dental Crown?

You should always discuss the need for a dental crown with your dentist, but generally, you would need a crown if:

  • A weak tooth needs protection (like a cracked or damaged tooth).
  • You have a worn-down tooth.
  • There is not a lot of tooth left after a large filling.
  • A dental bridge needs to be held in place.
  • You need to cover a dental implant.
  • You need a cosmetic modification (discoloration, misshapen teeth, etc.).

Deciding on a dental crown means considering options like veneers, inlays, or onlays, which achieve some of the same goals and may be a better choice in some situations.

When Do I Need a Dental Bridge?

If you have a missing tooth, it’s important to consider the option of a dental bridge. It might be the best choice for you if:

  • You’re missing one tooth
  • You have strong teeth on either side of the missing tooth
  • Your neighboring teeth might benefit from dental crowns
  • You are not a good candidate for dental implants
  • You don’t want dental implants

A dental bridge is usually a more fitting option for replacing a missing tooth than a partial denture. However, sometimes a dental implant is the best form of treatment. Consult with a Westchester cosmetic dentist to understand the benefits of each choice.

Why Should I Choose Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale?

If you need dental crowns or bridges in Westchester, look no further than Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale! Our lead prosthodontist Dr. Steven Brisman has over 35 years of experience creating custom dental crowns and bridges for his patients. Our practice offers exceptional cosmetic dentistry, so you can feel confident that selecting us for your dental restorations is the right choice! If you do happen to require other procedures to strengthen your teeth and gums before receiving a crown or bridge, you won’t have to go looking for a periodontist–we have one right here! Our practice has three specialists that will work together to make sure you love your smile.

Our in-house dental laboratory also cuts the wait time! This allows us to send in your impressions and get an accurate, beautiful dental crown much faster than offices that outsource their fabrications. We care deeply about all our patients, and we want to make sure you are happy and feel comfortable with your dental crown. Call us today for a consultation at (914) 725-7100!

What Is the Procedure for Getting a Dental Crown or Bridge?

Getting a dental crown or bridge usually requires at least two office visit. During the first, we’ll do a fitting and place a temporary restoration. For the second visit, we”ll place the finished, permanent restoration.

During the first visit, your dentist will examine the roots and bone of the damaged tooth or supporting teeth to check for stability. If there is too much damage, you may need another procedure, like a dental implant, to replace the tooth. If the tooth is ready, we will numb the area surrounding the tooth and shape it for the crown or crowns.

If there is not enough tooth (from decay or breakage), your dentist will add material to the tooth to secure a stable foundation. We will then take an impression of your teeth so that our in-house lab can create a restoration that exactly matches your smile. Utilizing our in-house lab not only minimizes the wait time, but also ensures that the restoration fits perfectly and doesn’t affect your bite. We’ll provide you with a temporary restoration until your permanent one is available.

On the second visit, we will fit your crown or bridge. When your dentist creates the tooth, we will also make sure its color matches the rest of your teeth. We will then numb the area around the tooth or teeth for the fitting and check the shape to make sure it fits perfectly. If all looks well, we will cement the crown or bridge into place.

Do Crowns and Bridges Need Special Care?

First, after receiving your temporary crown, be sure to get advice from your dentist on how to care for it. Generally, avoid chewing ice and sticky candy. Use the other side of your mouth to chew when you have the temporary crown. Once you have your permanent crown in place, it will act just like your other teeth! Like naturals, crowns and bridges are not immune from decay or bacteria, so keep up a good oral hygiene routine by brushing and flossing twice a day. Finally, avoid sugary foods and drinks, just like you should with your natural teeth.

Your dental bridge may require you to make some changes to your dental care routine. For instance, cleaning a dental bridge involves cleaning under the false tooth. By following a few simple steps, you can keep your dental bridge fresh and clean and prolong its useful life.

  • Brush twice a day with toothpaste that deep cleans.
  • Floss once daily under the false tooth and between your natural teeth. You can use regular floss or a proxy brush, which is a tiny brush designed to get into all the nooks and crannies between teeth.
  • Visit our office regularly for a professional dental cleaning.
  • Eat a diet that is higher in fruits, vegetables, and fiber but lower in meat.

A dental bridge prevents dental problems and chewing difficulties that may follow the loss of a tooth. If you have further questions on how to maintain a healthy and strong dental bridge, please ask us for further instruction.

How Long Will My Dental Crown or Bridge Last?

Your new crown will last many years, but its durability also depends on how well you treat it. As with your natural teeth, avoiding very hard foods, as well as those that caue cavities, will help lengthen the life of your crown. Keep up your brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups, and you’ll be pleased with how long it lasts. As noted above, a dental crown can last 20-30 years if properly cared for.

A dental bridge will also last many years, depending on how well you care for it. Dental bridges present a bigger challenge than dental crowns, so they may not last as long. However, with proper care, you can expect a dental bridge to last at least 10 years. Some may even last 15 years or more.

What Problems Are Possible?

While problems with crowns and bridges are uncommon, we want you to receive the best care possible. Call us at (914) 725-7100 immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Discomfort or sensitivity
  • Chipping
  • Loosening
  • Dislodging of the dental crown
  • Gum discoloration

Most patients don’t experience any issues with their new dental crown or bridge, but please reach out if you experience something unexpected.

How Much Do Dental Crowns and Bridges Cost?

As you would expect, the price of a crown and bridge will depend on many different things. These can include whether you need other procedures before you can get a crown, the type of your crown, and your insurance. We are happy to discuss payment options before your appointment, so call us with any questions!

Our dentists will ensure the customized and installed dental crowns and bridges will offer optimal functionality and aesthetic appeal. The quality of our work stands out; most patients cannot tell the difference between their natural teeth and our restorations. For all your dental crown needs in Westchester, schedule an appointment and let us help you get back your beautiful smile!

Let Us Help Restore Your Smile in Westchester!

If you have a badly damaged or missing tooth, you may find yourself smiling less to cover up the damaged teeth or holes. A crown can give your damaged tooth an entirely new and beautiful exterior. A bridge will not only fill out your mouth to let you present your best smile but will also give you the confidence to do so.

Help keep your smile beautiful and maintain jaw and dental health with dental bridges! If you want to learn more about how dental bridges can restore your smile call Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale at (914) 725-7100 today. We will be happy to help!

FAQ

While dental crowns and bridges are safe and effective treatments, there are a few potential risks and complications to be aware of. These can include discomfort or sensitivity in the treated area, particularly shortly after the procedure. There’s also a small risk of the crown or bridge becoming loose or falling out, which can happen if the underlying tooth or the cement deteriorates over time. A crown or bridge can sometimes chip, especially if made from porcelain. However, these complications are rare, and the risks can be minimized with proper care and regular dental checkups.

Dental crowns and bridges are designed to be long-lasting solutions. With proper care, including good oral hygiene practices and regular dental checkups, dental crowns can last between 20 and 30 years. Dental bridges, on the other hand, typically last for 10 to 15 years or more, depending on the level of care and the materials used. Following your dentist’s recommendations for caring for your crowns and bridges is important to ensure longevity.

Absolutely! Dental crowns and bridges are not only functional but also cosmetic. They are custom-made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth, seamlessly blending into your smile for a natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Beyond improving the look of your smile, crowns and bridges restore the functionality of your teeth, allowing you to chew and speak comfortably. They also help distribute the force of your bite evenly, preventing further damage to your natural teeth and maintaining the structure of your jaw and face. Ultimately, crowns and bridges can significantly enhance your smile’s appearance and overall oral health.