What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over the 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 can also offer other materials. We make some with stainless steel (usually for children’s baby teeth), other metals (like gold), or even porcelain fused with metal. When you come in for your consultation, your dentist will discuss your needs and help you decide which type of dental crown is right for you. These will 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 were made in many different configurations. Today, most dental bridges are one replacement tooth supported by two dental crowns over teeth on either side of the missing tooth. If you want 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 very durable and strong and can last for many years. They are usually made of porcelain or porcelain bonded to gold, providing:
- 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. The only reason not to get a crown is often if a less invasive procedure might give you similar or better results.
What Are the Benefits of a Dental Bridge?
Every patient is different, and dental health can be very personal. You should be informed as much as possible. Here are some benefits dental bridges bring:
- 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 can achieve some of the same goals and maybe 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 better option for replacing a missing tooth than a partial denture. However, sometimes a dental implant would be a better choice. 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 need other procedures to strengthen your teeth and gums before you get a crown or bridge, you don’t have to find 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! We can send in your impressions and get an accurate, beautiful dental crown much faster than an office that has to outsource its 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 visits; the first is when we will do a fitting and place a temporary restoration, and a second visit to place the finished, permanent restoration.
During the first visit, your dentist will check 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 to the tooth for a stable foundation. We will then take an impression of your teeth so our in-house lab can create a restoration that matches your smile. We will also make sure that the new restoration won’t affect your bite. Having an in-house dental lab minimizes the wait time and ensures a perfect fit! You will receive 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 we will check the shape and fitting 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, when you have 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! It’s not immune from decay or bacteria, so keep up a good oral hygiene routine with brushing and flossing twice a day. Avoid sugary foods and drinks, just like you should with your natural teeth.
You may need to make some changes to your dental care routine for a dental bridge. 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 higher in fruits, vegetables, and fiber than 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 foods that cause cavities and very hard foods 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 have 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, and some may 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 because 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 entirely 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 or need to schedule an appointment, contact Advanced Dentistry of Scarsdale today. We will be happy to help!
