Smile Confidently Again With Dental Crowns and Bridges
Gaps in your smile, missing teeth or chipped teeth can make it uncomfortable to smile. At Polished Dental Care, our Grand Rapids-based dentist, Dr. White offers both dental crowns and bridges. We also restore dental implants with crowns and maintain them with regular cleanings. These services restore the beautiful look of your smile, so you can feel like yourself again.
If you’re ready to get your smile back, book a consultation by calling (616) 698-6663 or scheduling a visit online.
Jump to information:
What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?
- Dental Crowns: A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that replaces a damaged tooth’s surface to protect it and restore its shape.Â
- Bridges: A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to the surrounding natural teeth or implants.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Crowns and Bridges?
Dental crowns and bridges have many benefits, including:
- Restoring your ability to chew and speak comfortably
- Preventing surrounding teeth from shifting out of place
- Protecting weakened or cracked teeth from further damage
- Improving the appearance of your smile with a natural-looking result
- Restoring the natural contours of your face
Who Might Benefit From a Dental Bridge?
You might be a good candidate for a dental bridge if you:
- Have multiple missing teeth in a row
- Have healthy teeth or implants on either side of the gap
- Want a stable, non-removable tooth replacement option
- Prefer a quicker solution than dental implants
When Bridges Might Be Recommended Over Implants
While both bridges and implants restore missing teeth, dental bridges can be a great option for patients who want a faster, less invasive way to fill gaps in their smile. If you have strong, healthy teeth on either side of the space, a bridge can use them as anchors to support one or more replacement teeth.Â
Typically, a dental bridge can replace up to three or four teeth in a row. However, a full dental bridge, also called a full arch bridge or full mouth bridge, can be a great option for those who have lost several teeth in a row or an entire section of their smile. In this case, implanting each new tooth individually would be a more invasive and time-consuming treatment.Â
Bridges are also a good choice for those who may not have enough bone density for implants or prefer to avoid surgical procedures. They are a quicker solution while still giving clients a natural look that’s strong and functional.
Can I Get a Dental Bridge the Same Day?
In most cases, dental bridges require two visits – one to prepare the supporting teeth and take digital impressions, and another to place your custom bridge once it’s ready. However, if your bridge is being supported by same-day crowns, it may be possible to complete the process in just one visit.
What Are Same-Day Crowns?
At Polished Dental Care, we are happy to provide same-day crowns as a convenient treatment option! Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC) uses digital impressions and in-office milling to create a perfectly fitted ceramic crown in just a few hours. This eliminates the need for a temporary crown, messy molds, or return appointments. You’ll leave our office with a fully restored smile the very same day. Read more about our Same Day Crowns on the blog.
Who Might Benefit From Same-Day Crowns?
Same-day crowns can be beneficial to nearly anyone with cracked or damaged teeth, but they’re especially ideal for those who:
- Have a cracked, chipped, or weakened tooth that needs immediate protection
- Need to restore their damaged tooth in a single visit for an upcoming event
- Prefer to save time and avoid temporary crowns
During your appointment, Dr. White can determine whether a same-day restoration is right for you and discuss the best options for restoring your smile quickly and comfortably.
Reclaim Your Smile – and Your Confidence
Whether you need a single crown, a full bridge, or a dental implant, Dr. White and the team at Polished Dental Care will help you find the right solution for your needs. Schedule your appointment online or call (616) 698-6663 to start smiling proudly again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between crowns, a dental bridge, and a dental implant?
All three are used to treat broken tooth pain or to replace damaged and missing teeth. However, they get the job done in slightly different ways.
Dental crowns are commonly used for chipped tooth repair, chipped front tooth repair, or as treatment for broken tooth pain. Crowns are effective when the damage is minimal and the tooth can still be saved. A crown will restore the tooth’s shape and strength while protecting it from further damage.
A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth by attaching a replacement tooth to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. The supporting teeth are fitted with crowns to hold the bridge securely in place.
A dental implant, on the other hand, replaces the root of a missing tooth with a small titanium post that is surgically placed in the jawbone. A crown is then attached to the implant to restore the visible portion of the tooth.
When deciding between dental implants vs crowns and bridges, Dr. White will look at the severity of the damage. She will help you understand the benefits of each option and explain the best treatment plan for you.
What materials are used for dental crowns and bridges?
Dental crowns and bridges can be made from several different materials, each offering its own balance of strength, appearance, and cost.
Common options include:
- Porcelain or ceramic: These are designed to closely match your natural teeth, making them a popular choice for visible areas. However, the cost of a porcelain dental crown is often higher.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): This option combines the durability of metal with a natural-looking outer layer.
- Metal (such as gold or alloys): These are extremely strong and long-lasting. They are often used for back teeth.
- Zirconia: This is a more modern material known for both strength and aesthetics.
When reviewing the types of dental crowns and cost, Dr. Liz White will recommend the best material based on the location of the tooth, your bite, and your smile goals.
Can a dental bridge replace more than one missing tooth?
Yes, a dental bridge can replace more than one missing tooth.
A traditional bridge uses the teeth on either side of the gap for support, with one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) in between. This makes it a reliable option for restoring multiple missing teeth in a row.
Is getting a dental crown or bridge painful?
Most patients find that getting a dental crown or bridge is a comfortable and straightforward procedure.
The Polished Dental Care team will numb the affected area before beginning your treatment, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. You may experience mild sensitivity afterward, but this discomfort typically resolves within a few days.
How long do dental crowns and bridges typically last?
On average, dental crowns and bridges last 10 to 15 years with proper care.
The lifespan depends on the type of dental crown, your oral hygiene habits, and the amount of pressure placed on the tooth during chewing.Â
Maintaining regular dental checkups, good brushing and flossing habits, and avoiding chewing on hard objects can help your crowns and bridges last as long as possible.
How much do dental crowns and bridges cost?
The cost of dental crowns and bridges varies. It will depend largely on your specific situation and the materials used. Dental bridges typically cost more than a single crown because they are more complex.
During your consultation, Dr. Liz will look at your specific smile needs and determine which restorative method and materials will be best for your smile and your budget.
Are dental crowns and bridges covered by dental insurance?
Yes, in most cases, dental crowns and bridges are partially covered by dental insurance.
Coverage varies depending on your dental plan, but most policies cover a portion of restorative procedures like dental fillings, crowns, and bridges when they are considered medically necessary.
How do you care for a dental bridge at home?
Caring for a dental bridge is similar to caring for your natural teeth.
To keep your restoration healthy, it’s important to:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily, including around the bridge using special floss threaders or interdental brushes
- Follow the cleaning and exam schedule set by your dentist to prevent any additional damage
Good home care and consistent professional care will help prevent future decay and gum disease so your smile stays healthy for years to come.
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