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Dental Crowns & Bridges in Capitol Hill

Crowns and Bridges
In Capitol Hill

Missing a few teeth in a row? We've got you! Since crowns are affixed to your smile, they won’t move or shift so you can get back to smiling again.

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What are dental crowns and bridges?

Dental crowns and bridges allow dentists to protect and restore damaged teeth. Typically, when tooth decay is severe enough that it can’t be treated with a filling, a dental crown will be used to cover, or cap, the tooth. Crowns are also commonly used to seal teeth that have been treated with root canal therapy. And occasionally, dental crowns are used for cosmetic purposes or in smile makeovers.

A dental bridge is a type of dental work that replaces a tooth or a few consecutive missing teeth. Two dental crowns are placed on the healthy teeth living on either side of the gap left by your lost tooth. A false tooth, or pontic, is attached to the crowns and literally bridges the gap, replacing your missing tooth.

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Types of dental crowns and bridges

Lab-Made Crowns

Lab-made crowns are manufactured by experienced technicians at dental labs that specialize in building dental prostheses. Your dentist will take impressions or models, scans, and photos of your teeth, which will be sent directly to the lab.

Using an advanced manufacturing process, your crowns will be built out of durable ceramic and metal materials, and sent back to your dentist for the final fitting and placement. Lab-made crowns look and feel very natural, and are usually the most long-lasting and durable type of crown.

Traditional Bridges

Traditional dental bridges are made out of two crowns, which are attached permanently to “abutment teeth.” These are the healthy teeth located next to one or more missing teeth within your mouth. Between these teeth, a metal or ceramic framework is used to suspend one or more “pontics” (false teeth). These false teeth literally “bridge” the gap between your missing teeth, restoring your smile.

Maryland Bonded Bridges

A Maryland bridge requires little to no removal of enamel or preparation of the adjacent teeth.  In this treatment, a false tooth is suspended using a metal or ceramic framework with "wings" that attach to the adjacent teeth.  To restore your smile, these "wings" are held in place using dental cement.  Maryland bridges are commonly used on hte front teeth, and are ideal if you would like to restore your smile without any invasive dental treatment.

Implant Bridges

An implant bridge is permanently fixed to dental implants to restore multiple missing teeth. Implant bridges look, feel, and function just like healthy natural teeth, and they can be brushed and flossed just like natural teeth.  You can speak, eat, and smile with confidence when your dentition is restored with dental implant bridges.

Our Difference

You’ve Got Options

Bridges aren’t the only way to restore your missing teeth. Dental implants are one of the most secure dental replacement options available. They can completely mend the functionality of your bite, improve your overall health, and bring back the smile you’ve been hiding.

Restore Your Arch

Missing more than just a couple of teeth? There’s no need to wait in pain and discomfort any longer. Implant-retained bridges can replace the entire arch of your grin for a sturdy, seamless smile.

No Putty Necessary

Say goodbye to goopy impressions! Our 3D intraoral scanner allows us to capture images and create models of your tooth for a digital, mess-free procedure.

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How dental crowns and bridges work together

Preparation of Abutment Teeth

Your dentist will clean and numb your mouth, and then begin to trim away a thin layer of enamel from the two teeth next to your missing tooth. These are known as “abutment teeth” and they will hold your crowns. Your bridge will permanently attach to these crowns.

Impressions or Digital Models

Once your abutment teeth have been prepared, your dentist will take impressions or models of your teeth. These impressions or digital models will be used to build a custom-fit dental bridge.

Temporary Bridge

Depending on your needs, your dentist will place a temporary resin bridge to protect your prepared abutment teeth, or two temporary dental crowns. Either way, your prepared teeth will be covered and protected until your permanent bridge can be placed.

Final Placement

Once you and your dentist have determined that the fit of your bridge feels right, they will use powerful dental cement to attach it to your abutment teeth, restoring your smile and your bite.

FAQs

Frequently
Asked Questions

Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.

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The cost of dental crowns and bridges is different for each patient. Factors that may affect the cost of your crown or bridge include the type of crown or bridge you choose, pre-treatment surgeries (like tooth extraction) and more. The best way to find out how much you’ll pay for a dental bridge is to schedule a consultation with your dentist.

Dental crowns and bridges are usually covered, at least in part, by dental insurance. Contact your insurance provider to learn more about your coverage.

If you have one or more damaged or severely decayed teeth, you may need a dental crown or bridge. You should see your dentist if you are experiencing tooth pain and discomfort, or if your teeth are visibly damaged or discolored. Depending on the cause of your dental issues, they may recommend a dental crown, dental bridge, or another restorative treatment.

Dental crowns and bridges can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain ceramic and zirconia. Dr. Sullivan will discuss the pros and cons of various materials during your visit to help you decide on the best choice for your needs and aesthetic goals.

Yes. Dental bridges, just like all dental prostheses, can become damaged over time, or simply worn down from daily use when chewing, biting, smiling, and speaking. Typically, bridges last between 10-20 years, but the expected lifespan of your bridge may be different depending on the type of bridge, how well you care for your teeth, and a few other factors.

Dental crowns and bridges that are required for restorative purposes, such as severe cavities or a broken tooth, are typically covered by insurance. The exact amount of coverage you receive will depend on the deductible and yearly limits of your policy.

If you require a crown or bridge for cosmetic purposes, such as covering up a discolored tooth, the procedure may not be covered by insurance. To make sure your procedure is covered, we recommend consulting with your insurer.

You can treat your dental crown and bridge just like a natural tooth. Make sure you brush twice a day for at least two minutes, ensuring you scrub the full surface of every tooth. You should floss at least once per day, preferably at night. This should only take a few minutes, but be sure to floss against the tooth and below the gum line. You should also see your dentist every six months for a check-up to make sure that your dental work and teeth are healthy.

A well-made and properly placed dental crown and bridge will typically last up to 15 years. It’s critical to maintain good oral health habits to enhance your crown’s longevity. These practices include brushing twice per day, flossing once per day, and seeing your dentist every 6 months for a professional cleaning and exam. Same-day crowns can be a little less durable, but they can still last several years with proper care.

Most commonly, dental crowns and bridges are used to protect and restore teeth that have been damaged by a serious cavity, or that have been cracked or broken by dental trauma, like an accident or injury. Because crowns and bridges cover up and protect your entire tooth structure, they are ideal for preventing further complications and restoring the shape, appearance, and function of damaged teeth.

Dental crowns and bridges are also used to cover up and protect teeth after root canal treatment. In more rare cases, they may also be used for cosmetic dentistry if other treatments like veneers and dental bonding are not appropriate.

Both dental crowns and bridges protect and restore damaged teeth to their normal shape, size, and function. A crown restores one decaying tooth by covering it with a cap, while a dental bridge restores multiple teeth through a fixed appendage that mimics the look and feel of your other teeth.

While every type of bridge is different, dental bridges all share similar characteristics and work in the same way. A bridge is used to attach one or more false teeth to your existing teeth – locking them into place by using dental crowns (fixed and cantilever bridges) or metal “wings” that attach to the rear of your teeth (Maryland bridges).

Because they won’t move or shift, they’re a great alternative to partial dentures. And since they do not require invasive surgery, some patients prefer dental bridges as an alternative to dental implants.