At Northalsted Dental Spa, we use dental crowns and bridge procedures to effectively protect and restore teeth while improving the look of your smile.
Our own Dr. Michael Griffin has spent years fixing and perfecting patient smiles. He and the team at Northalsted Dental Spa will build a unique treatment plan personalized to your needs. We offer a comprehensive range of restorative, general, and cosmetic dentistry services to improve your oral health.
Get in touch with our office today to find out if you’re a good candidate for dental crowns or dental bridges.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown (also called a dental cap) is a custom restoration that completely covers a weak, cracked, or decayed tooth. Crowns restore the shape, strength, and appearance of a tooth and are also used with dental implants.
Types of Crowns
There are several common types of dental crowns, including:
- Porcelain Crowns: Tooth-colored and ideal for front teeth. Natural look and great aesthetics.
- Metal Crowns: Extremely durable metal alloys, beneficial for molars.
- Zirconia Crowns: Highly durable and natural-looking, an excellent long-term option.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
Dental crowns typically last 10 to 15 years, though some can last 20 years or more with proper care.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges replace one or several lost teeth in a row. Dental crowns help support bridges, sitting on either side of the gap left by missing teeth. Essentially, bridges work by “bridging the gap” in your smile. They blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, providing full functionality for many years.
Types of Dental Bridges
Understanding your options can help you make a confident choice:
- Traditional Bridge: A “bridge” of artificial teeth supported by two dental crowns, which sit on two natural teeth on either side of the gap.
- Cantilever Bridge: A cantilever bridge has a false tooth that is attached to a single crown on just one neighboring tooth.
- Maryland Bridge: A conservative type of dental bridge used to replace a single missing tooth, usually in the front of the mouth. It uses a fake tooth with small “wings” that bond to the backs of neighboring teeth instead of full crowns.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: A bridge that is anchored to dental implants for superior stability and longevity.
Our professionals at Northalsted Dental Spa will perform a thorough exam to understand your needs. We will help you choose the best restoration for your smile goals.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
Dental bridges typically last 5 to 15 years, though some can last 20 years or longer with good care. Implant-supported bridges typically last at least 15 years, since they are secured by implants in the jawbone.
Why Would I Need a Crown or Bridge?
Bridges and crowns are both effective at addressing a number of dental health concerns. Your individual needs will determine which one is the optimal choice for you.
Dental Crowns Help:
- Strengthen severely decayed or damaged teeth
- Cover a large filling
- Protect a tooth after root canal therapy
- Improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth
- Cover/reshape worn teeth
- Implant-supported crowns replace missing teeth
Dental Bridges Help:
- Replace missing teeth
- Restore the ability to chew and speak comfortably
- Prevent neighboring teeth from shifting
- Replace teeth that require extraction
When you come to Northalsted Dental Spa for a consultation, we’ll outline the best treatment plan for you. We will explore all available procedure options so you can make the best choice for your dental health.
Dental Crown & Bridge Procedures: What To Expect
Crowns
It typically takes 1 to 2 appointments to complete a dental crown restoration. Your dentist will first numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic. Then, the damaged tooth is reshaped to make space for the crown. Your dentist will take an impression of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth to create a mold for your custom crown.
A dental lab will use the impression to craft a permanent crown (this usually takes a few weeks). Until then, you will receive a temporary crown to protect the tooth. Once your final crown is ready, it will be carefully fitted and bonded into place.
Dental Bridges
In preparation for the bridge, your dentist will prep the abutment teeth by reshaping them. These are the teeth sitting on either side of the gap left behind by a missing tooth or teeth. Preparatory steps also include taking molds and placing a temporary bridge.
Once the permanent bridge is ready (usually within a couple weeks), your dentist will remove the temporary bridge and check the new one for comfort. They’ll make any necessary adjustments to ensure a perfect fit and then permanently bond the bridge in place.
Cost of Dental Restorations
Dental crown costs vary from patient to patient depending on the extent of the procedure. The same can be said for dental bridges. To receive an accurate estimate, contact us at Northalsted Dental Spa to book a consultation. We offer financing options to help every patient get the dental care they need.
Caring for Your Restorations
To care for your dental restorations, maintain the following:
- Brush twice daily and floss at least once a day
- Use floss threaders or water flossers around bridges
- Avoid overly sticky or hard foods that can damage restorations
- See your dentist every 6 months for check-ups and teeth cleanings
Regular dental exams are essential to monitor the health of your dental restorations and surrounding teeth. Be sure to book an appointment at least twice a year for check-ups.
Contact Us for Smile Restoration Services
At Northalsted Dental Spa, our commitment to our patients extends beyond simply fixing dental problems. We want to protect your oral health and make sure you have a fully functional, beautiful smile you can feel proud of!
We’ve been providing personalized dental care to patients in an inclusive environment since 2005. Call (773) 296-0325 or contact us online to schedule your consultation and learn how dental crowns and bridges can restore your smile! We offer a variety of treatment options, including All-on-4 dental implants. Find out what a great restoration can do for you!
