Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and bridges are restorations that correct dental problems while protecting and strengthening your teeth.
A dental crown is custom made to fit over a damaged natural tooth. It restores the function of the tooth and provides strength and support. Dental bridges fill in the space left by a missing tooth to complete your smile.
Everyone wants a smile that is healthy and beautiful, and we may be able to help you reach that goal using crowns and bridges. Updated techniques and treatments have made the placing of crowns and bridges easier than ever before.
When Are Dental Crowns and Bridges Used?
Dental crowns have many applications and can be used to correct a number of problems, including:
- Severely decayed teeth
- Teeth weakened by root canal treatment
- Fractured or broken teeth
- Broken fillings
- Large, unattractive fillings
A dental bridge is used to fill the space left by a missing tooth. The bridge is usually made as a single unit that is held in place by crowns on adjacent teeth. A dental bridge not only improves your appearance but also prevents surrounding teeth from shifting out of place and moving into the space left by a missing tooth.
What Does Placing a Crown or Bridge Involve?
A dental crown or bridge can usually be placed in two or three visits. First, we prepare your natural tooth to receive the restoration, and then impressions are taken of your teeth. The impression accurately represents the position of your natural teeth so that your restoration fits perfectly.
The impressions are sent to a special dental lab and are used to create your permanent restoration, which usually takes about two weeks. Before you leave our office, we fit you with a temporary bridge or crown that you wear while the new crown or bridge is being prepared.
Once the restoration is finished, we will schedule an appointment for you to return to our office. At that time, we check the finished restoration for proper fit, making adjustments as necessary. Finally, the restoration is cemented permanently into place.
Before you leave our office, we will give you instructions on caring for your new restoration. The restoration is fully functional, but you should remember that it requires special care to prevent damage and the need for replacement. If you follow proper oral hygiene and schedule regular dental cleanings, your new restoration will last for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental crowns are designed to be durable and to function much like your own teeth. You need to use common sense, however, and avoid biting down directly on foods like hard candy or nuts.
A broken crown is not just costly to replace, but you may also damage underlying healthy tooth structure.
Modern dental materials and technology have dramatically improved the appearance of dental crowns and bridges. The porcelain used in today’s crowns and bridges can be color-matched to blend perfectly with the shade of your natural teeth.
With proper placement, your dental restoration should be virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
A dental bridge is a solution for filling the space left by a missing tooth. It is basically a single dental restoration that usually includes two dental crowns and a replacement tooth (pontic) that fills the empty space. The dental crowns are secured to adjacent teeth on either side of the empty space and provide support for the artificial tooth
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Jeffrey Dunwell DDS
Dr. Dunwell is a fourth-generation graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. He was awarded the United States Navy Health Professions Scholarship for dental school, and after graduation spent four years of active duty as a Naval Dental Officer gaining invaluable clinical experience. For the past three years, he has been an associate in private practice developing additional expertise in a broad range of dental procedures.
Now living in South Lyon with his wife and two daughters, he is extremely excited to be starting his own dental practice focusing ...
