Crowns and Bridges

The effects of a gap created by missing teeth or teeth go beyond your mouth’s aesthetic. Losing specific teeth can make chewing and biting challenging, putting your overall health at risk. Gaps in your mouth can slur your speech. When lost teeth are not replaced, your jawbone can start receding, resulting in a sunken face appearance, an increased risk of losing adjacent teeth, tooth decay, and low self-esteem. If you have recently lost a tooth or have a gap in your smile, consider either dental bridges or crowns as a solution to restore your confidence and dental health. In this comprehensive guide, The Hawthrone Dentist discusses these restorations, their benefits, costs, and the step-by-step process of getting them so you can make an informed decision. Where you have been told your oral health is beyond repair, we can transform your life, confidence, health, and quality of life with a beautiful, functional smile and teeth.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A crown, also called a cap, is a dental restoration that covers the whole tooth, replacing the outer layer of enamel with some new material. A crown is contoured and made to fit into your natural tooth, allowing you to chew properly. Typically, a crown should feel like your regular tooth when functioning. Depending on your selected material, your crown can blend perfectly with your natural teeth.

You can consider dental crowns if any of the following applies to you:

• Your tooth is severely chipped or cracked.
• You have worn down your tooth.
• You have irreversibly discolored teeth.
• You have previously undergone root canal therapy.

What Materials Are Crowns Made Of?

Dental crowns come in various materials, including gold, zirconia, and porcelain.

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain dental crowns are the most prominent crown materials due to their natural look. Seasoned dentists carefully and professionally design their shape, shade, and size to blend with your regular teeth, producing excellent natural outcomes that make it unnoticeable that you have undergone a crown procedure. Since they do not contain metal, they are also suitable for individuals with metal allergies.

Porcelain dental crowns are long-lasting enough to weather the normal wear and tear as your regular teeth, but they are not as strong as gold or zirconia. Anything that risks damaging your natural teeth can also crack, chip, or break porcelain crowns. However, porcelain is harder than your tooth enamel, so it may sometimes wear down the enamel of nearby teeth over time. Therefore, porcelain crowns are not ideal for individuals who grind or clench their teeth.

Their longevity and natural appearance help make them a trendy choice. They could last fifteen years or longer with good oral hygiene.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia crowns have several pros in comparison to other dental crown types.

Some of the pros of zirconia crowns include the following:

• Durability — Zirconia is an exceptionally strong and long-lasting material. The material is resistant to cracking, chipping, and wear and tear, making it an excellent option for dental restorations. Zirconia crowns can also withstand the pressure of biting and chewing, offering durable restoration results.
• Great aesthetics — Zirconia dental crowns have superior aesthetics and closely blend with your teeth’s natural appearance. They are translucent and could be color-matched to blend seamlessly with your adjacent teeth, guaranteeing a more natural-looking smile.
• Biocompatibility — The crowns are made from a compatible material that is tolerant to your body and causes no adverse effects or allergies. Zirconia is a non-metallic material, making it a fantastic choice if you have metal sensitivities.
• Stain resistance — Unlike other dental materials, this material is incredibly resistant to discoloration and staining. This feature helps preserve the natural appearance of the crowns over time and lessens the need for frequent replacement or maintenance.
• Precision fit — Zirconia crowns are custom-made using computer-driven design and computer-guided manufacturing technology. The custom-fit design lessens the risk of inaccuracies or gaps, enhancing overall function and comfort.
• Maximum tooth preservation — Zirconia crowns require minimal tooth preparation compared to other dental crown types. In most cases, minimal enamel preserves your natural tooth structure and maintains your tooth’s overall integrity and strength.

The drawbacks of zirconia dental crowns include the following:

• Higher cost — The major drawback of zirconia crowns is that they are more expensive than other dental crown materials. Its price can sometimes be twice as much as the cost of other materials, making zirconia less accessible to patients who need cost-friendly dental treatment options.
• Prone to edge fracture — Zirconia crowns are more prone to fracture at their margins. That means the material is unsuitable for molar crowns molar crowns, which bear heavy biting and chewing pressures. While some of the fractures are repairable, you should consider the potential risk of fractures before receiving zirconia dental restoration treatments.
• Limited tooth shade options — You might be limited in how well you could match your natural tooth when choosing zirconia crown restorations instead of a more flexible overall material selection range available with composite resin-based or porcelain treatments.
• Tooth sensitivity — Some individuals experience tooth sensitivity following the procedure. Nevertheless, this sensitivity is mild and reduces over time.

Crowns Installation Procedure

There are two main methods of installing dental crowns. Dentists could complete the treatment process with two or one dental appointment.

During the two-time appointment, your dental practitioner will prepare your tooth and install your temporary dental crown during the first appointment before cementing your permanent dental crown during your second appointment. Crucial steps in the two-dental-appointment installation include the following:

• The dentist will perform an X-ray of your mouth.
• Your doctor will prepare your tooth for the procedure, which can consist of the administration of local anesthesia.
• The dental practitioner may also extract part of your tooth’s outer layer (enamel) if required.
• After taking your tooth’s impression, your dentist will install a temporary crown.
• Then, the dentist will make your permanent crown in a lab based on your impression specifications.
• Finally, the physician will cement the new crown on your tooth during your final dental appointment.

What to Expect During  Same-Day Crown Installation Process

This procedure can only be possible if the dental practitioner has the necessary tools and the technology to design the crowns in their dental office. The same-day installation process includes the following:

• The dentist will conduct a dental examination and take digital images.
• Next, the dentist will prepare your tooth for the procedure and local anesthesia administration.
• The dentist will digitally scan the images taken at the start of the process to make your dental crown.
• Finally, your dentist will cement the crown to your tooth.

Factors that Affect Dental Crowns Costs

Dental crown pricing can vary widely. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the different variables that contribute to this variance. That way, you can make well-informed decisions concerning your dental well-being and budget.

Some key variables that influence the overall dental crown cost are as follows:

• Type of crown — The material of your dental crown can significantly influence the cost. For instance, porcelain crowns are generally more expensive than silver or gold crowns.
• The complexity of your dental issue — Complex dental cases require more hours and resources, which could impact the total cost of the crown. If your tooth issue requires multiple visits or intricate procedures, you should anticipate the final cost to be higher. For instance, if you need a root canal before receiving a crown, this will involve additional costs for your endodontic treatment combined with the restorative crown.
• Geographic zone and dentist’s experience and expertise — Where you reside can greatly influence the cost of dental treatments, including crowns. Dental costs vary from region to region due to factors like the cost of living, labor, rent, and market conditions. The cost of dental treatment in rural areas is lower than in urban regions. Furthermore, the dental expertise needed to fix your dental issue will influence the total cost of your treatment.

How to Save Money on Your Dental Crowns

There are several ways you can save money on your dental crowns, including the following:

• Discuss treatment options — Depending on your specific needs, there could be alternative treatments to conventional crowns that are more affordable. Discuss options with your dental provider to decide on the appropriate option based on your budget and oral health.
• Preserve your oral health — Prevention is crucial to lessening the risk of requiring extensive and costly dental work, like crowns, if not avoiding future expensive dental procedures. Practice proper dental hygiene by flossing and brushing daily and visiting your doctor for routine dental cleanings and check-ups.
• Ask your dental provider about payment methods — Most dentists offer financing discounts or plans if you are paying cash upfront.
• Consider obtaining treatment from a dental school or college — These facilities offer reduced rates for their services as they train aspiring dentists. Just ensure the provider has the necessary accreditations.
• Ask about insurance coverage — Most insurance plans cover at least a portion of the total cost of crown treatment.

Dental Bridges

As the name suggests, dental bridges bridge the gap in a smile. Your dentist can create custom dental bridges that match your natural teeth’s shade.

Different parts of a tooth bridge include the following:

• Pontics — The false or artificial teeth that fill in the gap.
• Abutments — These are structures that support the bridge. While it often means natural teeth, it could also imply small connector posts used in implant-supported bridges.

Your dentist can recommend bridges to do any of the following: 

• Restoring your smile.
• Restoring the ability to speak and chew effectively.
• Maintaining your facial shape.
• Replacing missing teeth to distribute force in your bite.
• Preventing your remaining teeth from shifting from their position.

Different Types of Tooth Bridges

There are four main types of bridges that your dentist can recommend. To determine the best type for your dental needs, your dentist will consider numerous factors, including:

• Your age (Dentists do not place bridges in children).
• The number of missing teeth.
• The gap’s size.
• The condition of the teeth adjacent to the lost teeth.
• Whether you have natural teeth on every gap’s side.
• Your personal preference.
• Your gums and teeth’s overall health.

Traditional Bridges

They are the most common type of bridge and consist of at least one pontic and dental crowns (abutments) hold them. Dentists cement these bridges onto the teeth adjacent to the gap.

Typically, dentists recommend them when a patient has natural teeth on all sides of a gap formed by a missing tooth. They are robust enough to replace your molars. One of their disadvantages is that a doctor will remove some enamel to prepare your teeth and create room for your crowns to be cemented. Enamel does not regenerate, so you should always protect these teeth’s crowns, even when you later select another type of bridge.

Cantilever Dental Bridges

They are identical to traditional bridges. The only difference is that an abutment on one side (instead of on all sides) supports cantilever bridges. Therefore, your dentist can secure a bridge if you have a natural tooth near your gap.

Your doctor will prepare your adjacent tooth supporting the dental bridge by removing enamel. Since the restoration is supported on one side, it could sometimes serve as a lever, resulting in complications like loose crowns or fractured teeth.

Implant- Supported Dental Bridges

Implant-supported dental bridges are ideal when you have at least one tooth missing. Instead of using crowns, dental implants support the bridges. Dentists place one implant for each missing tooth, and a series of implants holds the bridges in place. Nevertheless, the bridge can have a pontic suspended by two (2) implant-supported crowns if placing an implant for each missing tooth is impossible.

Since implants secure the bridges, the bridges are as comfortable and secure as your natural teeth. One disadvantage is that the procedure requires two surgeries, making the process lengthy.

Maryland Dental Bridges

Maryland dental bridges are a safe alternative to traditional dental bridges. They have a pontic that a porcelain or metallic framework holds in place. The framework is bonded onto the backs of two (2) teeth adjacent to your loose tooth. Since Maryland bridges do not require crowns, your dentist does not have to prepare your adjacent teeth.

Some of the disadvantages of these bridges are as follows:

• The bridge’s strength is restricted by the strength of the resin holding it. That means it is not ideal for areas subjected to massive biting forces like your molars.
• The framework might affect your bite or gums.

A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Dental Bridges

The process involves cautious planning, preparation, and execution by your physician. Every step, from your initial consultation to the final fitting, is crucial in ensuring the treatment’s success. Here is what to expect:

Initial Dental Consultation

During the meeting, your physician will analyze your dental health and discuss your oral concerns to determine your eligibility for the procedure. They will also consider your general health to identify issues you should address before your treatment.

Treatment Plan

Next, your dentist will create your individualized treatment plan. The plan should highlight your ideal form of bridge, the best materials to use, and the procedure’s timeline.

Preparing Your Abutment

To prepare your teeth, your doctor will remove some enamel from every adjacent tooth. It will create space for the crown that the doctor will place on your abutment teeth, anchoring your bridges in place.

Creating Impressions

Next, the doctor will take impressions of your teeth. The medical practitioner will use the impressions to create your custom-fit tooth bridge. While a permanent bridge is made in a lab, your dentist should give you a temporary bridge to safeguard your exposed abutment.

The lab technician will use your impressions to design a permanent bridge that suits your oral needs and preferences. They will create the bridge to match your teeth’s size, shape, and color, ensuring a seamless and natural look.

Fitting Your Permanent Bridge

After the technicians make your permanent bridge, you should return to your doctor’s office for a fitting. The doctor will ensure your bridge fits perfectly and offer a proper bite and alignment. They will also make necessary adjustments to realize a functional and comfortable outcome.

The physician will bond your bridge once you are satisfied with your appearance. They will coat your abutment teeth using dental cement and carefully position the bridge.

Finally, they will remove excess cement and perform final checks to ensure your dental bridge functions effectively and feels comfortable. Your doctor will make adjustments if you need further adjustments at this phase.

How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost?

Some of the factors that help determine the cost of a bridge include the following:

• The material used.
• The number of teeth requiring restoration — The more teeth you have lost, the more money you can expect to incur.
• Additional dental work needed — When contemplating getting dental bridges, you should consider additional costs like oral examinations, X-rays, cleaning, tooth extractions, and anesthesia. All these services have a range of costs.
• Your dental insurance coverage.
• The requirement for more dental procedures like root canals or fillings in at least one adjoining tooth.
• Your dentist’s location.
• Your dentist’s expertise.

Getting dental bridges can be expensive. Although the bridges provide cosmetic benefits, they can be deemed restorative, provided your dentist recommends them as medically essential. Consequently, your insurance provider can cover all or most of the costs related to the treatment.

Even with insurance, you must satisfy your deductibles and pay premiums. If the only dental procedure you get in a year is dental bridges, you might save very little in the long run.

How to Take Care of Your Dental Bridges

Your dental bridge can restore your missing tooth, natural appearance, and smile. On the other hand, poor bridge management can be detrimental to all the hard work and resources committed to undergoing the procedure. When you fail to maintain your bridges, you can experience tooth decay or your bridge could fall off. With proper aftercare, dental bridges can last more than ten years.

Here are tips on how to care for your dental bridges:

• Avoid chewing on hard substances like ice — Dental bridges are made from ceramic, which is durable and sturdy. However, like natural teeth, they can fracture or break when subjected to a lot of pressure or force. Avoid habits like opening bottles using your teeth or chewing ice.
• Brush daily — You should brush your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brushing removes food particles and debris struck beneath your dental bridge and on your teeth. Food particles and debris could lead to the accumulation of tartar and plaque that could cause tooth cavities.
• Use a fluoride rinse — While the aim of getting dental bridges is to restore the strength and functionality of the tooth crown above your gum line, you should take care of the gum line by preventing plaque and bacteria accumulation. Flossing and brushing help, but rinsing your teeth with fluoride further fortifies the dentition against cavities. The mouth rinse is mainly recommended for patients at a greater risk of gum disease or cavities.
• Visit your dentist regularly — Visiting your dentist twice a year helps identify issues like loose fittings, cracks, or chips early on. During your dental visit, your dentist can also clean your teeth and remove tartar and plaque on your dental bridges and surrounding teeth.
• Avoid smoking.
• Wear a nightguard.
• Floss once a day — After holding your floss in position, gently move it up and down to clean your teeth. Repeat the process for every tooth. Be gentle, thorough, and diligent to avoid damaging the dental bridges.

Find a Skilled Dentist Near Me

Dental bridges and crowns could be your solution if you have a damaged or missing tooth. A crown is an optimal selection if you want to restore a tooth that is substantially damaged or decayed. They match the appearance and color of your natural teeth. The experienced medical practitioners at The Hawthrone Dentist can offer a custom crown that fits over your tooth. On the other hand, bridges are a restorative solution anchored in place using two crowns. You can consider them if you miss one tooth or many teeth in a row. Our dentists can custom-make your bridge to fit your smile and help you choose the right type of bridge for you. To learn about improving your smile, appearance, confidence, and oral health, please contact us at 310-775-2557. When you visit our dental office, our knowledgeable dentists can first evaluate your dental health and general health to determine whether you are eligible for dental bridges or crowns.