Porcelain Crowns and Bridges
If you have missing or damaged teeth, a dental crown (single tooth) or bridge (multiple teeth) can help restore the function and aesthetics of your smile. Even for patients who are diligent about their home care, it is not uncommon to need a tooth repaired or replaced at some point. If problems should arise with your smile, you can rest assured that Dr. Brito will restore your teeth with only the finest dental materials so you will have strength and durability you can trust, and the aesthetics you want. Our team has extensive experience with restorative dental treatments and can easily provide you with a beautiful dental crown that looks and feels completely natural.
If you have a tooth that needs repair or replacement, it’s a good idea to consider treatment as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your smile. Contact Brito Family Dental today for more information and to schedule your dental appointment.
Same-Day Porcelain Crowns
A dental crown is a false tooth made of ceramic porcelain that is designed to cap and cover your entire remaining tooth structure and protect it from further damage. These prostheses may be necessary if you have a severe cavity that is too large to treat with a composite filling. If a cavity is too large, attempting to fill it may compromise the tooth structure and simply cause more damage. After root canal therapy, a dental crown is necessary to protect and cover your tooth. A dental crown is also necessary to complete the implant process.
Typically, a dental crown is recommended when a tooth has become seriously damaged due to tooth decay or an oral injury, but they can also be used for cosmetic purposes. For example, if you have a tooth that is healthy but small or misshapen, a dental crown can be used to create a seamless, beautiful smile.
When Dr. Brito recommends a tooth crown, it is typically for these reasons:
- For a decayed tooth that is more than a filling can repair
- For a severely cracked, fractured, or broken tooth
- To strengthen a tooth treated with root canal therapy
- For a single tooth replacement for a dental implant
- To cover chipping, discoloration, or other cosmetic imperfections.
We design a crown to cover your entire tooth structure, fitting over your remaining tooth like a “cap.” Usually, we make it out of ceramic porcelain, which is customized to match your teeth and blend flawlessly with your smile. However, sometimes, gold is recommended for durability for molars at the back of your mouth that take the brunt of your biting force, and you won’t see when you smile.
Porcelain Bridges
A dental bridge can be a solution for replacing one or multiple missing teeth that are adjacent. Using a crown on each end as an anchor, an artificial tooth or teeth are placed in between to fill in the gap. A bridge is fixed, which means that we permanently place it, and it is not removable.
At Brito Family Dental, we typically use porcelain to create dental bridges that are seamless and complement your smile.
Whether you need a tooth crown or dental bridge to restore your smile, the process to complete your restoration is nearly the same. During your appointment, Dr. Brito will get your tooth ready for your new restoration, take a digital 3D scan of your mouth to ensure absolute precision, and create your crown same-day in our office.
With our in-house dental lab, we are able to create your custom dental crown in just one hour. When it’s ready, you’ll have it permanently placed and adjusted to fit your bite correctly. Now you can enjoy all the benefits of eating and smile with your newly restored teeth!
Frequently Asked Questions
About Dental Crowns & Bridges
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap or cover that is placed over a damaged or decayed tooth. It’s used to restore the shape, size, strength, and appearance of the tooth. Crowns can be made from different materials such as porcelain, metal, or a combination of both. They are custom-made to fit your tooth and are cemented in place by Dr. Brito. Dental crowns can also be used to cover a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment, to protect a weak tooth from further damage, or to attach a dental bridge.
There are several different types of dental crowns available, each with its own advantages. The most common types of dental crowns are:
- Porcelain crowns | These are made of a ceramic material that closely resembles the color and texture of natural teeth. Porcelain crowns are often used for front teeth and highly visible teeth because of their excellent aesthetics.
- Metal crowns | These are made of various metals, such as gold, silver, or platinum. Metal crowns are highly durable and can withstand biting and chewing forces well. They are often used for molars, where their strength is needed.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns | These are a combination of metal and porcelain. The metal provides strength, while the porcelain provides an attractive, tooth-like appearance.
- Zirconia crowns | These are made of a very strong and durable ceramic material called zirconia. They are highly resistant to wear and can last for many years.
- E-max crowns | These are made of a type of porcelain called lithium disilicate, which is known for its strength and natural appearance. E-max crowns are highly aesthetic and are often used for front teeth.
At Brito Family Dental, Dr. Brito will consider several factors, such as the location of the tooth, the amount of tooth structure remaining, and your personal preferences, when recommending a type of dental crown for you.
The cost of a dental crown can vary depending on the type of crown and the location of the tooth. Generally, the cost of a dental crown will range from under $1,000 to upwards of $2,000 per tooth.
Porcelain crowns and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are more expensive than metal crowns because of their superior aesthetics. Zirconia crowns and E-max crowns are also more expensive because of the high-quality materials used in their construction.
Keep in mind that dental insurance may cover some or all of the cost of a dental crown, depending on the terms of your policy. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to see what your coverage is for dental crowns.
Additionally, at Brito Family Dental we offer financing options which spread out your payments and help fit dental crowns into your budget.
Whether a dental crown is right for you depends on the condition of your teeth and the specific dental issue that you have. Here are some situations in which a dental crown may be recommended:
- Large cavity | If you have a large cavity that cannot be filled with a traditional filling, a dental crown may be needed to restore the tooth’s strength and function.
- Cracked or broken tooth | If you have a tooth that is cracked or broken, a dental crown may be needed to protect and reinforce the remaining tooth structure.
- Root canal | If you have had a root canal, a dental crown may be needed to protect the tooth and restore its function.
- Missing tooth | If you are missing a tooth, a dental crown may be used as part of a dental bridge to fill in the gap.
- Cosmetic enhancement | If you have a tooth that is discolored, misshapen, or otherwise unattractive, a dental crown may be used to improve its appearance.
Dr. Brito will be able to evaluate your teeth and recommend the best treatment plan for your individual needs. We will also answer any questions you may have about the dental crown procedure and help you determine if it’s the right choice for you.
A dental bridge is a dental restoration that is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, that are anchored in place by dental crowns or dental implants on either side of the gap left by the missing teeth.
At Brito Family Dental, we custom-make your dental bridge to fit securely in your mouth in order to restore your smile, bite, and speech. The pontics can be made from various materials such as porcelain, gold, or a combination of both. The dental crowns or dental implants that hold the bridge in place are typically made of porcelain or ceramic materials that closely match the color of your natural teeth.
There are different types of dental bridges available that Dr. Brito will recommend depending on your specific needs. Traditional dental bridges are the most common and are supported by dental crowns on either side of the gap. Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth on only one side of the gap, and Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth.
The cost of a dental bridge can vary depending on the type of bridge and the number of teeth being replaced. Generally, the cost of a dental bridge at Brito Family Dental is around $8,999.
Traditional dental bridges are typically more expensive than cantilever or Maryland bridges because they require the placement of dental crowns on the adjacent teeth to support the bridge. Additionally, the materials used for the pontics can also affect the cost of the bridge. Porcelain or ceramic pontics tend to be more expensive than metal pontics.
Keep in mind that dental insurance may cover some or all of the cost of a dental bridge, depending on the terms of your policy. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to see what your coverage is for dental bridges.
Additionally, at Brito Family Dental we offer financing options which spread out your payments and help fit a dental bridge into your budget.
Whether a dental bridge is right for you depends on the condition of your teeth and your specific dental issue. Here are some situations in which a dental bridge may be recommended:
- Missing teeth | If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge may be used to fill in the gap and restore your smile, bite, and speech.
- Adjacent teeth in need of crowns | If you have adjacent teeth that are damaged or decayed and in need of crowns, a dental bridge may be a good option to restore the missing tooth or teeth at the same time.
- Jawbone structure | If you do not have sufficient jawbone structure to support a dental implant, a dental bridge may be recommended as an alternative solution.
- Age and health | If you are older or have certain health conditions that may make dental implant surgery too risky, a dental bridge may be a better option.
Dr. Brito will be able to evaluate your teeth and recommend the best treatment plan for your individual needs. We will also answer any questions you may have about the dental bridge procedure and help you determine if it’s the right choice for you.
Dental crowns and dental bridges are both dental restorations, but they serve different purposes:
- Dental crowns are used to restore the shape, size, strength, and appearance of a single damaged or decayed tooth. The crown is placed over the entire tooth, covering it completely above the gumline, to protect and strengthen the tooth.
- Dental bridges, on the other hand, are used to replace one or more missing teeth by filling the gap with an artificial tooth or teeth (pontics) that are anchored to adjacent teeth on either side of the gap. These adjacent teeth are typically fitted with dental crowns to support the bridge.
In a nutshell, dental crowns are used to repair or strengthen a damaged or decayed tooth, while dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth by using dental crowns as anchors to support the artificial tooth or teeth.
The lifespan of dental crowns and bridges can vary depending on several factors, such as the quality of the restoration, the material used, the location of the tooth or teeth being restored, and how well you maintain your oral health. Generally, dental crowns and bridges can last between 5-15 years or more with proper care.
Porcelain and ceramic crowns and bridges are typically more durable and long-lasting than resin or metal restorations. Additionally, dental restorations on front teeth may be more prone to wear and tear from biting and chewing, and may require replacement sooner than restorations on back teeth.
To help extend the lifespan of your dental crown or bridge, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Avoid using your teeth to bite or chew hard objects, and wear a mouthguard if you play sports or grind your teeth.
If you experience any problems with your dental crown or bridge, such as pain or sensitivity, a loose or broken restoration, or signs of infection, please contact Brito Family Dental as soon as possible for an evaluation and treatment. With proper care and maintenance, dental crowns and bridges can provide a durable and effective solution for restoring damaged or missing teeth.
