Crowns & Bridges
When you have damage or dysfunction in your smile, dental crowns and dental bridges are some of the most effective ways to restore the full integrity of your teeth and bite. These high-quality restorations are custom-made to blend harmoniously within your smile for a natural look and feel. If your tooth feels weak, decayed, or painful, Dr. Liana Stein — our talented Staten Island cosmetic dentist — and skilled dental team can evaluate your concerns and discuss how a dental crown or bridge may be able to help you reclaim the confident and fully functioning smile you deserve. These restorations are minimally invasive and can be placed within a timeframe of two convenient in-office appointments.
What’s the Difference Between a Dental Crown and a Dental Bridge?
A crown is a cover or “cap” placed atop a damaged tooth to restore functionality. In contrast, a bridge refers to multiple artificial teeth (similar to a partial denture) designed to replace several missing teeth in a row.
A dental crown and a dental bridge are also placed for entirely different reasons. While a crown is utilized to protect, reinforce, or strengthen a weak tooth, a dental bridge is only used to replace multiple consecutive teeth — thereby “bridging” the gap within your smile. That said, a crown and a bridge can also be used in complement with each other, particularly when replacing a section of missing teeth for patients who do not have the bone volume for dental implants.
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How Can a Crown or Bridge Improve My Smile?
Dental crowns are more than just cosmetic dentistry solutions. Natural teeth weakened by decay or extremely large fillings may be at risk of breaking unless they’re strengthened with a crown. Dr. Stein may recommend a crown in a variety of situations, such as:
- To cover a strangely-shaped, damaged, or dark tooth
- To top a dental implant
- To protect a tooth after a root canal
Dental bridges are reserved for patients who have missing teeth or severely decayed teeth that need to be removed. Some of the benefits of opting for a dental bridge include:
- Enhances face shape
- Improves chewing ability
- Restores ability to speak
- Protects against further tooth damage
A missing tooth is not just an inconvenience — it can cause damage and bone recession to your jaw and surrounding teeth. Therefore, it’s important to make an appointment with our dentist as soon as possible if you’re living with a missing tooth.
Patient Results
What Can I Expect From Treatment for a Dental Crown or Bridge?
Dental Crowns
Most of the time, a minimum of two visits are necessary for a dental crown procedure. During the first appointment, you’ll have x-rays taken so our team can assess the health of the tooth requiring treatment with the crown.
Next, Dr. Stein will administer anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues. The tooth is built up or filed down so the crown can fit snugly. Afterwards, she will take an impression of your teeth. The impression will then be sent to a dental lab and used to fabricate the crown. Dr. Stein will create a temporary crown to protect your tooth until the permanent crown can be placed.
Dental Bridges
It typically takes two visits to properly fit you for a dental bridge. During your first appointment, Dr. Stein will prepare your anchoring teeth, make impressions of your anchoring teeth, and send you home with a temporary bridge. When you return for your second visit, Dr. Stein will affix your dental bridge and make adjustments to ensure it fits correctly.
“I was very pleased with the level of service and care provided by Dr Stein and her staff. I would highly recommend them for dental care.”