Our Services / Crowns and Bridges

What are crowns and bridges?

Crowns and bridges are dental restorations that repair and protect damaged or missing teeth. They often function as a pair, but you can also have standalone crowns. After a comprehensive dental evaluation, Dr. James M. Maragos, D.D.S. and the team can determine if crowns and bridges suit your needs.

How do crowns and bridges work?

Crowns and bridges encase teeth in prosthetics or replace them altogether using materials like ceramic, porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or gold. While these restorations share several similarities, they have a few key differences:

Crowns

Crowns cover damaged or decayed teeth. These tooth-shaped caps fit over the visible part of your teeth to restore their shape, size, and color. You may need a crown to:

• Protect a severely decayed tooth
• Restore a chipped, broken, or fractured tooth
• Strengthen a weakened tooth after root canal therapy
• Replace a large filling
• Affix to a dental bridge
• Connect to a dental implant

While crowns are primarily restorative, you can also take advantage of their cosmetic benefits by enhancing the appearance of your teeth.

Bridges

A bridge is a fixed device that replaces missing teeth by placing an artificial tooth between two crowns. The crowns fit over your surrounding teeth and use them for support and stability, while the artificial tooth takes the place of your natural tooth. Bridges can replace a single missing tooth or several.

What does the process for crowns and bridges involve?

Dr. James M. Maragos, D.D.S. and the team may recommend crowns and bridges after conducting a complete dental exam with digital X-rays. During your initial visit, they can discuss the best materials for your restorations based on your budget, lifestyle, and the severity of your condition.

Placing crowns and bridges usually requires two visits. During the first visit, the team files and reshapes your affected teeth to make room for their new crowns. They take digital impressions of your teeth to create your custom-made restorations and place temporary crowns and bridges.

You return for your permanent restorations about 4  weeks later. After removing the temporary appliances, the team places your crowns and bridges, makes any necessary adjustments, and cements them in place.

Crowns and bridges can restore your smile if you have damaged or missing teeth. Call Dr. James M. Maragos, D.D.S. or schedule an appointment online to learn more today.