When it comes to restoring damaged or missing teeth, dental crowns and bridges are two of the most trusted solutions in modern dentistry. At Slater Family Dental, we specialize in these restorative treatments to help you regain both the function and aesthetics of your smile.
Whether you’re dealing with a cracked tooth or a gap from a missing tooth, understanding these options can empower you to make informed decisions about your oral health.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns, often called “caps,” are custom-made restorations designed to cover and protect a damaged tooth. They restore strength, shape, and appearance while preventing further deterioration.
Common reasons you may need a dental crown:
Severe decay or cavities that compromise the tooth’s structure.
Cracked or fractured teeth that risk further damage without reinforcement.
Worn-down teeth due to grinding (bruxism) or aging.
Post-root canal treatment to protect the weakened tooth.
Cosmetic enhancement for discolored or misshapen teeth.
The Dental Crown Placement Process at Slater Family Dental:
Consultation: We assess your tooth’s condition and discuss material options (porcelain, ceramic, metal, or composite resin).
Tooth preparation: The damaged area is removed, and the tooth is reshaped to fit the crown.
Impressions: Digital scans or molds are taken to create a custom crown.
Temporary crown: A temporary cap is placed while your permanent crown is crafted in a lab.
Final placement: The permanent crown is cemented securely, restoring function and aesthetics.
With proper care, crowns can last 10–15 years or more, blending seamlessly with your natural teeth.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth (pontics) to adjacent healthy teeth or implants. They prevent shifting teeth, improve chewing ability, and restore confidence in your smile.
Types of Dental Bridges We Offer:
- Traditional Bridges: Pontics held in place by crowns on adjacent teeth.
- Cantilever Bridges: Used when only one adjacent tooth is available for support.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: Secured by dental implants for enhanced stability.
Signs you might benefit from a bridge:
Gaps from missing teeth causing bite misalignment or speech issues.
Difficulty chewing due to uneven pressure distribution.
Self-consciousness about your smile from visible gaps.
The bridge placement process:
Initial evaluation: We determine the health of adjacent teeth or discuss implant options.
Tooth preparation: Adjacent teeth are reshaped to support crowns (if applicable).
Impressions: Scans are taken to design a bridge that matches your natural teeth.
Temporary bridge: A temporary restoration protects the area during fabrication.
Final placement: The custom bridge is adjusted for comfort and permanently cemented.
Bridges are a durable solution, often lasting 10–15 years with regular check-ups and good oral hygiene.
Crowns vs. Bridges: How to Choose the Right Option
While both crowns and bridges restore dental function and appearance, they serve distinct purposes.
Dental Crown
- Purpose: Restores a damaged tooth
- Structure: Covers a single tooth
- Procedure Complexity: Less invasive
- Ideal For: Cracked, decayed, or weakened teeth
Dental Bridge
- Purpose: Replaces one or more missing teeth
- Structure: Pontics anchored by crowns or implants
- Procedure Complexity: Requires reshaping adjacent teeth/implants
- Ideal For:Gaps from missing teeth
Why choose Slater Family Dental?
-
Personalized care: We evaluate your unique needs to recommend crowns, bridges, or alternative solutions like implants.
-
High-quality materials: Our crowns and bridges are crafted from durable, natural-looking materials.
-
Comfort-focused process: From anesthesia to temporary restorations, we prioritize your comfort.
Restore Your Smile Today
At Slater Family Dental, we combine expertise with advanced technology to deliver crowns and bridges that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. Ready to take the first step? Contact us to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.
Stay up-to-date on the latest news, promotions, and dental tips by following us on social media! Visit our Facebook today. Remember, a bright smile is just a phone call away.
Don’t let damaged or missing teeth hold you back. Call Slater Family Dental now or book online to start your journey to a restored smile!
