Crowns and bridges restore damaged teeth or replace missing teeth, helping support chewing function and your smile’s appearance. The process generally involves an oral examination, preparation of the supporting teeth, and placement of a custom restoration. Here is an overview of the process of getting crowns and bridges:
Assessing Your Restoration Needs
The crowns and bridges process begins with a dental exam. Your dentist checks the affected tooth or gap, reviews your dental history, and takes X-rays to view the roots and surrounding bone. If the dentist finds active decay or infection, they treat it before starting the restoration work.
Several factors affect the final treatment plan. A bridge relies on the teeth next to the gap for support, so those teeth must be strong enough to hold it. Material choice is another key decision, and each option differs in appearance and strength. Common materials include porcelain, ceramic, metal, and porcelain fused to metal.
Preparing Teeth and Taking Impressions
Preparation for crowns and bridges usually takes place at the first treatment visit. The dentist numbs the area with a local anesthetic, a medication that blocks feeling in a small part of the mouth. Once the area is numb, the work begins.
Shaping the Teeth
The dentist removes a thin layer from the tooth’s outer surface to make room for a crown. For a bridge, the dentist shapes the teeth on both sides of the gap, and these supporting teeth are called abutment teeth. If a tooth has lost a large amount of structure, the dentist may rebuild it with filling material first. Careful shaping helps the restoration sit securely and line up with your bite.
Taking Impressions
The dentist records the exact shape of the prepared teeth. Some offices use a soft putty that sets in the mouth, while others use a digital scanner that creates a 3D image. A dental lab uses this impression to build the final crown or bridge. In the meantime, the dentist places a temporary restoration that covers and protects the prepared teeth.
Fitting the Final Restoration
At the second visit, the dentist removes the temporary and checks the new restoration. Each step focuses on fit, comfort, and appearance. If anything looks or feels off, they adjust it before placing it permanently. The fitting usually follows this order:
- Trial fit: The dentist places the crown or bridge without cement to see how it sits on the teeth.
- Bite check: You bite down on thin marking paper, which reveals spots where the restoration hits too hard.
- Shade review: The dentist compares the color with your natural teeth and confirms the match.
- Cementing: A strong dental cement bonds the restoration to the prepared teeth.
- Final polish: The dentist removes extra cement and smooths the edges.
Maintaining Your Dental Restoration
Daily cleaning keeps the area around a crown or bridge free of plaque. Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss once a day along the gum line. Bridges need extra attention because food can collect under the artificial tooth, which dentists call a pontic. A floss threader or water flosser lets you reach that space with less effort. Daily habits also affect how long a restoration lasts. Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or pens, as these put stress on the crown or bridge.
Explore Crowns and Bridges Today
Getting crowns and dental bridges follows a clear sequence of exam, tooth preparation, impressions, final fitting, and ongoing care. To support the longevity of your dental crowns or bridges, maintain proper oral hygiene and keep up with dental checkups. Contact a dentist near you to book your appointment today and explore available options for crowns and bridges.
