RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
Dental Crowns & Bridges
Comprehensive Care for Every Smile
Dental Crowns & Bridges
Our Dental Crowns & Bridges Options
Durable, natural-looking restorations that rebuild your smile with strength and beauty.
When teeth are weakened, broken, or missing, everyday activities like eating and smiling can become difficult. At Glendale Dental Wellness, Dr. Ivan Chan restores function and confidence with custom-made crowns and bridges. Designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, these restorations not only protect your oral health but also enhance your smile\'s appearance.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a protective cap that completely covers a damaged tooth. Crowns restore strength, shape, and appearance while preventing further damage. They are often recommended when:
Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, or metal materials, all designed to be durable and natural-looking.
- A tooth is cracked, broken, or worn down
- A large filling has weakened the tooth
- A tooth has undergone root canal therapy
- A dental implant needs restoration
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth. A bridge consists of:
Bridges are a fixed solution for missing teeth -they don\'t move like dentures and feel more natural.
- Two or more anchor teeth (abutments) that hold the bridge in place
- One or more replacement teeth (pontics) suspended between the anchors
Why Choose Crowns and Bridges?
Crowns and bridges offer numerous benefits:
These restorations are investments in your long-term oral health and quality of life.
- Restored Function – Chew and eat with confidence
- Natural Appearance – Custom-made to blend with your smile
- Strength and Durability – Quality materials resist staining and wear
- Bite Protection – Properly aligned restorations protect your bite and jaw joints
- Prevented Bone Loss – Bridges prevent the bone loss that occurs with missing teeth
- Improved Confidence – Feel confident smiling and speaking
Crown Materials
Dr. Chan offers several crown material options, each with unique advantages:
Porcelain
Porcelain crowns are the most natural-looking option. They match tooth color perfectly and resist staining. Porcelain crowns are ideal for front teeth where aesthetics are paramount. They are slightly more delicate than other materials and may chip if subjected to excessive force.
Ceramic
Ceramic crowns offer excellent aesthetics with slightly more durability than porcelain. Like porcelain, they don\'t conduct temperature well and are best suited for front teeth.
Zirconia
Zirconia crowns are extremely durable and can withstand heavy chewing forces. They have a natural appearance and are suitable for both front and back teeth. Zirconia is becoming increasingly popular due to its strength and aesthetics.
Metal
Metal crowns (usually gold or titanium alloys) are the most durable option and require minimal tooth preparation. However, they are visible and typically only used on back teeth or when durability is prioritized over appearance.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)
PFM crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain. They are durable and natural-looking but may show a metal line at the gum if gum recession occurs.
Dr. Chan will recommend the best material based on the tooth\'s location and your priorities.
The Crown Process
Getting a crown typically requires two appointments:
First Appointment – Preparation
This appointment typically takes 1-2 hours.
- Examination and Assessment – Dr. Chan assesses the tooth and discusses options
- Anesthesia – Local anesthesia numbs the area
- Tooth Preparation – The tooth is shaped to receive the crown
- Impression – A mold of your prepared tooth is taken
- Temporary Crown – A temporary crown protects your tooth while the permanent crown is made
- Shade and Bite – Your tooth shade and bite are recorded for the permanent crown
Second Appointment – Crown Placement (1-2 weeks later)
This appointment typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Temporary Crown Removal – The temporary crown is carefully removed
- Crown Verification – The permanent crown is checked for fit, appearance, and bite
- Adjustments – Any needed adjustments are made
- Cementation – The crown is permanently bonded to your tooth with dental cement
- Final Polishing – The crown is polished for a natural appearance
The Bridge Process
Getting a bridge follows a similar two-appointment process to crowns. However, bridges may require more tooth preparation because two or more teeth must be anchored.
The bridge process includes:
Some bridges can be made in one appointment, while others require two.
- Assessment and Planning – Dr. Chan assesses the gap and adjacent teeth
- Anchor Tooth Preparation – The teeth on either side of the gap are shaped to support the bridge
- Impression – A mold captures your prepared teeth and the gap
- Temporary Bridge – A temporary bridge may be placed while the permanent one is fabricated
- Bridge Placement – The permanent bridge is fitted, adjusted, and cemented
Caring for Your Crown or Bridge
With proper care, crowns and bridges can last many years:
Quality restorations can last 10-15 years or longer with proper care.
- Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene – Brush twice daily and floss around the restoration
- Avoid Hard Foods – Don\'t bite down on nuts, ice, or other hard objects
- Wear a Mouthguard – If you grind your teeth or play sports, wear a mouthguard
- Regular Dental Visits – See Dr. Chan every six months for professional cleanings and check-ups
- Address Problems Promptly – If your crown or bridge feels loose or broken, contact Dr. Chan immediately
Crown and Bridge Longevity
The lifespan of your restoration depends on several factors:
Most patients enjoy their crowns and bridges for 10-15 years before replacement may be needed.
- Material Quality – Quality materials last longer than inferior ones
- Preparation and Fit – Properly prepared and fitted restorations are more durable
- Oral Hygiene – Good oral care prevents problems around the restoration
- Bite Habits – Grinding or clenching can shorten the life of a restoration
- Diet – A diet heavy in sticky or hard foods can damage restorations
Crowns vs. Bridges: Which Is Right for You?
Crowns and bridges serve different purposes:
If you have a damaged tooth, you\'ll need a crown. If you have missing teeth and want a fixed solution, you\'ll likely benefit from a bridge. Dr. Chan will discuss which option best suits your situation.
- Crowns – Used to restore a single damaged tooth
- Bridges – Used to replace one or more missing teeth
Cost and Financing
The cost of crowns and bridges varies based on the material, number of teeth involved, and complexity of your case. However, these restorations are investments in your oral health and quality of life.
We accept most insurance plans and offer flexible financing options to make treatment more accessible.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you have a damaged tooth or missing teeth, don\'t wait. Contact Glendale Dental Wellness today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ivan Chan. We\'ll assess your situation and discuss treatment options to restore your smile\'s strength and beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do crowns last?
With proper care, crowns typically last 10-15 years or longer. Lifespan depends on the material, how well you care for the restoration, and your bite habits. Grinding or clenching can shorten crown life. Dr. Chan will help you understand what to expect for your specific crown.
Will a crown feel different?
Initially, a crown may feel slightly different or thick because it's new and your mouth needs to adjust. However, within a few days to a week, most patients adapt and the crown feels completely natural. If it continues to feel uncomfortable after a week, contact Dr. Chan for adjustments.
Can a crown be whitened?
No, crowns don't whiten like natural teeth. If you want your crown to match a whitened smile, you should whiten your natural teeth first, then have the crown made to match the whitened shade. This ensures a perfect color match.
What happens if my crown breaks or becomes loose?
Contact Dr. Chan immediately. A loose crown can allow bacteria to get under the crown and damage the tooth. A broken crown needs to be replaced. Don't wait to address crown problems, as they can worsen quickly.
Is a bridge a permanent solution?
Yes, a properly made bridge is a permanent restoration that is cemented in place. Unlike dentures, you cannot remove a bridge yourself. It stays in place and functions like a natural tooth. However, bridges do eventually wear out and may need replacement after 10-15 years.
Can I eat normally with a crown or bridge?
Yes, with proper care, you can eat most foods. However, avoid very hard foods like nuts, hard candy, or ice that could damage the restoration. Also avoid extremely sticky foods that could pull on the restoration. Within these guidelines, you should be able to eat normally.
