WHAT IS A CROWN?

Dental Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are placed overtop existing teeth to restore and cover chipped, cracked or otherwise damaged teeth. The team at Modern Smiles will even take care to match the color of your crown to your other teeth so the addition looks as natural and discreet as possible. These caps are applied by removing the surface layer of the existing tooth to form it into the ideal shape for the crown to latch onto. The crown is then cemented into place to cover the visible portion of your tooth above the gum line.

WHAT IS A DENTAL BRIDGE?

Bridges are prosthetic devices that look and feel like natural teeth, intended to fill gaps in your smile. At Modern Smiles, we take an impression of your teeth and design bridges that best suit your needs. These bridges are bonded to two abutment teeth with the use of dental crowns or implants to keep the bridge in place, and can be permanent or removable depending on your goals and needs.

DENTAL CROWN VS. DENTAL BRIDGE

When a singular or series of adjacent teeth are damaged, chipped or even missing entirely, crowns and bridges can cover existing teeth and fill in the gaps where teeth aren’t present. At Modern Smiles, we provide individualized care to make sure that your smile’s shape, size and strength is restored and improved overall. At your first visit with us, our experienced team of dental professionals will assess your personal needs and advise you accordingly. We have the skills and expertise to help you choose the best treatment for your goals.

Crowns may be recommended for many reasons, including to cover dental implants, protect and restore a damaged tooth, hold a large filling in place and improve the appearance of badly shaped or discolored teeth.

Bridges are commonly recommended to fill the space left behind by one or several missing teeth. This not only affects the appearance of your smile, but these bridges also keep your existing teeth from shifting into the empty spaces and affecting your bite. Dental bridges can also mitigate the cosmetic effects of missing teeth such as sunken cheeks, as well as potential speech issues like slurring or mumbling.

DENTAL CROWN & BRIDGE TREATMENT

If you think you may need a dental crown or bridge, the first step is to contact our offices at (312) 500-7080 or use our easy online form to request your appointment today. Every case is unique, and our experienced team will discuss with you personally to determine if a dental crown or bridge is right for you.

If our team determines a crown treatment is right for you, your dentist will remove the surface layer of the tooth and cement the crown down on top of the existing tooth. After your crown is in place, you should treat it like any other tooth, brushing twice a day and practicing preventative care.

Bridge treatments require your dentist to take digital images of your teeth which are then sent off to our labs where a technician will craft a sturdy prosthetic based on your existing smile. Bridges will span the space where your teeth are missing, meaning they must be connected to your natural teeth or implants surrounding the gap. These anchoring teeth, called abutments, hold the bridge in place to keep your smile secure. As with crowns, the best way to care for your bridge is to maintain good oral hygiene and continue regular visits at Modern Smiles for check-ins and professional cleanings.