Crowns & Bridges in New York, NY

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown, or cap, is a covering that encases the entire tooth surface, restoring it to its original shape and size. They’re used to protect and strengthen a tooth that can’t be restored with fillings or other types of restorations.

Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color of your teeth, giving you a natural, long-lasting smile. They’re highly durable and will last for many years, but like most dental restorations, they may eventually need to be replaced.

Reasons for Dental Crowns

Our valued New York patients choose dental crowns for a number of reasons, such as:

• Broken or fractured teeth
• Cosmetic enhancement
• Decayed teeth
• Fractured fillings
• Large fillings
• A tooth that has a root canal infection

The Crowning Process

A crown procedure is completed right here, at our New York office, and usually requires two appointments. We can enhance your smile in just a few steps:

1. Your first appointment will include taking several highly accurate molds (or impressions) that’ll be used to create your custom crown. We’ll also use this mold to create a temporary crown, which will stay on your tooth for approximately two weeks until your new crown is fabricated by a dental laboratory.
2. While your tooth is numb, one of our dentists will prepare the tooth by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown.
3. Once these steps are accomplished, we’ll place your temporary crown with temporary cement and your bite will be checked to ensure you’re biting properly.
4. At your second appointment, we’ll remove your temporary crown, clean the tooth, and carefully place your new crown to ensure the spacing and bite are accurate.
5. Once your smile is complete, you’ll be given care instructions and encouraged to come back for regular dental visits so we can check your new crown.

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed, or non-removable, tooth replacement treatment used to replace missing teeth and fill gaps in your smile. Our New York dentists typically use porcelain-fixed bridges to ensure a natural-looking appearance.

This type of bridge consists of two crowns that go over two anchoring teeth and are attached to pontics, or artificial teeth. Porcelain-fixed bridges fill the gap created by one or more missing teeth. They’re highly durable and can last for many years — however, they may need replacement due to normal wear.

Reasons for a Fixed Bridge

Bridges are an excellent way to replace missing teeth and can be used to:

• Fill the space of missing teeth
• Maintain facial shape
• Prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of position
• Restore chewing and speaking ability
• Restore your smile
• Upgrade from a removable partial denture to a permanent dental appliance

The Dental Bridge Process

Getting a bridge usually requires two or more visits and is completed in several steps:

1. While the teeth are numb, the two anchoring teeth are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to allow for a crown.
2. Next, a highly accurate impression (mold) is made, which will be sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge will be fabricated.
3. In addition, a temporary bridge will be provided that you’ll wear for several weeks until your next appointment.
4. At the second visit, your permanent bridge will be carefully checked, adjusted, and cemented to achieve a proper fit.
5. Occasionally, your dentist may only temporarily cement the bridge, allowing your teeth and tissues time to get used to the new bridge. The new bridge will be permanently cemented at a later time.
6. You’ll receive care instructions at the conclusion of your treatment. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your new permanent bridge.

Frequently Asked Questions