Crowns and bridges are an effective way to restore beauty and function to your smile. Located in downtown Stamford, Connecticut, Ideal Smiles of Stamford provides custom-made dental crown and bridges. Led by Natalia Silva, DDS, the team specializes in high-quality general and restorative dentistry services. To find out if a crown or bridge is right for you, book an appointment by phone or online today.

Crowns and Bridges Q & A

What is a dental crown?

A crown is a cap or covering placed over the tooth to improve its appearance and function. Crowns can help restore the shape, size, strength, and color of your teeth. Crowns can be made from several materials including metal, porcelain, and composite resin. 

What is a dental bridge?

Bridges are used to fill gaps caused by one or more missing teeth. The space left by missing teeth can cause changes to the way you bite, chew, and speak. Bridges are cemented to the teeth surrounding the missing space, and then the crown is placed in between. 

Why might I need a dental crown or bridge?

Crowns and bridges are a versatile solution to a number of different cosmetic and structural issues. You might need a crown or bridge if your teeth are:

• Severely damaged 
• Discolored
• Chipped or cracked
• Severely decayed

Crowns are also used after root canals to restore strength and improve the appearance of the treated tooth.

What is the process of getting a dental crown or bridge?

Placing crowns and bridges requires multiple appointments. To place your crown, Dr. Silva first performs an examination of the tooth to determine if it has enough structure to withstand the procedure. She then files and reshapes the tooth to make room for the crown. Impressions are made of your teeth to develop your custom-made crown. 

The material of your crown will depend on the location of the affected tooth and your desired outcome. Once the crown is made, Dr. Silva places and adjusts it for a perfect fit and then cements it into place.

If your tooth is too damaged or weakened to support a crown on its own, you’ll likely need a bridge. To place your bridge, Dr. Silva must prepare the teeth surrounding the missing space, called abutments. The abutment teeth are used to support the placement of the bridge. Once the teeth are prepped and reshaped, Dr. Silva takes impressions to develop your custom bridge. The bridge goes over the abutment teeth, filling the gap caused by the missing tooth. 

To find out if a crown or bridge can help restore your smile, book an appointment at Ideal Smiles of Stamford by phone or online today.