Dental Crowns and Bridges
Eat & Smile Easily Again
Repair Your Bite With Dental Crowns & Bridges in East Lyme
A damaged or missing tooth affects every part of your life, from meals to photo-ops. You deserve a full, powerful set of teeth to keep your smile looking beautiful and to make mealtimes enjoyable. You can visit us in East Lyme for dental crowns and bridges.
Restoring a cracked or decayed tooth or filling a gap left by a missing one benefits your whole body's health. A complete, healthy smile can inspire you to eat healthier foods. It can also prevent infections from entering your bloodstream.
The best part? We can make your crown in the office, thanks to in-house milling technology. You'll get your crown in one visit and won't have to worry about a temporary.
Explore Possible Crown or Bridge Options
Whether you have a damaged tooth or a missing one, your dentist will recommend the ideal crown or bridge solution. We design your crown or bridge to match your teeth. Your restoration will look like a regular part of your smile.
We offer several types of crowns and bridges:
- Dental Crown - A crown covers and protects a tooth that's been weakened by decay, damage, or a root canal. We can craft it in the office using our milling machine. It's typically done in a single visit, so you don't have to wait for a lab.
- Dental Bridge - A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. It anchors to the neighboring teeth on either side. This restores both the appearance and function of your smile.
- Partial Crowns (Inlays and Onlays) - When a tooth needs more support than a filling but doesn't require a full crown, inlays and onlays offer a great alternative. This approach preserves as much of your natural tooth as possible while restoring strength and function.
- Implant Crowns and Bridges - For one or several missing teeth, your dentist can anchor a crown or a bridge to dental implants. This provides exceptional stability without putting extra strain on neighboring teeth.
Don't live with pain or dental dysfunction. Visit us for dental crowns and bridges in East Lyme.
Common Questions About Dental Crowns and Bridges
Q What's the difference between a crown and a bridge?
There are big differences between a crown or a bridge. A crown covers and protects a single damaged or weakened tooth, while a bridge replaces one or more missing teeth using the surrounding teeth for support. Your dentist will recommend the right option based on whether you're repairing an existing tooth or replacing a missing one.
Q Can you really get a crown in one visit?
Thanks to in-house milling technology, many patients can get a custom crown made and placed in a single visit. This means no temporary crown and no second appointment to wait for your permanent restoration. Your dentist will let you know if you're a good candidate for this option during your exam.
Q How long do crowns and bridges last?
Crowns and bridges are durable and can last many years with proper care. Good oral hygiene and regular checkups help extend the lifespan of your restoration. Avoiding habits like grinding or chewing on hard objects also helps protect your investment. Your dentist can give you a more specific estimate based on your restoration and habits.
Q Do dental impressions still require messy trays?
No, dental impressions don't typically require messy trays. Many impressions are now taken using digital scanning technology instead of traditional trays filled with impression material. This makes the process faster and more comfortable, without the mess or discomfort of the old method.
Q What's the difference between a bridge and an implant-supported restoration?
The difference between a bridge and an implant-supported restoration is how the bridge is supported. A traditional bridge anchors to your natural teeth on either side of the gap, while an implant-supported crown or bridge attaches directly to dental implants. Implant-supported options don't rely on neighboring teeth for support.
Q Are inlays and onlays a good alternative to a full crown?
Inlays and onlays work well when teeth need more support than a filling but don't require a full crown. This option preserves more of your natural tooth structure while still restoring strength and function. It's often a more conservative option compared to placing a full crown.
Q Do crowns and bridges look natural?
Crowns and bridges look natural. They are custom-designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. Your dentist takes care to ensure your restoration blends in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. Most people won't be able to tell which tooth has been restored.
Q How do you care for a crown or bridge after it's placed?
Caring for a crown or bridge is similar to caring for your natural teeth, with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups. Your dentist may give you specific tips based on your restoration to help it last as long as possible. Staying consistent with good dental care habits helps you get the most out of your restoration over time.