Dental Crowns and Bridges

Each of our dental crowns and bridges is designed and handcrafted for optimal quality and cosmetics. From repairing damaged teeth to replacing the ones that are missing, we can help your smile look – and feel – whole again. No one will ever have to know the difference.

Porcelain Crowns

If you recently broke a tooth or already have a large, old filling that needs to be changed out, a full-coverage crown may be your best solution. Dental crowns are protective covers that go over and around teeth, rather than inside of them.

Smiling male patient sitting in a dental chair while holding a handheld mirror to examine his teeth.

Dental professional wearing protective equipment performing a dental procedure on a female patient in a dental chair.

Lowering Your Risk When You Choose Crowns and Bridges

Crowns and bridges repair damaged teeth and replace missing ones so your smile can look and feel whole again. A crown is a protective cover that goes over and around a tooth, and a bridge fills a gap using crowns on the supporting teeth. At Juanita Bay Dentist, crowns are typically completed in one appointment using Cerec technology. Here is how cost, health, and safety fit into that choice.

The Financial Risk of Waiting on a Weak Tooth

A large filling in a weak tooth can crack under pressure, which can mean more treatment later. Most crowns last 7 to 10 years, and some last 20 to 30 years with good care. Juanita Bay Dentist is in network with many dental insurance plans and verifies your coverage before your visit, and it offers CareCredit and Cherry if you prefer to spread out payments.

MOST ALL-CERAMIC CROWNS SURVIVE ABOUT AS WELL AS METAL-BASED CROWNS

A review by researchers at the Universities of Bern and Geneva covered 67 studies and about 14,000 crowns, and it put survival of metal-ceramic crowns (ceramic over a metal base) at 94.7% after 5 years.

“Survival rates of most types of all-ceramic SCs were similar to those reported for metal-ceramic SCs, both in anterior and posterior regions”

Sailer I, et al., “All-ceramic or metal-ceramic tooth-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs)? Part I: Single crowns,” Dental Materials, 2015

The Health Risk of a Missing or Broken Tooth

A missing tooth can let nearby teeth tilt and shift, which can leave you with crooked teeth over time. A bridge fills the gap to help keep your natural alignment, and a crown protects a broken or heavily filled tooth. Juanita Bay Dentist also shares clear care tips, such as flossing under a bridge with a threader or water flosser and wearing a mouthguard if you grind your teeth.

THE ADA SAYS REMAINING TEETH MAY SHIFT AFTER TOOTH LOSS

The American Dental Association adds that the average adult between ages 20 and 64 has three or more decayed or missing teeth.

“Remaining teeth may shift and in some cases, bone loss can occur around a missing tooth”

American Dental Association, MouthHealthy, “Missing Teeth”

The Safety Risk of Putting Off Care Out of Fear

Dental fear can make it tempting to wait, but a weak or broken tooth can get worse in the meantime. Your tooth is gently numbed first, and sedation is available on request. Juanita Bay Dentist offers light nitrous oxide or a slightly deeper twilight sedation with oral medication, and crowns are typically completed in one appointment.

THE ADA SAYS NITROUS OXIDE CAN SAFELY MANAGE PAIN AND ANXIETY

The American Dental Association adds that a 2007 survey estimated 70% of dental practices using any form of sedation used nitrous oxide-oxygen.

“a safe and effective means of managing pain and anxiety in dentistry, when used appropriately”

American Dental Association, “Nitrous Oxide,” Oral Health Topics

Fixed Bridges

Do you have a missing tooth? A fixed bridge is ideal for anyone who may not want a dental implant. Bridges are designed similarly to dental crowns but involve two supporting teeth instead of just one.

Bridges are restorations with three or more crowns connected alongside one another, with pontic teeth suspended between either end to fill in the open gap.

Dentist wearing blue scrubs and protective equipment treating a male patient in a dental chair.

We Can Address Your Dental Anxiety

Dr. Downing Moua and Dr. Thomas Vu are known for their extremely gentle care and attention to patient comfort. But we’re also happy to offer in-house sedation upon request. Choose between light nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or a slightly deeper twilight sedation with oral medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there alternatives to dental crowns?

There’s always the option of getting a large composite filling instead of a crown, but if there is not enough tooth enamel to hold a filling in place it will cause your tooth to crack when pressure is applied.

How long do dental crowns last?

On average, most crowns last 7-10 years. However, it’s not uncommon to see some crowns last for 20-30 years depending on how well they’re cared for.

How do I take care of my dental crown or bridge?

You need to brush twice a day minimum and floss at least once a day. Avoid sugar and schedule a professional dental cleaning at least twice per year. If you are prone to grinding your teeth, be sure to invest in a protective mouthguard or bite splint.

How do I floss around or under a dental bridge?

For bridges, you will need to weave the floss underneath with a threader. Or you can invest in a water flosser to use instead.

Do I need a dental bridge?

Even if your missing tooth isn’t causing an aesthetic or functional problem, the open space it creates can lead to shifting in your remaining teeth. Over time you’re likely to see tilted or crooked teeth. It’s best to replace your tooth and fill in that area with a bridge to preserve natural tooth alignment.

Reserve a Consultation for Dental Crowns and Bridges

Need guidance on your smile’s oral health needs? Explore dental crowns and bridges and more! Contact us to reserve an appointment.