Crowns and bridges are fixed restorations that help damaged or missing teeth look, feel, and work like natural teeth again. Unlike dentures, which come out for cleaning, crowns and bridges stay securely in place and can only be removed by a dentist. That stability makes them feel more like your own teeth, so you can eat, talk, and smile with confidence. If you’ve been looking for a dentist around Orange County, CA, who offers both, our team is here to help.
Crowns
A crown is a custom cap that covers and protects a tooth when a filling alone isn’t enough. Dental crowns restore a tooth’s shape, strength, and function, and they’re also used to top dental implants or protect a tooth after root canal therapy. Most crowns are made from porcelain or ceramic, though gold, metal alloys, and acrylic are options, too.
Your dentist may recommend a crown for:
• Extensive damage: A tooth with too much decay or damage for a filling to hold.
• Weak or cracked teeth: A tooth that’s fractured or at risk of breaking.
• Discoloration or prior treatment: A tooth that’s discolored or has had root canal therapy.
• Supporting a bridge or implant: Crowns anchor bridges and cap dental implants.
Getting a crown usually takes two visits. First, your dentist prepares the tooth and takes an impression, which is sent to a lab so your crown fits precisely. You’ll wear a temporary crown in the meantime to stay comfortable and keep nearby teeth from shifting. At your second visit, we place your permanent crown and check the fit. Porcelain is a popular choice because it can be matched to your natural tooth color. With good daily care, crowns often last 10 to 15 years or longer. We welcome patients from all over the area, including anyone searching for a dentist near Laguna Hills or Ladera Ranch, CA.
Bridges
A bridge fills the space left by one or more missing teeth, helping keep your other teeth from drifting out of place. That support helps protect your bite, makes chewing and speaking feel more natural, and gives your smile a full, even look again.
Like a crown, a bridge is custom-made in a lab from an impression of your teeth. Dr. Szczepaniec or Dr. Botros prepares the teeth on either side of the gap, called abutment teeth, so they can hold crowns that anchor the bridge. The bridge is then permanently cemented in place, blending in with your natural smile. Most patients complete the process in just a few visits. At our office, dental bridges in Mission Viejo, CA, are designed to feel comfortable and look natural from day one.
With daily brushing and flossing and regular checkups, crowns and bridges can serve you well for many years, so you can eat, work, and play with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a crown?
A crown is a protective covering for a tooth that’s been weakened. You might need one after a large filling or if a tooth has extensive decay. Crowns come in several materials, including porcelain fused to metal, and each one is carefully made to fit your tooth.
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Will the crown match my other teeth?
Yes. Our team uses a detailed shade guide to match your crown as closely as possible to your natural teeth, so it blends right in with your smile.
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How many visits are needed to fit a crown or bridge?
Most patients need two visits. At the first, we prepare your tooth, take an impression, match your shade, and place a temporary crown. At the second, we place your permanent crown and check its color and fit. Bridges may take an extra visit, depending on your needs. Having a dentist near Mission Viejo, CA, makes each step easy to fit into your schedule.
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I think I need a crown. What is the best way to find out?
Give us a call to schedule a consultation. We’ll check your tooth, talk through your options, and build a plan that fits your goals and your budget. If you’ve been searching for dental crowns near me, call Oso Marguerite Dental at (949) 682-3535.
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What types of dental bridges are there?
There are a few types of dental bridges, and the right one depends on where the gap is and the health of your nearby teeth: • Traditional bridges: The most common type, held in place by crowns on the teeth on both sides of the gap. • Cantilever bridges: Anchored to a crowned tooth on just one side of the gap. • Maryland bridges: Held in place by a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of neighboring teeth, which means less reshaping of those teeth. • Implant-supported bridges: Anchored to dental implants instead of natural teeth. We’ll help you choose the option that fits your smile and your goals.
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Can a bridge be supported by dental implants?
Yes. An implant-supported dental bridge uses implants as anchors instead of your natural teeth, which is often a great fit when several teeth in a row are missing. Because it doesn’t rely on neighboring teeth for support, those teeth stay untouched. Implants do need enough healthy jawbone to hold them securely, so we’ll check that during your consultation and walk you through your options.
