Crowns and Bridges

Getting a dental crown or bridge can put your mind at ease about eating and speaking with missing or compromised teeth. At John T. Zaffer, DDS, in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, dentist Dr. Zaffer custom designs your crown or bridge to become a semi-permanent part of your smile. Call the office or reserve an appointment online today to find out if you’re a candidate for a crown or bridge.

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns are snug shells that fit over weak teeth, damaged teeth, or the abutments on dental implants. At John T. Zaffer, DDS, Dr. Zaffer custom designs your crown to fit in perfectly among your natural teeth that surround it. He ensures that your crown matches the color and shape of the natural tooth and can withstand the pressure of your bite. 

You might need a dental crown if:

• You fracture or break a tooth
• A tooth has a large filling
• You get a root canal
• One of your teeth is particularly unattractive in shape, size, or color
• You have a dental implant
• You need it to support a dental bridge

To prepare for your crown, Dr. Zaffer must cut down and reshape your natural tooth to make room. This allows you to keep your natural tooth root instead of losing the tooth entirely.

What are dental bridges?

Dental bridges are appliances that include dental crowns as part of them. If you lose one or more teeth in a row, you can use a bridge to replace them. Bridges use crowns to anchor onto the healthy teeth beside the gap.

If you don’t get a bridge or dental implants with crowns to replace one or more missing teeth, your other healthy teeth can gradually shift into the gap and ruin the balance of your bite. This can cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, chewing problems, and speech impediments. 

At  John T. Zaffer, DDS, Dr. Zaffer designs your bridge and crown to look natural among your other teeth. He makes it using high-quality, durable materials and can match its color to that of your natural teeth. 

How long will crowns and bridges last?

Because of the preparation involved in getting a crown or bridge, you’ll need to wear one for the rest of your life (or at least for the life of the altered tooth).

However, your original crown or bridge won’t last forever, and you’ll eventually need to get a replacement. Your crown or bridge can last ten years or longer with excellent oral hygiene and care. 

You can extend the life of your crown or bridge by attending all your dental exams and cleanings, practicing diligent oral hygiene at home, and avoiding biting down on solid objects like ice cubes or jawbreakers. If you play contact sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your natural teeth and crown or bridge. 

To find out if crowns or bridges are an option for your smile restoration, call John T. Zaffer, DDS, or book an appointment online today.