When you have one or more missing or damaged teeth, crowns and bridges can restore your smile, chewing function, and confidence. At Naperville Dental Studios, we provide tailored crowns and bridges in Naperville, IL, to help patients regain both form and function in their oral health.
What Are Crowns and Bridges?
A crown is a custom-made cover that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. A bridge uses one or more crowns on adjacent teeth (or implants) to “bridge” the gap of missing teeth, supporting one or more replacement teeth (pontics) in between.
Crowns and bridges can be crafted from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, and zirconia. Material choice depends on location, strength requirements, aesthetics, and patient preferences.
When Is a Crown or Bridge Recommended?
These restorations are appropriate when:
- A tooth is fractured, decayed, or weakened and needs protection
- You have had a root canal in a tooth that requires structural reinforcement
- You are missing one or more teeth and want a fixed, nonremovable solution
- You want to prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into the space
- You desire a durable, long-lasting restoration
In many cases, crowns and bridges allow you to preserve healthy tooth structure and avoid full extractions or dentures.
The Procedure for Crowns and Bridges
Here’s how the process typically unfolds at Naperville Dental Studios:
- Initial Examination and Planning: Dr. Jignesh Patel reviews your dental and medical history, takes X-rays or digital scans, and determines whether crowns, bridgework, or a combination is best for your situation.
- Tooth Preparation: We prepare the abutment teeth (the teeth that will support the restoration) by removing a portion of the enamel to accommodate the crown structure. If teeth are weak, core build-ups or posts may be placed for added support.
- Impressions / Digital Scanning: We take precise impressions or digital scans of the prepared teeth, the surrounding dentition, and your bite. This information is used to design a restoration that fits well and aligns with your bite.
- Temporary Restoration: Temporary crowns and/or a provisional bridge are placed to protect prepared teeth and maintain aesthetics and function while the custom restoration is fabricated in the dental lab.
- Laboratory Fabrication: Using the impressions or scans, our trusted lab fabricates the crowns and bridge units. The restoration is color-matched and shaped to integrate naturally with your teeth.
- Fitting and Cementation: At your next visit, we remove the temporary restoration, test the fit of the permanent one, make adjustments for comfort and occlusion, and cement or bond the crowns and bridges securely in place.
- Post-Placement Evaluation: After placement, we check your bite, verify stability, and provide care and maintenance instructions. Minor adjustments may be made to ensure optimal function.
Benefits of Crowns and Bridges
- Restore chewing ability and normal bite force
- Protect and strengthen damaged or root canal-treated teeth
- Replace missing teeth with a fixed solution
- Prevent shifting or drifting of surrounding teeth
- Enhance the appearance of your smile
- Longevity with proper care
With good oral hygiene and regular maintenance, crowns and bridges can last many years and even decades.
Care and Maintenance
To help your crowns and bridges last:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss carefully (especially under the pontic of a bridge, using floss threaders)
- Use interdental brushes or water flossers for hard-to-reach areas
- Avoid chewing excessively hard or sticky substances
- Visit us for regular checkups and professional cleanings
- If you notice any looseness, discomfort, or cracks, contact us promptly
Who Is a Candidate for Crowns and Bridges?
You may be a good candidate if you have:
- One or more missing or damaged teeth are suitable for restoration
- Healthy supporting teeth or implants to anchor a bridge
- Sufficient bone and structural support for adjacent teeth
- Commitment to maintaining oral hygiene and regular care
If supporting teeth are weak or missing, Dr. Jignesh Patel may recommend alternate options such as implants paired with crowns or implant-supported bridges.
Why Choose Naperville Dental Studios For Crowns And Bridges?
At Naperville Dental Studios, you can expect:
- Personalized care and expert evaluation by Dr. Jignesh Patel
- Use of advanced digital imaging for precise planning
- High-quality materials and trusted laboratory partnerships
- Attention to aesthetics, function, and patient comfort
- Follow-through care, adjustments, and long-term support
Our goal is to provide restorations that look natural, feel comfortable, and perform reliably for years to come.
Schedule Your Crowns & Bridges Consultation Today
If you have missing, cracked, or damaged teeth, reach out to Naperville Dental Studios to schedule a consultation. Dr. Jignesh Patel will help you determine whether crowns, bridges, or a combination restoration is right for your smile and guide you through every step.