Dental Bridges & Crowns

How Dental Bridges & Crowns Work

Bridges and crowns are common ways to repair teeth after decay, injury, or tooth loss. A crown covers a single damaged tooth to protect and rebuild its shape. A bridge fills a gap by anchoring an artificial tooth to neighboring teeth or implants. We use digital scans from our iTero and TRIOS scanners to design restorations that fit your bite. After assessing your mouth with a CBCT scanner and digital X-ray, we explain the least invasive plan that meets your needs and timeline.

Benefits You’ll Notice

These restorations do more than look natural. They help you chew more efficiently, keep nearby teeth from shifting, and reduce strain on your jawline. Crowns can relieve pain from a cracked or worn tooth. Bridges replace missing teeth to restore speech and confidence. Many patients tell us they notice immediate improvements in comfort and function. We aim to protect your oral health and simplify future care by preventing additional wear or decay around repaired teeth.

What to Expect During Treatment

We start with a focused exam and digital scans to map your teeth. Treatment usually follows a predictable path:

• Local anesthesia for comfort, removal of decayed or weak tooth material, and reshaping of the tooth for a crown or supporting teeth for a bridge
• Digital impressions taken with our 3D scanner and iTero or TRIOS system for an accurate fit
• Temporary restorations while the lab crafts your final crown or bridge

At your final visit, we remove the temporary restoration, check the bite and color, and then bond the final restoration. We walk through aftercare and schedule a follow-up to ensure everything feels right.

Materials and Technology We Use

We select materials based on strength and aesthetics. Options include tooth-colored ceramics and durable metal-ceramic combinations when extra strength matters. Our on-site digital tools help us match shade and shape more predictably than older methods. The technology we use includes:

• 3D scanner, CBCT scanner, and digital X-rays
• iTero and TRIOS digital scanners

These tools let us plan conservative preparations, preview outcomes, and minimize surprises. We also coordinate with skilled dental labs for precise craftsmanship.

Caring for Your Bridge or Crown

After placement, routine care keeps restorations lasting longer. Brush twice a day with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily, using a floss threader under bridges to clean beneath the pontic. Avoid biting hard objects or using teeth as tools. Watch for signs of trouble, like persistent sensitivity, a loose crown, or discomfort when chewing. If any of those happen, call us so we can evaluate the restoration quickly and preserve surrounding teeth.

Who Benefits Most from These Restorations

Adults with broken, decayed, or missing teeth often gain the most from crowns and bridges. Patients who grind teeth may need stronger materials or a protective mouthguard. Families appreciate that we discuss options that balance durability and appearance, and that our team explains trade-offs in plain terms. We coordinate care with pediatric colleagues when needed. Our goal remains your long-term well-being, not a one-time fix.

Ready to Get Started?

If a crown or bridge might help your smile, we’re here to answer questions and plan treatment that fits your life. Call Smiles On Church to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gordon Henry or Dr. Kevin Alexander. We’re conveniently located in Birmingham, and our team makes sure visits are informative and comfortable.