Crowns and Bridges

Crowns and bridges can restore a full and healthy-looking smile if you lose, damage, or weaken a tooth. At Los Feliz Dental Center in Los Angeles, California, Brian Shahangian, DDS, Bita Shahangian, DDS, and the team create porcelain crowns or bridges that look indistinguishable from your natural teeth down to the color. Call Los Feliz Dental Center or schedule your consultation for restorations online today.

What are crowns and bridges?

Crowns and bridges are two different yet similar types of dental restoration you can get at Los Feliz Dental Center. The team makes them custom so that they look just like your natural teeth. Here’s what makes them different from each other:

Crowns

A dental crown fits like a cap over a single tooth. It can repair damage or prevent damage from happening. It can also conceal irregularities such as dark discoloration or an unusual tooth shape. 

Bridges

At least one crown (usually two) is part of a bridge. Bridges “bridge” the gap between teeth left behind by missing teeth. The crowns anchor a pontic tooth in the gap, which replaces the missing tooth. 

What should I expect while getting crowns and bridges?

The first step in getting a crown or bridge at Los Feliz Dental Center is getting a scan of your bite. The team uses a digital scanner to shape and size your restoration. They prepare any teeth that need crowns by shaving down some of the enamel to make space.

This process is slightly different if you get a crown or bridge for an implant. Of course, you won’t need any teeth altered if this is the case.

Before your second appointment, you get a temporary restoration to wear until your new crown or bridge is ready. When it is, the team checks the fit before bonding it to your tooth or the dental implant. 

How can I make my crowns and bridges last?

If you have any sort of restoration in your mouth, oral hygiene is crucial. So is being gentle with your teeth to avoid breaking or dislodging your crown or bridge. The team at Los Feliz Dental Center gives you detailed instructions and tips on keeping your crown or bridge functional and intact. 

You’ll get the most time out of a custom crown or bridge by:

• Brushing thoroughly twice a day
• Flossing between your teeth, including around the restoration
• Using antimicrobial rinses
• Never biting down on solid objects like popcorn seeds or hard candies
• Never using your teeth in place of scissors

Should a crown or bridge break or become dislodged, you must book an appointment at Los Feliz Dental Center to replace or reattach it. 

Call Los Feliz Dental Center or schedule an appointment online for custom crowns and bridges today.