Crowns and bridges are two mainstays of restorative dentistry. Patients often need these treatments to restore the aesthetics and function of their teeth. At All Smiles Family Dentistry in Omaha, we offer dental bridges and crowns of the foremost quality and with exceptional care to patients of all ages.
Why You Might Need a Crown or Bridge
Crowns and bridges can restore both function and appearance to your smile. You might benefit from one if you:
- Have a tooth that’s cracked, worn down, or weakened from decay
- Recently had a root canal and need to protect the treated tooth
- Are missing one or more teeth and want a fixed, non-removable solution
- Want to improve the look of a discolored or misshapen tooth
These restorations help with chewing, speaking clearly, and maintaining proper bite alignment—while giving you a more confident smile.
Cosmetic Benefits of Crowns and Bridges
While crowns and bridges are primarily restorative treatments, they also offer significant cosmetic advantages. Modern dental materials allow us to create restorations that are virtually indistinguishable from your natural teeth. We can match the color, shape, and translucency of your existing teeth for a seamless blend.
If you’re interested in comprehensive smile enhancement, crowns and bridges can be combined with other cosmetic dentistry treatments like teeth whitening for a complete smile makeover. Many patients choose to whiten their teeth before getting crowns so we can match the restoration to your brighter shade.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns, sometimes called caps, are among the most common restorations. A crown is often ideal for a natural tooth that was damaged or a tooth suffering from extensive decay. The crown covers the entire upper portion of your tooth, the white part, to protect it and provide reinforcement. Crowns are also commonly applied to teeth that have undergone root canals.
Modern materials allow us to craft crowns that are both long-lasting and attractive. Whether you need a replacement crown or a new crown, we have you covered.
Dental Crown Procedure
The dental crown procedure typically involves multiple steps and may require one or two visits to our dental office. During the first visit, your dentist will prepare the damaged tooth by removing decay and shaping it. If it is 1–2 teeth in the posterior region, patients will often qualify for a CEREC same-day crown. In this case, a digital scan is made immediately after the tooth is shaped. The crown is then designed, milled in our office, and cemented into place. This is a great option because everything can be completed in one appointment, with no need for a second visit or having to be numbed twice.
Sometimes, when multiple teeth are being treated or cosmetic treatment involves the anterior teeth, two visits are necessary. During the first visit, your dentist will prepare the damaged tooth by removing decay and shaping it. The dentist will then make temporary crowns to protect the teeth while the permanent crowns are crafted in a dental laboratory.
Once your permanent crown is ready, you’ll return to our dental office for its placement. The temporary crown will be removed, and the permanent crown will be adjusted for a precise fit before being securely cemented into place. This ensures the restoration blends seamlessly with your natural teeth, enhancing both aesthetics and oral health.
Proper Dental Crown Care
To ensure the longevity of dental crowns, proper care is essential. Regular dental care, including brushing and flossing, is crucial to maintaining the health of both natural teeth and dental restorations. For optimal oral health, be sure to:
- Brush and Floss Daily: Brush twice a day and floss daily to prevent plaque buildup around the crown.
- Avoid Hard Foods:Refrain from chewing hard foods like ice or hard candies, which could damage your crown or surrounding teeth.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Visit our dental office for routine checkups and professional cleanings to maintain your dental crowns.
- Use Recommended Products:Ask your dentist about specific toothpaste or flossing tools that can help keep your crown and surrounding gum tissue in good shape.
With proper care, dental crowns and other dental restorations can last for many years, ensuring that your smile remains both functional and attractive.
Dental Bridges
Some patients have a few missing teeth but not enough to require a denture. In these situations, bridges are frequently an excellent choice. A dental bridge is a fixed appliance that anchors to your remaining natural teeth. The bridge contains prosthetic teeth that appear natural so that your smile is complete and you can chew and speak naturally.
Crowns vs. Bridges: Which Do You Need?
Not sure whether you need a crown or a bridge? Here’s the key difference:
- Choose a Crown if:You have a damaged or weakened tooth that needs protection and reinforcement. The tooth is still present but needs strengthening.
- Choose a Bridge if: You’re missing one or more teeth and want a fixed replacement that doesn’t come out. Bridges fill the gaps left by missing teeth.
- Consider Dental Implants if: You want the most permanent solution. Dental implants can support both individual crowns and bridges without affecting neighboring teeth.
During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your specific situation and recommend the best option for your oral health and budget.
Affordable Care in Omaha
Quality restorative care that fits your budget.
We accept some insurance and will help you file dental insurance claims to get the most coverage for crowns and bridges. Payment options include:
- CareCredit, LendingPoint, and DentalHQ plans
- Cash, checks, and all major credit cards
- In-house dental plan with reduced fees
We work with your budget to ensure everyone deserves a complete, functional smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care, crowns typically last 10–15 years, and bridges can last 10–20 years. Longevity depends on the material used, your bite habits, and how consistently you maintain good oral hygiene.
Common materials include porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-ceramic, zirconia, and gold alloy. All-ceramic and zirconia options are the most natural-looking and are often recommended for front teeth, while stronger materials may be suggested for back molars that endure heavy chewing forces.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain during treatment. Some sensitivity and mild soreness around the treated area is normal for a few days afterward and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Yes, it can happen, usually due to weakened cement or decay forming beneath the crown. If your crown comes off, keep it safe, avoid chewing on that side, and call us promptly. In some cases, the crown can be re-cemented the same day.
A traditional bridge can reliably replace one to three consecutive missing teeth. For larger gaps or a full arch of missing teeth, implant-supported options or dentures may be more appropriate and will be discussed during your consultation.
Not always, but in most cases, especially for back teeth, yes. Root canal-treated teeth become more brittle and prone to fracture over time. A crown restores full strength and protects the tooth from cracking under normal biting pressure.
Modern restorations are matched to the color, shape, and translucency of your surrounding teeth. Most people won’t be able to tell the difference once everything is in place.
There is no upper age limit. However, crowns are generally not placed on children’s primary (baby) teeth unless absolutely necessary, since those teeth naturally fall out. For permanent teeth, crowns and bridges are suitable for patients of all ages.
All Smiles Family Dentistry Omaha | Dundee | Midtown
For more information contact us today and learn about our options in crowns and bridges. Call the best Omaha Dentist at All Smiles Family Dentistry at (402) 502-7000 or schedule an appointment here.
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Dental Crowns and Bridges Success Stories
Patient broke her front 2 teeth during a fall. We restored her front 4 top teeth with full coverage porcelain crowns.
Patient chipped his front 2 teeth during high school basketball. He opted for a temporary repair, then Invisalign to straighten everything and finally 2 beautiful full porcelain crowns on his front 2 teeth that are extremely natural and match his existing dentition!