When tooth damage threatens your smile’s function and beauty, modern restorative dentistry offers proven solutions that deliver both strength and natural aesthetics. Crowns can strengthen teeth with large cavities when there isn’t enough of the healthy tooth to hold the filling, while bridges seamlessly replace missing teeth to restore your complete smile.
At Dentistry on Main Street, our experienced dentists and dedicated team provide personalized crown and bridge treatments using advanced techniques. We help New Port Richey families achieve lasting dental health through comprehensive restorative dental care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Dental crowns are custom-made caps that fully encase damaged or weakened teeth, providing both protection and restoration. These versatile restorations address multiple dental concerns while creating natural-looking results. Crowns can strengthen teeth with large cavities when there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure to hold a filling, and they can also be used to attach dental bridges or to protect weakened or broken teeth.
Dental bridges are fixed prosthetic devices that replace one or more missing teeth by connecting to adjacent healthy teeth or dental implants. This restoration literally “bridges” the gap left by missing teeth, restoring both function and appearance to your smile.
Several situations may indicate that crown treatment is your best option for preserving a damaged tooth. Large cavities that compromise tooth structure often require crowns for adequate support and protection. Root canal-treated teeth typically need crown coverage to prevent fractures and maintain long-term durability.
Severely cracked or fractured teeth benefit from crown protection, which prevents further damage while restoring normal chewing function. Additionally, teeth with extensive old fillings that no longer provide adequate support may require crown restoration to avoid future complications.
Missing teeth create both functional and aesthetic challenges that bridges can effectively address. Single missing teeth can be replaced with traditional fixed bridges, which use adjacent teeth as anchors for the replacement tooth. Multiple consecutive missing teeth can be restored with longer bridge spans, depending on the health of the surrounding teeth.
Bridges also prevent the shifting of remaining teeth that commonly occurs when gaps are left untreated. This movement can lead to bite problems, jaw discomfort, and increased risk of decay in areas that become harder to clean.
Your crown or bridge treatment begins with a comprehensive examination to determine the best approach for your specific situation. Digital imaging and detailed impressions help us plan your treatment with precision, ensuring optimal fit and function.
Crown treatment typically requires two appointments for completion. During the first visit, we carefully reshape the damaged tooth to create space for the crown while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. A temporary crown protects the prepared tooth while your custom restoration is crafted in our trusted dental laboratory.
The second appointment involves removing the temporary crown and permanently cementing your custom restoration. We carefully check the fit, bite, and appearance before final placement, ensuring your crown feels natural and comfortable.
Bridge treatment follows a similar timeline but involves preparing multiple teeth that will support the restoration. Adjacent healthy teeth receive crown preparation to serve as abutments for your bridge. Precise impressions capture the exact dimensions needed for your custom bridge.
Your temporary bridge maintains aesthetics and function while your permanent restoration is created. During the final appointment, we remove the temporary bridge and permanently cement your custom restoration, making any necessary adjustments for optimal comfort and function.
Modern crown and bridge materials offer excellent durability and natural appearance. Porcelain and ceramic options provide the most lifelike aesthetics, closely matching your natural tooth color and translucency. These materials resist staining and maintain their appearance over many years of use.
Metal-ceramic crowns combine strength with aesthetics, featuring a strong metal core covered with tooth-colored porcelain. Full metal crowns, while less aesthetic, provide maximum durability for back teeth that endure heavy chewing forces.
With proper care, crowns typically last 10-15 years or longer, while bridges can provide decades of reliable service. Regular preventive dental care, consistent oral hygiene, and avoiding harmful habits such as ice chewing help maximize the longevity of restorations.
Proper maintenance ensures your restorations serve you well for many years. We follow the guidance of the American Dental Association who recommends brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. Special floss threaders or water flossers help clean around bridge pontics and crown margins effectively.
Regular dental cleanings and examinations allow us to monitor your restorations and address any concerns before they become serious problems. Avoiding hard foods like ice and using your teeth only for chewing food helps prevent damage to both your restorations and natural teeth.
The cost of a dental crown varies based on several factors, including the material used, the complexity of the case, and your geographic location. Porcelain and ceramic crowns typically cost more than metal options due to their superior aesthetics. At Dentistry on Main Street, we provide detailed treatment estimates during your consultation and work with most major insurance providers to help maximize your benefits. We also offer flexible payment options, including CareCredit® and our in-house Dental Membership Plan, to make quality dental care accessible.
The cost comparison between bridges and crowns depends on your specific dental needs. A single crown addresses one damaged tooth, while a bridge replaces missing teeth and typically involves multiple crowns. If you need to restore one damaged tooth, a crown is the appropriate treatment. If you’re missing teeth, a bridge may be more cost-effective than individual implants, depending on your situation. Our team will discuss all treatment options and associated costs during your consultation to help you make an informed decision.
Most dental insurance plans cover crowns and bridges, as they are considered necessary restorative treatments. Our team is extremely knowledgeable about dental insurance, and we’re happy to file and track your claims for you to ensure you’re getting the most out of your benefits. We work with most major insurance providers, including Aetna, Cigna, Delta, and many others.
With proper care and maintenance, dental crowns typically last five to 15 years or longer. Bridges can provide decades of reliable service when properly maintained. Regular dental checkups, consistent oral hygiene, and avoiding harmful habits like ice chewing help maximize the longevity of your restorations.
Yes, modern crown and bridge materials are designed to closely match your natural teeth. Porcelain and ceramic options provide the most lifelike aesthetics, matching your natural tooth color and translucency. We carefully select materials and shades to ensure your restoration blends seamlessly with your existing smile.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during crown and bridge procedures. We use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the treatment. Some mild sensitivity may occur after the procedure, but this typically subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually provide adequate relief during the healing period.
Crowns and bridges offer proven solutions for restoring damaged or missing teeth while preserving your natural smile’s beauty and function. Our experienced team uses advanced techniques and high-quality materials to ensure your restoration meets your aesthetic and functional goals. We work with most major insurance providers and offer flexible payment options, including CareCredit® and our in-house Dental Membership Plan, making quality dental care accessible for your entire family.
Dr. Sneha Patel and Dr. Michael Snyder bring years of restorative dentistry experience to every treatment, ensuring you receive personalized care in our comfortable, locally-owned practice. We’re committed to helping you achieve the healthy, confident smile you deserve through comprehensive dental care designed for lasting results. Contact our New Port Richey office today to schedule a consultation.
Regain your smile’s full function and beauty with crowns and bridges from Dentistry on Main Street. Call us or book your appointment online today. We proudly serve New Port Richey patients. A healthier, more confident smile is within reach!
Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday: Closed
