At Berkeley Dental Center, our experienced family dentists provide comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages in Berkeley, CA. We specialize in a wide range of services, including dental bridges and crowns, to help restore and maintain your oral health.

What are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges are a restorative solution for missing teeth. They consist of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) supported by dental crowns on either side of the gap. Bridges are custom-made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and natural-looking replacement for missing teeth.

There are several types of dental bridges:

  • Traditional bridges: The most common type, involving crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap, supporting the pontic(s).
  • Cantilever bridges: Used when there are only teeth on one side of the gap.
  • Maryland bridges: Also known as resin-bonded bridges, these involve a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth.
  • Implant-supported bridges: Supported by dental implants instead of crowns, providing a more stable and long-lasting solution.

Dental bridges offer several benefits, including restoring your smile, improving your ability to chew and speak properly, maintaining the shape of your face, distributing the forces in your bite correctly, and preventing remaining teeth from shifting out of position.

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What are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns, also known as caps, are restorations that cover the entire visible portion of a tooth. They are designed to protect and strengthen damaged, decayed, or aesthetically flawed teeth. Crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination of these materials.

Crowns are often recommended in the following situations:

  • To protect a weak tooth from breaking or to hold together parts of a cracked tooth.
  • To restore a broken tooth or a tooth that has been severely worn down.
  • To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn't a lot of natural tooth structure remaining.
  • To hold a dental bridge in place.
  • To cover misshapen or severely discolored teeth.
  • To cover a dental implant.
  • To make a cosmetic modification.

At Berkeley Dental Center, our skilled dentists use state-of-the-art technology and high-quality materials to create custom dental crowns that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.

The Process of Getting Dental Bridges and Crowns

Getting a dental bridge or crown typically requires two visits to our Berkeley dental office. During the first visit, we will prepare the tooth or teeth by removing any decay and shaping them to accommodate the crown or bridge. We will then take impressions of your teeth, which will be used to create your custom restoration. In the meantime, we will place a temporary crown or bridge to protect your prepared tooth or teeth. Once your permanent restoration is ready, you will return for a second visit, during which we will remove the temporary and permanently cement the custom-made crown or bridge in place.

Caring for Your Dental Bridges and Crowns

With proper care, dental bridges and crowns can last for many years. It's essential to maintain good oral hygiene habits, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and attending regular dental check-ups and cleanings at Berkeley Dental Center. Avoid biting or chewing on hard objects, as this can damage your restorations.

If you are looking for a local family dental office in Berkeley, CA that offers comprehensive dental care, including dental bridges and crowns, look no further than Berkeley Dental Center. Our experienced family dentists are dedicated to providing the highest quality care for kids and adults alike. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards achieving a healthy, beautiful smile.