Dental Crowns & Bridges – Mound & Chaska, MN

Dental crowns and bridges are prosthetic fixtures cemented onto existing teeth to improve the integrity of your tooth structure, the shape of your bite, and the overall appearance of your teeth. Both are common procedures typically covered in part by insurance.

Dental Crowns

Dental Crowns (also called caps) are typically used to protect, restore, and/or cover a weakened or damaged tooth. They can also be used for cosmetic purposes. Dental crowns offer increased durability, lasting anywhere from five to 15 years, or more.

Crown Materials

Dental crowns are available in a variety of materials, including:

Stainless Steel
Metal Alloys
Porcelain
Ceramic

At West Lakes Dentistry, we provide primarily porcelain crowns, as we feel this material provides a more natural appearance for our patients while remaining durable and allowing for conservative treatment.

Dental Crown Procedure

The procedure for dental crowns involves taking an impression of the tooth that the crown will cover and preparing your tooth for the application of the crown. The procedure requires two office visits. You will receive a temporary bridge while your permanent crown is being designed and fabricated.

Make an appointment with us today to restore your smile!

DENTAL BRIDGES

While crowns are used to restore an individual tooth, a bridge may be used for one or more missing teeth. In addition to restoring the appearance and function of your smile, a bridge will prevent your surrounding teeth from shifting and can help protect your jaw from gum disease and temporomandibular joint disorders.

Bridge Types

While dental bridges are typically constructed from the same materials listed above, they are available in four main types:

A traditional bridge is the most common. It is held in place by one or more dental crowns that are cemented onto the teeth adjacent to the bridge site.
A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge but is attached to one tooth rather than two.
A Maryland bridge is held in place by a bonding resin rather than crowns. Therefore, surrounding teeth do not need to be filed or reshaped.
Implant supported bridges are a secure and comfortable long-term solution for missing teeth in which a bridge is attached to dental implants. This procedure is typically more extensive, requiring two separate surgeries.

Bridge Procedure

The procedure for a dental bridge is similar to the procedure for a crown. Your dentist will examine your mouth and make an impression of your missing teeth and the surrounding teeth. Your teeth will also be reshaped to accommodate the bridge. You will receive a temporary bridge while your permanent bridge is constructed.