What to Expect-Crowns & Bridges

As with any cosmetic dental procedure, the dentist will initially perform a thorough oral examination of the patient to determine if a crown or bridge is appropriate to address the patient's circumstances.

Before the cosmetic dentist can fit a crown or a bridge to a patient's mouth, the patient's tooth (or teeth) must be prepared so the crown or bridge will fit properly. Preparation involves carefully shaping and contouring the tooth or teeth to be crowned so the crown or bridge will have sufficient space for a proper fit and a natural appearance. After preparing the tooth or teeth, the dentist will take an impression to provide an exact mold for the crown or bridge. If porcelain is to be used, the dentist will determine the correct shade for the crown or bridge to match the color of the patient's existing teeth.

After the preparation is done and the impression is made, the dentist will send the mold to a dental lab, which then makes the crown or bridge in the material specified by the dentist. A temporary crown or bridge may be put in place to cover the prepared tooth while the permanent crown or bridge is being made. When the permanent crown or bridge is ready, the temporary crown or bridge is removed, and the new crown or bridge is cemented over the prepared tooth or teeth.

Procedures for crowns and bridges are usually completed in two sittings, both of which take place in a dentist's office or dental clinic using local anesthesia.