Crowns and Bridges Q & A

What are crowns? 

Crowns are protective caps that Dr. Bahrami and the team use to protect and restore damaged teeth. They’re tooth-colored and match the look, feel, and function of natural teeth. 

Crowns can be used for a variety of purposes, including: 

• Protecting teeth that have undergone a root canal

• Protecting a tooth susceptible to fracture

• Restoring cracked, chipped, or discolored teeth

• Replacing missing teeth

• Correcting a badly shaped tooth

  
  

Dr. Bahrami uses sturdy porcelain material for crowns. 

How does the process of getting a crown work? 

At Tysons Elite Dental, the team provides custom-made porcelain crowns. Generally, it takes at least two in-office visits to complete the process. 

When you come in for your first visit, the team takes detailed digital scans of your teeth using the innovative iTero® intraoral scanner. These scans are then used to custom make your new dental crown. It typically takes one to two weeks to finish a crown. 

Then, once it’s ready, you come back into the office to have your crown fitted and placed. Dr. Bahrami will first make sure the crown fits properly. 

Then she’ll use a special bonding adhesive to permanently affix your crown. Your dental crown will feel just like any other natural tooth in your mouth. 

What are bridges? 

Bridges are sets of prosthetic teeth that are used to “bridge” gaps in your smile. Dr. Bahrami and the team offer bridges to patients as another restorative option. 

Bridges are similar to crowns in that they can replace missing teeth. They also prevent the harmful effects of tooth shifting, a complication that occurs when surrounding teeth shift over into a gap. This shifting can increase your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and tooth loss. 

Bridges, like crowns, are made of sturdy porcelain. They’re also tooth-colored and are either bonded onto surrounding teeth or can be attached to an implant for extra stability. The process of getting a bridge made is very similar to a crown. 

How long do crowns and bridges last? 

As long as you maintain excellent oral hygiene, crowns and bridges can last up to 15 years, if not more. Continue to brush and floss as you would with natural teeth, as keeping your crown or bridge clean and healthy is the best way to ensure a long lifespan. 

If you’d like to schedule a consultation and learn more about crowns and bridges, call the office or request an appointment online.