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Crowns & Bridgework

When it comes to restoring the health, function, and appearance of your smile, crowns and bridgework in South Barrington offer reliable and aesthetically pleasing solutions. Crowns can protect and strengthen damaged teeth, while bridges fill gaps left by missing teeth, preventing shifting and maintaining proper alignment. At Barrington Smiles, we combine advanced technology with personalized care to ensure your crowns and bridgework look natural and feel comfortable. Explore how these restorative options can enhance your smile and boost your confidence

Crowns & Bridgework

Dentistry is an art and a science; dental crowns are a perfect example. However, a dental crown or “cap” is a covering that fits over a damaged, decayed, or unattractive tooth. Plus, it can even replace a tooth entirely as part of dental bridgework.

First, a crown completely covers a tooth above the gum line. However, this is in contrast to a dental veneer, which only covers a tooth’s front surface and needs a natural tooth structure to support it. Therefore, if a tooth is missing a significant amount of structure above the gum line, a crown would be the restoration of choice.

Next, we do a digital impression, which is more comfortable for the patient so you don’t have to deal with goopy impression material. Digital impressions are also more accurate for a better fitting crown.

More About Crowns

Crowns strengthen damaged teeth, allowing them to function normally again. They can even be designed to improve upon a tooth’s original appearance. When crafted from today’s high-tech porcelains (dental ceramics), crowns are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.

Dental Crown Materials

There are other materials besides porcelain that we can use to make dental crowns, depending on what qualities are most important. For durability, cast gold can’t be beaten. However, this is not always the most aesthetic choice — especially towards the front of the mouth. Furthermore, other possibilities include porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFM), which have a metal interior for strength and a porcelain exterior for a more natural appearance, and all-porcelain crowns with zirconia, representing the strongest ceramic. Plus, we would happily discuss the pros and cons of these options with you.

Crowning or Capping a Tooth

Step 1: Preparing the Tooth for the Crown

At your first visit, we prepare your tooth to receive its new crown. This process begins with shaping the tooth to fit inside the new covering, which involves gentle drilling to create a uniform shape. Don’t worry—your tooth and surrounding area will be numbed to ensure your comfort. If your tooth lacks sufficient structure, we build it up using filling material instead of filing it down, creating a solid base for the crown.

Step 2: Taking Impressions for the Crown

Once the tooth is prepared, we take impressions of your teeth. Depending on the technology available, this can be done digitally or using traditional, reliable putty-like impression materials. These impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, where they guide skilled technicians in creating a crown that matches your bite and enhances your smile.

Step 3: Protecting the Tooth with a Temporary Crown

Before you leave the office, we place a temporary crown over your tooth. This protects the prepared area and allows you to eat and speak normally while waiting for your permanent crown. Temporary crowns also ensure the tooth maintains its position until the final restoration is ready.

Step 4: Attaching the Permanent Crown

At your second visit, we attach the permanent crown. This involves securing it with either a resin that hardens under a special light source or a durable permanent cement. After placement, we ensure the crown fits comfortably and aligns perfectly with your bite, completing your restoration.

Final Thoughts

This multi-step process ensures your crown looks natural, functions seamlessly, and protects your tooth for years to come. With careful attention to every detail, your new crown will restore your smile with confidence.

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Dental Crowns & Bridges

Creating a Bridge

Step 1: Understanding the Role of Crowns in Bridgework

Crowns play a critical role in bridgework, which is used to replace missing teeth. A bridge typically requires at least three crowns: two crowns for the healthy teeth on either side of the gap, called abutment teeth, and a third crown, known as a pontic, that fills the gap. The crowned abutment teeth act as supports, anchoring the pontic securely in place.

Step 2: Designing the Bridge

The design of the bridge depends on the number of missing teeth and several other factors. If more than one tooth is missing, additional crowns may be required to properly span the gap. For example, a seven-tooth bridge may use four abutment teeth to replace three missing teeth. Factors influencing the design include the size and length of the abutment tooth roots, the amount of bone support each tooth provides, and the location of the missing teeth in the mouth.

Step 3: Engineering a Functional Bridge

Engineering the bridge involves precise planning to ensure it restores both function and appearance. The process requires a deep understanding of dental biology, particularly the gum and bone tissue supporting the abutment teeth. This careful consideration ensures the bridge can withstand the forces of chewing and maintain a natural look and feel.

Step 4: Placing the Bridge

Once the bridge is designed and fabricated, it is securely attached to the abutment teeth. Each crown is bonded to the prepared teeth, ensuring the bridge fits seamlessly and functions like natural teeth. With proper care, the bridge can last for many years, providing a durable and lifelike replacement for your missing teeth.

Final Thoughts

Bridgework is a reliable and effective solution for replacing missing teeth, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits. By carefully evaluating the unique needs of your smile, we create custom bridges that restore your confidence and oral health.

Dr. Saad and his team have helped countless patients get a dental crown at our office. Syed R. received dental crowns with our dental team and left a five-star review, stating:

“Dr. Saad is the best. He is very professional, courteous, and considerate including all the amazing and experienced staff members at the clinic. I had dental crowns as well as tooth extraction done, all of that without pain, I was happily surprised. Highly recommended.”

-Syed R

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“Dr. Saad fit me into his schedule and worked through his lunchtime to painlessly( really!) remove my broken crown and fit a temporary that would be perfect for my next day sleep apnea device fitting appt. Dr. Saad ensured I was able to keep that appt. in 2021 so I would be able to have the device fitted in time to be covered by my insurance. This is just one example of Dr. Saad’s repair of previous childhood/early adult dental work. Because of his gentleness, proficiency and kindness over the years, my previous dental anxiety has been resolved. Dr. Saad has been my and my sister’s trusted family dentist for years. My grown kids travel an hour to see Dr. Saad for their cleanings. They won’t go to any other dentist. I love Dr. Saad!”

-Zivile R.

Caring for Your Crowns & Bridgework

Crowns and bridgework require the same conscientious care as your natural teeth. Be sure to brush and floss between all of your teeth — restored and natural — every day to reduce the buildup of dental plaque. When you have crowns, it is even more important to maintain your regular schedule of cleanings at the dental office. Avoid using your teeth as tools (to open packages, for example). If you have a grinding habit, wearing a nightguard would be a good idea to protect your teeth and your investment.

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