A chipped tooth. A deep cavity. A missing tooth that leaves a gap every time you smile. These aren’t just cosmetic problems; they affect how you eat, speak, and feel. At 615 Smile Design, we offer crowns and bridges as part of our restorative dentistry services. And like everything we do, we use metal-free materials that look natural and last for years.
What Is a Dental Crown?
Think of a dental crown as a “cap” that fits over a damaged tooth. It covers the entire visible portion above the gumline, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance.
We recommend crowns for several situations:
- A tooth with a large cavity that’s too big for a regular filling
- A chipped or broken tooth that needs protection
- A tooth that’s had root canal treatment
- A dental implant that needs a restoration on top
- A worn-down tooth that needs rebuilding
Our crowns are custom-made from high-quality ceramic materials. They’re metal-free, so they look just like natural teeth. No dark lines at the gumline. No gray discoloration. Just a beautiful, seamless restoration.
What About Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge does exactly what the name suggests: it “bridges” the gap where one or more teeth are missing. The bridge consists of two crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap, with a false tooth (or teeth) suspended between them. Those anchoring teeth are called abutments, and the false teeth are called pontics.
Bridges offer several benefits:
- Restore your ability to chew properly
- Keep surrounding teeth from shifting into the gap
- Maintain the shape of your face and jaw
- Fill out your smile for a more complete look
Like our crowns, all of our bridges are made from metal-free, tooth-colored materials.
Why Metal-Free Matters
We’ve talked about our commitment to metal-free dentistry before. But it’s worth repeating, especially for crowns and bridges.
Here’s why:
- Natural appearance: No dark metal showing at the gumline. No gray shadows. Your restoration blends in perfectly.
- No sensitivity: Some patients react to metals in their mouths. Metal-free restorations remove that risk.
- Strong and durable: Modern ceramic materials are incredibly strong. They can handle chewing forces without breaking.
- Better for your gums: Metal-free materials are biocompatible and gentle on gum tissue.
- No expansion issues: Unlike metal, ceramic doesn’t expand and contract with temperature changes. That means less stress on your natural tooth.
What to Expect During Treatment
Getting a crown or bridge usually takes two appointments.
First visit: Dr. Sivaneri will prepare the tooth or teeth. This involves removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the crown or bridge. Then we’ll take a digital impression using our handheld scanner; no goopy putty involved. We send that digital model to our dental lab, where they fabricate your custom restoration.
You’ll leave with a temporary crown or bridge to protect your teeth while a dental lab makes the permanent one.
Second visit (about two weeks later): We remove the temporary and check your new metal-free crown or bridge for fit, comfort, and appearance. Once everything looks great, we bond it into place.
How Long Do Crowns and Bridges Last?
With proper care, crowns and bridges can last 10 to 15 years, sometimes longer. The key is good oral hygiene.
Brush twice a day. Floss daily, paying special attention to the area around the restoration. Keep up with your regular cleanings and checkups at our Nashville dental office. We’ll monitor your crowns and bridges to make sure they’re holding up well.
A Restoration That Looks Like You
Nobody should feel self-conscious about their dental work. Your crown or bridge should blend in so naturally that nobody notices it, including you.
Dr. Sivaneri’s training through Spear Education focuses on cosmetic and restorative excellence. He matches the shape, shade, and translucency of your natural teeth. The result? A restoration that feels like part of you.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
If you have a damaged or missing tooth, you don’t have to live with it. Crowns and bridges can restore function and confidence.
Call us at (615) 637-2878 or schedule an appointment online. We proudly serve patients in Nashville, Dickson, and surrounding communities. Let’s bring your smile back to full strength.