Restore Function and Beauty to Your Smile
When teeth are damaged, decayed, or missing, crowns and bridges offer durable, aesthetically pleasing solutions that restore both function and appearance. At Apex Dental Clinic in Chembur, Dr. Shreya Gandhi combines technical precision with an artistic eye to create custom restorations that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Understanding Crowns & Bridges
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over an entire tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are recommended when a tooth is damaged, weakened, or severely discolored and needs protection and aesthetic improvement.
Protects Weak Teeth
Holds together parts of a cracked tooth or supports a tooth with a large filling.
Restores Broken Teeth
Covers and supports a tooth with a large filling when there isn't much tooth structure left.
Covers Misshapen Teeth
Masks severely discolored or poorly shaped teeth for a more aesthetic appearance.
Supports Dental Bridges
Serves as anchors for fixed bridges, replacing missing teeth.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge literally "bridges" the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap, with a false tooth or teeth in between. These anchor teeth are called abutment teeth, and the false teeth are called pontics.
Restores Your Smile
Fills gaps from missing teeth for a complete, natural-looking smile.
Maintains Face Shape
Prevents the sunken appearance that can result from missing teeth.
Restores Chewing Ability
Allows you to properly chew and speak, improving quality of life.
Prevents Teeth Shifting
Keeps remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
Our Crown & Bridge Solutions
At Apex Dental Clinic, we offer a variety of crown and bridge options to suit your specific needs, preferences, and budget:
Crown Materials
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)
Combines the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain, suitable for both front and back teeth.
All-Porcelain Crowns
Provides the most natural appearance, ideal for front teeth where aesthetics are paramount.
Zirconia Crowns
Offers exceptional strength and aesthetics, suitable for any location in the mouth.
E-max Crowns
Made from lithium disilicate, providing excellent aesthetics with good strength.
Same-Day CEREC Crowns
Created in a single visit using advanced CAD/CAM technology for immediate restoration.
Gold Crowns
Extremely durable and gentle on opposing teeth, ideal for back molars where appearance is less crucial.
Bridge Types
Traditional Bridge
The most common type, with a pontic held in place by crowns cemented to adjacent teeth.
Cantilever Bridge
Used when there are teeth on only one side of the gap, with the pontic anchored by one or more crowns on one side.
Maryland Bridge
A conservative option that uses metal or porcelain wings bonded to adjacent teeth, requiring minimal tooth preparation.
Implant-Supported Bridge
Anchored by dental implants rather than natural teeth, providing superior stability without affecting adjacent teeth.
The Crown & Bridge Process at Apex Dental Clinic
Comprehensive Examination
Dr. Gandhi will thoroughly examine your teeth, take digital X-rays, and discuss your goals and preferences. She'll evaluate the health of your teeth and gums, assess your bite, and recommend the most appropriate type of crown or bridge.
Tooth Preparation
For crowns, the affected tooth is carefully reshaped to make room for the crown. For bridges, the abutment teeth are prepared similarly. Dr. Gandhi uses gentle techniques and appropriate anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout this process.
Digital Impressions
Using advanced digital scanning technology, we capture precise 3D images of your prepared teeth, eliminating the need for uncomfortable traditional impressions. This digital model serves as the blueprint for your custom restoration.
Temporary Restoration
While your permanent crown or bridge is being crafted in our partner dental laboratory, we place a temporary restoration to protect your prepared teeth and maintain functionality and aesthetics during this interim period.
Custom Fabrication
Our skilled dental technicians create your crown or bridge according to Dr. Gandhi's specifications, matching the color, shape, and size to your natural teeth. For CEREC same-day crowns, this process happens in-office while you wait.
Final Placement
Once your custom restoration is ready, the temporary is removed, and the permanent crown or bridge is carefully checked for fit, comfort, and appearance before being securely bonded in place. Dr. Gandhi makes any necessary adjustments to ensure proper bite alignment.
Same-Day CEREC Crowns: Restoration in a Single Visit
For qualified cases, we offer CEREC same-day crown technology that allows us to design, mill, and place your custom crown in just one appointment. This innovative approach eliminates the need for temporary restorations and multiple visits.
Single Appointment
Complete restoration in one visit, saving you time and multiple trips to the clinic.
Digital Precision
Computer-aided design ensures exceptional fit and function.
No Temporaries
Eliminates the need for temporary crowns and the associated limitations.
Quality Materials
Uses high-grade ceramic materials for durability and aesthetics.
Before & After Results
Porcelain Crown
Front tooth restoration after damage
Caring for Your Crowns & Bridges
With proper care, your crowns and bridges can last many years. Here are some tips to maximize their lifespan:
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss daily, paying special attention to the gumline around crowns and under bridges using floss threaders or water flossers.
Avoid Hard Foods
Don't chew ice, hard candies, or other items that could crack or damage your restoration. Be cautious with sticky foods that might dislodge a crown or bridge.
Address Grinding
If you grind or clench your teeth, ask Dr. Gandhi about a nightguard to protect your restorations from excessive force.
Regular Check-ups
Visit us every six months for professional cleanings and to check the condition of your crowns or bridges.
Prompt Attention to Issues
If you notice any change in your bite, pain when chewing, or loosening of your restoration, contact us immediately for an evaluation.
Comparison of Restoration Options
| Feature | Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal | All-Porcelain/Ceramic | Zirconia | CEREC Same-Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aesthetics | Good (may show metal edge) | Excellent | Very Good | Very Good |
| Strength | Very Good | Good | Excellent | Very Good |
| Longevity | 10-15 years | 7-15 years | 15+ years | 10-15 years |
| Suitable For | Front & back teeth | Primarily front teeth | Front & back teeth | Front & back teeth |
| Number of Visits | 2-3 visits | 2-3 visits | 2-3 visits | 1 visit |
| Cost | ₹₹ | ₹₹₹ | ₹₹₹₹ | ₹₹₹₹ |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do crowns and bridges last?
With proper care and maintenance, dental crowns and bridges can last many years:
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns typically last 10-15 years
- All-ceramic and porcelain crowns generally last 7-15 years
- Zirconia crowns can last 15+ years
- Dental bridges usually last 10-15 years
The longevity of your restoration depends on several factors, including your oral hygiene practices, eating habits, whether you grind or clench your teeth, and how well the restoration was made and placed initially. Regular dental check-ups allow Dr. Gandhi to monitor the condition of your crowns and bridges and address any issues before they become serious problems.
Is the crown or bridge procedure painful?
Getting a crown or bridge should not be painful. Before any tooth preparation begins, the area is numbed with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some mild sensitivity or discomfort, especially if you've had a root canal or extensive restoration, but this typically subsides within a few days.
For patients with dental anxiety, we offer various relaxation options to ensure a comfortable experience. After receiving your permanent crown or bridge, you might notice some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures for a few days, which is normal and temporary. If you experience severe pain or discomfort, contact us immediately as this may indicate an issue that needs attention.
How do I care for my temporary crown?
Temporary crowns are not as strong as permanent ones and require special care:
- Avoid sticky, chewy, or hard foods that could dislodge or break the temporary crown
- Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth from the temporary crown
- When flossing, slide the floss out rather than lifting it up to avoid dislodging the temporary crown
- Continue brushing normally, but be gentle around the temporary restoration
- If your temporary crown comes off, contact us immediately — save the temporary crown and bring it to your appointment if possible
Remember that temporary discomfort, such as sensitivity to temperature and pressure, is normal and should resolve once your permanent crown is placed.
Will my crown or bridge look natural?
Yes, modern dental crowns and bridges are designed to look extremely natural. Dr. Gandhi takes several steps to ensure your restoration blends seamlessly with your natural teeth:
- We carefully match the color of your crown or bridge to your existing teeth using specialized shade guides
- Advanced materials like porcelain and zirconia mimic the translucency and light-reflecting properties of natural enamel
- The shape and contour of your restoration are customized to complement your facial features and existing teeth
- For front teeth, we pay particular attention to aesthetic details that make your smile look natural
Most people won't be able to distinguish your crown or bridge from your natural teeth. Dr. Gandhi's artistic approach and attention to detail ensure that your restoration looks beautiful and natural.
What's the difference between CEREC same-day crowns and traditional crowns?
The main differences between CEREC same-day crowns and traditional crowns are:
- Treatment Time: CEREC crowns are designed, milled, and placed in a single appointment (usually 2-3 hours), while traditional crowns require at least two appointments spread over 1-2 weeks.
- Impressions: CEREC uses digital scanning technology, eliminating the need for messy impression materials. Traditional crowns typically use physical impressions.
- Temporary Crowns: With CEREC, no temporary crown is needed. Traditional methods require wearing a temporary crown between appointments.
- Material Options: CEREC uses ceramic materials, while traditional crowns offer more material choices, including metals and porcelain-fused-to-metal.
- Customization: Traditional lab-made crowns may offer more detailed customization for complex cases, though CEREC technology continues to advance rapidly.
Both options provide durable, aesthetic results when performed by a skilled dentist like Dr. Gandhi. During your consultation, she'll discuss which option is best suited to your specific needs.
Ready to Restore Your Smile with Crowns or Bridges?
Contact Apex Dental Clinic today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Shreya Gandhi and discover how our crown and bridge solutions can restore your smile's beauty and function.