Dental Crowns & Bridges in Shorewood, IL

Restore Damaged or Missing Teeth

Damaged or missing teeth can affect your ability to chew comfortably, the health of surrounding teeth and the appearance of your smile. Dental crowns and bridges are restorative treatments designed to rebuild damaged teeth or replace teeth that have been lost.

At Shorewood Family Dental Care, we provide custom dental crowns and bridges in Shorewood, IL. A crown can strengthen and protect an existing tooth, while a dental bridge can replace a missing tooth by using neighboring teeth for support.

Our team will evaluate your teeth, gums and bite and explain which restorative treatment is appropriate for your individual needs. We welcome patients from Shorewood, Joliet, Plainfield, Minooka, Channahon and surrounding communities.

Dental Crowns for Damaged Teeth

A dental crown is a custom restoration that covers the visible portion of a damaged or weakened tooth. By covering the tooth, a crown can restore its shape and function while providing additional protection and support.

A dental crown may be recommended for a tooth that has:

• Significant decay or a large filling.
• Cracked, broken or worn tooth structure.
• Been weakened by previous dental treatment.
• Undergone root canal treatment.
• Damage that cannot be adequately repaired with a filling

Crowns are designed to blend naturally with your smile and are customized for the tooth being restored.

What to Expect When Getting a Dental Crown

Getting a dental crown typically begins with preparing the damaged tooth so the restoration can fit securely over it. The area is numbed for your comfort before the tooth is carefully shaped.

Our office uses digital scanning technology to create a detailed model of your teeth without relying on traditional impression material. This digital information is used to help the dental laboratory create your custom crown.

Once the final restoration is ready, we’ll check its fit, appearance and bite before securely attaching it to the prepared tooth.

Dental Bridges for Missing Teeth

A dental bridge is one option for replacing a missing tooth. Traditional bridges use crowns placed on the teeth next to the open space to support an artificial replacement tooth between them.

Replacing a missing tooth can restore your ability to chew, improve the appearance of your smile and help prevent neighboring teeth from gradually shifting into the open space.

Like a dental crown, a bridge is customized to fit your mouth and blend with your natural teeth. Digital scanning technology allows us to capture the information needed to plan your restoration and work with the dental laboratory creating your bridge.

Do I Need a Crown or a Bridge?

The difference largely depends on whether the tooth is still present.

A dental crown is generally used when an existing tooth can be preserved but needs additional protection or restoration. A dental bridge is used to replace a tooth that is already missing.

If you’re missing a tooth, a bridge isn’t your only option. Dental implants and, in some situations, removable tooth replacement options may also be considered. Your dentist can explain the advantages and considerations of each treatment based on your oral health and goals.

How Long Do Crowns and Bridges Last?

The lifespan of a dental crown or bridge varies based on factors such as oral hygiene, bite forces, diet, tooth grinding and the health of the supporting teeth and gums.

Good brushing and flossing habits, regular dental exams and professional cleanings can help protect both your restoration and the teeth supporting it.

If you grind or clench your teeth, your dentist may also recommend additional protection for your restorations.

Restore Your Smile with Dental Crowns & Bridges

If you have a damaged tooth or are missing a tooth, you don’t have to determine the right treatment on your own. Our team can evaluate your smile and explain whether a dental crown, bridge or another restorative option may be appropriate.

Shorewood Family Dental Care provides dental crowns and bridges for patients throughout Shorewood, Joliet and surrounding communities.

Call us at 815-725-5991 or request an appointment online to schedule an evaluation.