Missing a tooth in a row? A bridge anchors a replacement to the teeth on either side without needing an implant. Smile Center Dentistry matches shade and shape to your surrounding teeth before anything is fabricated.
A crown or bridge that doesn't fit right causes bite problems for years — we check fit carefully before you leave. We'd rather spend extra chairside time on the bite check than have you come back with pain.
Digital impressions reduce fitting errors compared to traditional putty molds. Digital files transmit to the lab instantly, which can shorten turnaround time.
Zirconia, e.max, and porcelain-fused-to-metal each have trade-offs in strength, appearance, and cost — we walk through all three. Material recommendations are specific to the tooth, not a blanket default across every case.
A crown that's slightly high can cause pain within days — we catch that before you leave the chair. We'd rather take five extra minutes than have you return uncomfortable.
We don't consider the case done until you're chewing comfortably on it. We'd rather remake a restoration than have you live with one that's not right.
Crowns and bridges serve different purposes depending on what's damaged or missing — here's what we offer.
We shade-match zirconia carefully since it can appear less translucent than natural enamel if not planned well. Ideal when strength is the top priority.
A glass-ceramic material known for a more translucent, natural appearance, often preferred for front teeth. We explain when this material fits better than zirconia for your case.
A metal substructure with a porcelain outer layer offers strength at a lower cost than all-ceramic options. A solid option for back teeth where appearance is less of a priority.
A bridge anchors a replacement tooth to the crowned teeth on either side of a gap. Bridges avoid surgery but do require altering the supporting teeth.
While your permanent crown is fabricated, a temporary protects the prepared tooth from sensitivity and damage. Same-day crown milling may be available depending on your case and material choice.
An older crown that's cracked, loose, or decaying underneath can often be replaced without starting from scratch. We'll tell you honestly which option actually solves the problem.
We ask about the tooth's history — root canal, crack, missing — so we're prepared for your consult.
A temporary crown protects the tooth while your permanent restoration is made.
We discuss zirconia, e.max, or PFM based on which tooth and how much force it needs to handle.
We adjust until it feels natural before you leave, not just acceptable.
"Digital impression instead of that awful putty tray from my last dentist. So much more comfortable."
"Bite felt slightly off after my crown was placed, and they adjusted it right there until it was right."
"E.max crown on my front tooth blends in so well you genuinely cannot tell which one it is."
"PFM crown on my back molar three years now, holding up exactly as they said it would."
"Crown milling was done same-visit for my case, saved me a whole second appointment."
Typically two visits over one to two weeks — prep and impression first, then final fitting once the lab completes your restoration. Bridges involving multiple teeth sometimes take slightly longer to fabricate.
Zirconia suits back teeth needing strength; e.max often suits visible front teeth better. We're glad to walk through samples so you can see the differences yourself.
A bridge avoids surgery but involves the neighboring teeth; an implant doesn't touch them but requires a longer process. Cost and timeline both factor into this decision, and we lay out both clearly.
Front teeth get materials chosen specifically for translucency and natural appearance. We compare shade in natural light, not just under the exam lamp.
We'd rather you return for a quick adjustment than live with something that doesn't feel right. Don't wait weeks hoping it'll settle on its own — call us and we'll check it.
Cost depends on material choice and whether it's a single crown or a multi-tooth bridge — we quote this after your exam. Financing options are available for larger restoration cases.
Smile Center Dentistry provides Dental Crowns And Bridges to patients throughout Tama and neighboring Tama, IA communities, with digital impressions done in-house. New and existing patients throughout Tama are welcome to book a restoration consult.
We'll match material and shade to your specific tooth, not a generic default.
Call +1-866-227-2801