Crowns and Bridges – Gentle Care Smile, Vermont

Restore strength, function, and confidence to a damaged or missing tooth. At Gentle Care Smile in Vermont, custom crowns and bridges are crafted to look natural, feel comfortable, and last—so eating, speaking, and smiling feel effortless again.

Crowns and Bridges – Gentle Care Smile, Vermont

Crowns and Bridges – Gentle Care Smile, Vermont

Restore strength, function, and confidence to a damaged or missing tooth. At Gentle Care Smile in Vermont, custom crowns and bridges are crafted to look natural, feel comfortable, and last—so eating, speaking, and smiling feel effortless again.

What is a Dental Crown?

What is a Dental Crown?

A crown is a custom-made “cap” that covers a tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. It’s recommended when a tooth is too damaged for a filling.

Common reasons for a crown:

Large decay or fracture compromising tooth strength

After root canal therapy to protect brittle tooth structure

Cracked tooth syndrome or heavy wear/grinding

To improve shape, colour, or alignment cosmetically

To complete a dental implant (implant crown)

Material options include porcelain, zirconia, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and full metal—chosen based on aesthetics, bite forces, and location.

What is a Dental Bridge?

What is a Dental Bridge?

A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth (pontic) to the natural teeth or implants beside the gap.

Bridge options:

  • Traditional bridge: Crowns on teeth either side hold the pontic in place
  • Cantilever bridge: Anchored on one side when only one adjacent tooth is available
  • Implant-supported bridge: Supported by implants instead of natural teeth

Bridges help restore chewing, maintain facial shape, and prevent neighbouring teeth from drifting into the space.

The Treatment Process

The Treatment Process

Crowns

  • Assessment and planning: Clinical exam and imaging
  • Preparation: Minimal reshaping under local anaesthetic
  • Digital or traditional impressions for precise fit
  • Shade matching for a natural lookt
  • Temporary crown placed while the final crown is made
  • Final fit and cementation, with bite and comfort checked

Bridges

  • Preparation of supporting teeth (or planning of implants)
  • Impressions and shade selection
  • Temporary bridge if needed
  • Try-in and final cementation once the bridge is ready

Most cases take 2 appointments spaced 1–2 weeks apart. Complex or implant-supported cases may require additional visits.

Benefits at a Glance

Benefits at a Glance

  • Restores comfortable chewing and clear speech
  • Protects weakened teeth from cracking or further wear
  • Natural appearance with carefully matched colour and contour
  • Stabilises bite and prevents shifting after tooth loss
  • Durable, long-lasting solutions with proper care

Care and Longevity

Care and Longevity

  • Brush twice daily and clean between teeth; use floss threaders or interdental brushes around bridges
  • Wear a custom nightguard if grinding/clenching is present
  • Maintain regular check-ups and professional cleans
  • Avoid using teeth to open packaging or bite very hard objects

With good care, crowns and bridges can last many years. Longevity depends on oral hygiene, bite forces, diet, and routine maintenance.

Crowns Vs. Large Fillings Vs. Onlays

  • Large fillings are suitable for smaller defects but can weaken heavily damaged teeth
  • Onlays/inlays are conservative lab-made restorations for moderate damage
  • Crowns provide full coverage and maximum protection when the tooth is extensively compromised

We’ll recommend the option that best balances strength, aesthetics, and preservation of healthy tooth structure.

Crowns Vs. Large Fillings Vs. Onlays

Crowns Vs. Large Fillings Vs. Onlays

  • Large fillings are suitable for smaller defects but can weaken heavily damaged teeth
  • Onlays/inlays are conservative lab-made restorations for moderate damage
  • Crowns provide full coverage and maximum protection when the tooth is extensively compromised

We’ll recommend the option that best balances strength, aesthetics, and preservation of healthy tooth structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the procedure hurt?

Treatment is performed under local anaesthetic to keep visits comfortable.

All-ceramic and zirconia crowns/bridges offer excellent aesthetics, especially for front teeth. We’ll match the material to functional needs and cosmetic goals.

Many last 10+ years with proper care. Regular maintenance and protecting against grinding can extend lifespan.

Conventional bridges are fixed (not removable). If a removable option is preferred, partial dentures may be discussed. Implant-supported restorations are also fixed solutions.

Both are excellent options. Implants replace the root and don’t involve adjacent teeth; bridges can be ideal when neighbouring teeth also need crowns. Suitability depends on bone, health, budget, and preference.

Rebuild strength and restore a confident smile with custom crowns and bridges at Gentle Care Smile in Vermont. Book a consultation to discuss the best option for long-term function and aesthetics.