Dental Crowns & Bridges
Redondo Beach, CA

There are several different types of dental crowns available, each with its own advantages. The most common types of dental crowns are:

• Porcelain crowns | These are made of a ceramic material that closely resembles the color and texture of natural teeth. Porcelain crowns are often used for front teeth and highly visible teeth because of their excellent aesthetics.
• Metal crowns | These are made of various metals, such as gold, silver, or platinum. Metal crowns are highly durable and can withstand biting and chewing forces well. They are often used for molars, where their strength is needed.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns | These are a combination of metal and porcelain. The metal provides strength, while the porcelain provides an attractive, tooth-like appearance.
• Zirconia crowns | These are made of a very strong and durable ceramic material called zirconia. They are highly resistant to wear and can last for many years.
• E-max crowns | These are made of a type of porcelain called lithium disilicate, which is known for its strength and natural appearance. E-max crowns are highly aesthetic and are often used for front teeth.
  
  

At Redondo Beach Dental Arts, Dr. Qazi will consider several factors, such as the location of the tooth, the amount of tooth structure remaining, and your personal preferences, when recommending a type of dental crown for you.

The cost of a dental crown can vary depending on the type of crown and the location of the tooth. Generally, the cost of a dental crown will range from under $1,000 to upwards of $2,000 per tooth.

Porcelain crowns and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are more expensive than metal crowns because of their superior aesthetics. Zirconia crowns and E-max crowns are also more expensive because of the high-quality materials used in their construction.

Keep in mind that dental insurance may cover some or all of the cost of a dental crown, depending on the terms of your policy. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to see what your coverage is for dental crowns.

Additionally, at Redondo Beach Dental Arts we offer financing options which spread out your payments and help fit dental crowns into your budget.

Whether a dental crown is right for you depends on the condition of your teeth and the specific dental issue that you have. Here are some situations in which a dental crown may be recommended:

• Large cavity | If you have a large cavity that cannot be filled with a traditional filling, a dental crown may be needed to restore the tooth’s strength and function.
• Cracked or broken tooth | If you have a tooth that is cracked or broken, a dental crown may be needed to protect and reinforce the remaining tooth structure.
• Root canal | If you have had a root canal, a dental crown may be needed to protect the tooth and restore its function.
• Missing tooth | If you are missing a tooth, a dental crown may be used as part of a dental bridge to fill in the gap.
• Cosmetic enhancement | If you have a tooth that is discolored, misshapen, or otherwise unattractive, a dental crown may be used to improve its appearance.
  
  

Dr. Qazi will be able to evaluate your teeth and recommend the best treatment plan for your individual needs. We will also answer any questions you may have about the dental crown procedure and help you determine if it’s the right choice for you.

A dental bridge is a dental restoration that is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, that are anchored in place by dental crowns or dental implants on either side of the gap left by the missing teeth.

At Redondo Beach Dental Arts, we custom-make your dental bridge to fit securely in your mouth in order to restore your smile, bite, and speech. The pontics can be made from various materials such as porcelain, gold, or a combination of both. The dental crowns or dental implants that hold the bridge in place are typically made of porcelain or ceramic materials that closely match the color of your natural teeth.

There are different types of dental bridges available that Dr. Qazi will recommend depending on your specific needs. Traditional dental bridges are the most common and are supported by dental crowns on either side of the gap. Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth on only one side of the gap, and Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth.

The cost of a dental bridge can vary depending on the type of bridge and the number of teeth being replaced. Generally, the cost of a dental bridge can range from several hundred to over $1,000 per tooth.

Traditional dental bridges are typically more expensive than cantilever or Maryland bridges because they require the placement of dental crowns on the adjacent teeth to support the bridge. Additionally, the materials used for the pontics can also affect the cost of the bridge. Porcelain or ceramic pontics tend to be more expensive than metal pontics.

Keep in mind that dental insurance may cover some or all of the cost of a dental bridge, depending on the terms of your policy. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to see what your coverage is for dental bridges.

Additionally, at Redondo Beach Dental Arts we offer financing options which spread out your payments and help fit a dental bridge into your budget.

Whether a dental bridge is right for you depends on the condition of your teeth and your specific dental issue. Here are some situations in which a dental bridge may be recommended:

• Missing teeth | If you are missing one or more teeth, a dental bridge may be used to fill in the gap and restore your smile, bite, and speech.
• Adjacent teeth in need of crowns | If you have adjacent teeth that are damaged or decayed and in need of crowns, a dental bridge may be a good option to restore the missing tooth or teeth at the same time.
• Jawbone structure | If you do not have sufficient jawbone structure to support a dental implant, a dental bridge may be recommended as an alternative solution.
• Age and health | If you are older or have certain health conditions that may make dental implant surgery too risky, a dental bridge may be a better option.
  
  

Dr. Qazi will be able to evaluate your teeth and recommend the best treatment plan for your individual needs. We will also answer any questions you may have about the dental bridge procedure and help you determine if it’s the right choice for you.

Dental crowns and dental bridges are both dental restorations, but they serve different purposes:

• Dental crowns are used to restore the shape, size, strength, and appearance of a single damaged or decayed tooth. The crown is placed over the entire tooth, covering it completely above the gumline, to protect and strengthen the tooth.
• Dental bridges, on the other hand, are used to replace one or more missing teeth by filling the gap with an artificial tooth or teeth (pontics) that are anchored to adjacent teeth on either side of the gap. These adjacent teeth are typically fitted with dental crowns to support the bridge.
  
  

In a nutshell, dental crowns are used to repair or strengthen a damaged or decayed tooth, while dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth by using dental crowns as anchors to support the artificial tooth or teeth.

The lifespan of dental crowns and bridges can vary depending on several factors, such as the quality of the restoration, the material used, the location of the tooth or teeth being restored, and how well you maintain your oral health. Generally, dental crowns and bridges can last between 5-15 years or more with proper care.

Porcelain and ceramic crowns and bridges are typically more durable and long-lasting than resin or metal restorations. Additionally, dental restorations on front teeth may be more prone to wear and tear from biting and chewing, and may require replacement sooner than restorations on back teeth.

To help extend the lifespan of your dental crown or bridge, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Avoid using your teeth to bite or chew hard objects, and wear a mouthguard if you play sports or grind your teeth.

If you experience any problems with your dental crown or bridge, such as pain or sensitivity, a loose or broken restoration, or signs of infection, please contact Redondo Beach Dental Arts as soon as possible for an evaluation and treatment. With proper care and maintenance, dental crowns and bridges can provide a durable and effective solution for restoring damaged or missing teeth.