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Dental Crowns and Bridges
Reliable Solutions for Troubled Teeth

Are you living with a compromised or missing tooth? A dental crown or bridge may be your solution.

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Dental Crowns and Bridges in Wellesley

Dr. Cao working on a dental crownWhile our goal is always to help you avoid dental concerns, most of us will need a tooth restored at some point. Dental crowns and bridges are ideal when the repair is beyond what a filling or bonding can provide.  

I work with the top dental labs to ensure you receive premium restorations and that their craftsmanship meets my high-quality standards. So, whether I’m making you a crown or a bridge, you can rest assured you’ll receive a restoration you will love and be proud of.

Why Restore a Missing or Damaged Tooth?

Several factors should be considered when deciding whether to repair or replace your tooth. Here are the advantages of choosing a crown or dental bridge in Wellesley Hills.
Improved Function
Repairing or replacing a tooth ensures alignment and function, which is essential for comfortable chewing and digestion.
Better Oral Health
Missing or damaged teeth often result in more damage or tooth loss because they do not function as intended.
Restored Aesthetics
A lost, decayed, or damaged tooth may diminish the appearance of your smile, which a crown or bridge restores.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm often asked about dietary restrictions after receiving a dental crown. While modern crowns are incredibly durable, being mindful of what you eat can help ensure their longevity and your overall oral health.

Protect Your Smile Investment

Certain foods should be approached with care. Sticky or very hard foods can pose challenges for dental crowns. Avoid chewing ice, biting into hard candies, or chomping down on popcorn kernels. Sticky foods like caramel or taffy can potentially pull at the crown or compromise its seal. If you're a fan of nuts or hard pretzels, try to chew carefully and avoid biting directly with the crowned tooth.
 
It's not about complete deprivation – it's about smart eating. Cut hard fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces. If you enjoy chewy breads or meat, cut them into manageable bites. Those with metal-free porcelain or ceramic crowns should be particularly careful, as these materials, while beautiful, can be slightly more prone to chipping.
 
Good oral hygiene remains your best defense. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups will help ensure your crown – and the tooth beneath it – remains healthy for years to come.
 
If you have questions about Wellesley Hills dental crowns, contact us at (781) 237-6511.

Dental bridges in Wellesley, MA, typically last between 10 and 15 years with proper care, sometimes longer. How long they last depends on the materials used, where the dental bridge is located in your mouth, and how well you maintain it.

What Affects How Long a Bridge Lasts

  • Oral Hygiene — Plaque and bacteria build up around the base of a bridge as they do around natural teeth. Brushing twice daily and flossing under the bridge with a floss threader or water flosser helps prevent decay in teeth that support it.
  • Bite and Location — Bridges at the back of the mouth handle more chewing pressure than those at the front, which can shorten their lifespan over time.
  • Grinding and Clenching — Teeth grinding puts extra stress on restorations, including bridges. Your dentist may recommend a night guard to help protect it.
  • Regular Checkups — Your dentist at Wellesley Hill Dental monitors your bridge's condition at each visit. That way, they can identify early signs of wear or decay before they become larger problems

When a Bridge May Need Replacing

Common signs that a dental bridge needs attention include sensitivity around the supporting teeth, a loose or shifting feel, visible cracks, or discomfort when chewing. If you notice any of these, contact our office promptly.

If you have other questions about bridges or would like to book an evaluation, please call at (781) 237-6511 Wellesley Hill Dental in Wellesley, MA.

When Do You Need a Dental Crown?

man and woman smiling

A crown is designed to cover and completely restore a compromised tooth with a customized porcelain replica that complements your smile. Porcelain crowns provide aesthetics and durability, and I typically recommend them in these situations:

  • Cover a severely decayed, fractured, or damaged tooth
  • Replace a large, damaged, or broken restoration like a filling
  • Restore a single dental implant
  • Anchor a dental bridge on each side
  • Enhance a tooth with cosmetic discrepancies
  • Rebuild chipped, worn, or broken teeth
  • Strengthen a tooth that’s had root canal treatment

When We Recommend a Dental Bridge

A bridge uses two dental crowns to anchor one or more missing consecutive teeth. A ceramic porcelain bridge fills the gaps left by missing teeth, so there’s no movement or shifting. It also restores the chewing function and aesthetics lost because of missing teeth.

  • Wellesley dentist Dr. Hanna Cao

    Dr. Hanna Cao

    Dr. Hanna Cao brings a rich heritage and unique perspective to Wellesley Hills Dental as a second-generation dentist. Her journey in dentistry began even before dental school, where she worked as a dental lab technician - an experience that cultivated her exceptional hand skills, meticulous attention to detail, and deep understanding of crafting teeth that are both beautiful and functional.
     
    After earning her BA in Psychology from Brandeis University, Dr. Cao pursued her DDS degree at SUNY Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, graduating in 2012. Her outstanding performance in general dentistry ...
    Read More

The Process of Getting a Dental Crown or Bridge

Whether you get a crown or bridge, the process is similar and requires two appointments at our Wellesley Hills dental office.

During the first visit, I will prepare your teeth for the new restoration, take impressions for our dental lab, and create a temporary crown or bridge for you to wear while the lab makes your final restoration.

The dental lab typically takes two to three weeks to handcraft your restorations. Once they’re ready, I’ll permanently place them and adjust them to your bite to ensure comfortable chewing function.

If you have questions about a bridge or dental crown in Wellesley Hills, MA, contact my team at (781) 237-6511 for more information.

Dental Crowns and Bridges Technology

Dr cao howing a patient their digital impressions

Digital Impressions

At Wellesley Hills Dental, we've embraced leading-edge digital impression technology that transforms your experience. Our handheld scanner creates precise 3-D models of your teeth in minutes—no more gagging on putty or uncomfortable trays.

These highly accurate digital impressions lead to better-fitting crowns, bridges, and aligners while reducing your time in the chair. Experience modern dentistry that prioritizes your comfort and exceptional results with every visit.