Dental crowns and bridges are among the most effective restorative dental treatments for improving the strength, function, and appearance of damaged or missing teeth. A crown can protect and rebuild a weakened tooth, while a bridge can replace one or more missing teeth and help restore comfortable chewing.
At Gentle Dental Care in Edison, Dr. Brad Strober and Dr. Cynthia Butcofski provide personalized restorative dental care. Dr. Strober earned Fellowship and Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry, while Dr. Butcofski graduated from New York University College of Dentistry and completed her residency at JFK Medical Center in Edison.
Patients from Edison, Metuchen, South Plainfield, and nearby communities can receive treatment designed around their oral health, function, and smile goals.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is essentially a cap shaped like a tooth that is placed over a damaged or weakened tooth. Once cemented in place, the crown partially or fully covers the visible portion of the tooth to restore its strength, shape, and function.
Crowns can also improve the appearance of teeth that are severely discolored, worn, or misshapen. At Gentle Dental Care, we can customize porcelain crowns to blend naturally with surrounding teeth.
When Would I Need a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns often restore strength and function to teeth with significant damage that might otherwise require extraction.
A crown may be recommended for:
- Chipped, broken, or fractured teeth
- Teeth with large or failing fillings
- Severely worn teeth
- Misshapen or severely discolored teeth
- Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment
- Teeth with fractured fillings
- Dental implants
- Teeth used to support a dental bridge
If a tooth has extensive decay or damage and there is not enough healthy structure to support a filling, a crown can cover the remaining tooth and provide additional support.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a permanent restoration used to fill the space left by one or more missing teeth. In a traditional bridge, one or more replacement teeth are supported by crowns placed over the natural teeth on either side of the gap.
By restoring the missing space, a bridge can improve chewing and speech, help the smile look more complete, and reduce the risk of nearby teeth gradually shifting out of position.
A patient may be a good candidate for a bridge if the teeth next to the gap are healthy enough to support the restoration. In some cases, dental implants may also be used to support a bridge.
Why Choose Porcelain Crowns?
Several materials may be used to create dental crowns, including porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, and mixed-material options. Porcelain is often preferred for its ability to resemble natural tooth enamel.
Porcelain reflects light in a way that can create a lifelike appearance and can be customized in color, shape, and texture. It is also resistant to staining and does not contain a metal edge that may become visible near the gumline over time.
The best crown material depends on the tooth's location, the biting pressure it receives, and the patient's individual restorative needs.
What Should I Expect From a Crown or Bridge Procedure?
Traditional crown and bridge treatment usually requires two appointments.
During the first visit, the dentist uses local anesthetic to numb the treatment area and prepares the tooth or supporting teeth. If a tooth is fractured or significantly damaged, a buildup may be needed to restore enough structure to support the crown.
The dentist then takes impressions or digital scans and sends them to a dental laboratory, where the permanent restoration is made. A temporary crown or bridge is placed while the final restoration is being completed.
At the second visit, the permanent restoration is checked for color, fit, and bite before being cemented securely into place.
Dental Crowns Before & After Photos
How Long Do Crowns and Bridges Last?
Crowns and bridges are designed to be durable, but their longevity depends heavily on oral hygiene, biting forces, and daily habits.
The restoration itself cannot develop tooth decay, but the natural tooth underneath or around it still can. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits are therefore important for protecting the supporting teeth.
Habits such as chewing ice, biting fingernails, or using the teeth to open objects can shorten the life of a restoration.
How Do I Care for Crowns and Bridges?
A dental crown generally requires the same daily care as a natural tooth. Brush twice a day, floss regularly, and keep up with routine dental examinations and cleanings.
Dental bridges require a little additional attention because food and plaque can collect beneath the replacement tooth. You may use floss threaders, interdental brushes, or other recommended cleaning tools to clean around and under the bridge.
Consistent home care can help protect both the restoration and the natural teeth supporting it.
Dental Crowns and Bridges FAQs
Why Choose Gentle Dental Care for Crowns and Bridges in Edison?
Gentle Dental Care combines extensive restorative dentistry experience with a commitment to patient comfort and individualized treatment. Dr. Brad Strober graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, completed a residency at Graduate Hospital in Philadelphia, and earned both Fellowship and Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry. His ongoing continuing education supports a broad approach to restorative care.
Dr. Cynthia Butcofski graduated from New York University College of Dentistry and completed her dental residency at JFK Medical Center in Edison. She has practiced in the Edison area for many years and remains active in professional dental organizations and continuing education.
Together, Dr. Strober and Dr. Butcofski provide crown and bridge treatment with a focus on function, appearance, comfort, and long-term oral health.
Restore Your Smile in Edison, NJ
The ideal treatment approach depends on the strength of the teeth, bite alignment, and broader dental health.
Call 732-549-5660 to schedule a consultation for dental crowns or bridges at Gentle Dental Care in Edison, NJ. The practice also serves patients from Metuchen, South Plainfield, Piscataway, New Brunswick, Woodbridge Township, and surrounding communities.
