Skip to content

Crowns, Bridges & Veneers

We offer dental crowns, bridges, and porcelain veneers—effective procedures to restore, protect, and enhance your smile.
A woman is having a dental examine.

About Dental Crowns

A dental crown procedure is a treatment used to restore a damaged and/or decayed tooth and teeth with root canals. The crown completely covers the tooth, returning it to its normal shape, size, and function.

The crown restores the tooth’s appearance and function, and the procedure usually takes two visits: one for preparation and the scan and another for the crown placement.

Our crowns are made out of porcelian.

Dental Crown Procedure

Here’s what the procedure typically involves:

1. Consultation

Dr. Weininger will examine the tooth to determine if a crown is necessary. X-rays will be taken to assess the tooth’s condition.

2. Tooth Preparation

Dr. Weininger will numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. Then, Dr. Weinginger will reshape the tooth by removing any decayed or damaged portions to make space for the crown.

3. Digital Impression Scan

After reshaping the tooth, one of our dental assistants will take a digital scan of the prepared tooth. This scan is sent to the lab where the crown will be fabricated.

4. Temporary Crown

Once the prep and scan are done, the dental assistant will make a temporary crown to protect the prepped tooth while the porcelain crown is being fabricated at the lab.

5. Crown Replacement

Once the permanent crown is ready (typically after three to four weeks), the temporary crown is removed, and the new crown is tried onto the tooth. The assistant will take an x-ray with the crown in place but not yet cemented in, then Dr. Weininger will check for a proper fit and make adjustments if necessary.

6. Cementing the Crown

Once the fit and color are satisfactory, the crown is permanently cemented in place.

About Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a procedure used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth (or teeth) to adjacent natural teeth.

Bridge Procedure

Here’s how the procedure typically works:

1. Consultation and Planning

Dr. Weininger will examine the tooth to determine if a crown is necessary. X-rays will be taken to assess the tooth’s condition.

2. Preparation of Adjacent Teeth

Dr. Weininger will reshape the teeth on either side of the space, which will serve as anchors for the bridge. These teeth are crowned to ensure a secure fit for the bridge. The reshaping involves removing some enamel to make room for the crown. A digital scan will be taken of the prepped teeth by one of our dental assistants and sent to the lab.

3. Temporary Bridge

Once the prep and scan are done, the dental assistant will make a temporary bridge to protect the prepped teeth while the porcelain bridge is being fabricated at the lab.

4. Creating the Permanent Bridge

A dental lab will fabricate the bridge based on the scan taken at the preparation visit. The bridge typically consists of one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) held in place by crowns that fit over the prepared anchor teeth (called abutment teeth).

5. Fitting and Cementing the Bridge

Once the permanent bridge is ready (typically after three to four weeks), the temporary bridge is removed, and the new bridge is tried onto the teeth. The assistant will take an x-ray with the bridge in place but not yet cemented in, then Dr. Weininger will check for a proper fit and make adjustments if necessary.

6. Cementing the Crown

Once the fit and color are satisfactory, the crown is permanently cemented in place. Our bridges are made out of porcelain. Overall, the procedure is a common and effective solution to restore the appearance and function of a missing tooth or teeth.

About Porcelain Veneers

The porcelain veneer procedure involves several steps that require precision and expertise to ensure the best aesthetic result.

Veneer Procedure

Here’s a breakdown of the typical process:

1. Consultation and Planning

  • Initial Evaluation: Dr. Weininger will examine your teeth to determine if veneers are the right solution for you.
  • Discussion of Goals: We will discuss your desired outcome, whether it’s improving the color, shape, size, or alignment of your teeth. Dr. Weininger may show you before-and-after photos or use a digital simulation.

2. Preparation

  • Tooth Shaping: To fit the veneer, a small amount of enamel (usually less than a millimeter) is removed from the front of the tooth. This ensures that the veneer will sit naturally in line with the rest of your teeth.
  • Digital Impressions: After the tooth is shaped, the assistant will take a digital impression of your teeth, which will be sent to a dental lab where your custom veneers will be made. This process will take about 3-4 weeks.

3. Temporary Veneers

We will place temporary veneers over your teeth to protect them while waiting for the permanent ones. These are made of a plastic or acrylic material and will not be as durable or aesthetic as the final porcelain veneers.

4. Fabrication of Veneers

In the dental lab, the porcelain veneers are crafted to fit the impressions of your teeth. Porcelain is used because it closely mimics the appearance of natural teeth, including translucency and texture.

5. Fitting and Bonding

  • Trial Fit: Once the veneers are ready, Dr. Weininger will place them temporarily on your teeth to check for fit, color, and aesthetics.
  • Adjustments: If necessary, adjustments will be made to ensure the veneers align with your teeth properly.
  • Bonding: Once you’re satisfied with the look and fit, the veneers are permanently bonded to your teeth using a special dental adhesive. A curing light is used to harden the adhesive and secure the veneers in place.
  • Final Touch: After the veneers are bonded, Dr. Weininger may make minor adjustments to ensure the fit and comfort of your bite.

6. Post-Procedure Care

You may experience slight sensitivity in your teeth after the procedure, but this should subside in a few days.
Maintain proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing.
Porcelain veneers are durable and can last for many years with proper care, offering a natural, aesthetic enhancement to your smile.