Dental Crowns & Bridges in
Corpus Christi
Restore Your Smile's Strength & Beauty with Expert Crown & Bridge Treatment
At LaPointe Family Dentistry, Dr. LaPointe understands that damaged, weakened, or missing teeth can significantly impact your ability to eat comfortably, speak clearly, and smile with confidence. Dental crowns and bridges are proven restorative solutions that can restore both the function and appearance of your teeth, helping you maintain optimal oral health and a beautiful smile.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown, sometimes called a "cap," is a custom-made restoration that completely covers a damaged, weakened, or compromised tooth. The crown is designed to look, feel, and function like your natural tooth while providing strength and protection to the underlying tooth structure.
Dr. LaPointe carefully crafts each crown to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth, ensuring that your restoration blends seamlessly with your smile. Modern crowns are remarkably durable and, with proper care, can last many years while providing reliable function and aesthetic appeal.
How Crowns Work
When a tooth is significantly damaged by decay, fracture, or wear, a filling may not provide adequate strength or protection. A crown encases the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line, distributing biting forces evenly and preventing further damage. The crown is permanently cemented in place, becoming an integral part of your tooth structure.
When Do You Need a Crown?
Extensive Tooth Decay
When cavities are too large for fillings to adequately restore strength and function.
After Root Canal Treatment
Protect treated teeth from fracture and restore full function.
Cracked or Fractured Teeth
Crowns hold damaged teeth together and prevent further breakage.
Severely Worn Teeth
Large Existing Fillings
Replace oversized fillings that weaken remaining tooth structure.
Cosmetic Enhancement
Dramatically improve appearance of misshapen or severely discolored teeth.
Supporting Dental Bridges
Crowns serve as anchors for dental bridges, providing the strength needed to support replacement teeth.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. The bridge consists of artificial teeth (called pontics) that are anchored in place by crowns placed on the adjacent teeth (called abutments). This creates a "bridge" across the gap left by missing teeth.
Dr. LaPointe designs bridges to restore your ability to chew and speak properly while maintaining the proper alignment of your remaining teeth. Like crowns, bridges are custom-made to match your natural teeth in color, size, and shape.
How Bridges Work
The teeth on either side of the gap are prepared to receive crowns, which serve as anchors for the bridge. The pontic (replacement tooth) is fused to these crowns, creating a single, fixed unit that cannot be removed. This provides stable, permanent tooth replacement that functions much like your natural teeth.
When Are Bridges Recommended?
Replace Missing Teeth
Restore Confidence
Enjoy natural-looking tooth replacement that allows you to smile and speak with confidence.
Maintain Facial Structure
Prevent facial collapse and premature aging caused by missing teeth.
Fixed Alternative
Permanent solution for patients who prefer fixed restorations over removable appliances.
Prevent Tooth Movement
Stop adjacent teeth from drifting into empty spaces, which causes bite problems.
Crown & Bridge Materials:
Choosing What's Right for You
Porcelain
(All-Ceramic Crowns)
Best for front teeth and patients with metal sensitivities
- Excellent natural appearance with realistic translucency
- No metal components - completely biocompatible
- Stain-resistant and gentle on opposing teeth
- Ideal where aesthetics are paramount
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)
- Combines metal durability with porcelain beauty
- Proven track record with decades of successful use
- More economical than all-porcelain options
- Excellent for back teeth requiring strength
Zirconia Crowns
- Exceptional strength while maintaining natural appearance
- Metal-free with natural-looking translucency
- Highly resistant to chipping and cracking
- Perfect for both front and back teeth
Gold and Metal Alloys
- Exceptional longevity - can last 20+ years
- Gentle on opposing teeth with precise fit
- Minimal tooth preparation required
- Best for back teeth where strength is priority
Benefits of Crowns and Bridges
Restored Function
Crowns and bridges allow you to chew and speak normally, improving your quality of life and nutritional health.
Natural Appearance
Modern materials and techniques create restorations that are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Durability
With proper care, crowns and bridges can last 7-10 years or longer, providing excellent long-term value.
Preserved Oral Health
By restoring damaged teeth and replacing missing ones, crowns and bridges help maintain proper bite alignment and prevent further dental problems.
Improved Confidence
A complete, healthy-looking smile can significantly boost self-confidence and social comfort.
Protection
Crowns protect weakened teeth from further damage, potentially preventing the need for more extensive treatment later.
The Crown & Bridge Process: What to Expect
Consultation & Treatment Planning
Tooth Preparation (First Visit)
Impressions & Temporary Protection
Laboratory Fabrication (2-3 Weeks)
Skilled dental technicians create your custom restoration using Dr. LaPointe's precise specifications to ensure optimal fit, function, and aesthetics.
Final Placement (Second Visit)
Dr. LaPointe removes your temporary restoration, checks the fit and appearance of your new crown or bridge, makes any necessary adjustments, and permanently cements it in place.
Follow-Up Care
We provide detailed care instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to ensure your restoration functions perfectly and you're adapting well.
Caring for Your Crowns and Bridges
The entire procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on the size and location of the cavity. You can return to normal activities immediately, though we recommend waiting until the anesthesia wears off before eating to avoid accidentally biting your tongue or cheek.
Daily Oral Hygiene
Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. Special floss threaders may be needed to clean under bridges effectively.
Regular Dental Visits
Continue regular checkups and cleanings at LaPointe Family Dentistry so Dr. LaPointe can monitor your restorations and overall oral health.
Avoid Harmful Habits
Don't chew on hard objects like ice or use your teeth as tools. If you grind your teeth, ask Dr. LaPointe about a protective nightguard.
Watch Your Diet
While crowns and bridges are strong, avoid extremely hard or sticky foods that could damage your restorations.
Address Problems Promptly
Contact LaPointe Family Dentistry if you notice any changes in how your crown or bridge feels, or if you experience sensitivity or discomfort.
What to Expect After Crown and
Bridge Placement
Initial Adjustment Period
It's normal to experience some sensitivity and adjustment time as you get used to your new restoration. Most patients adapt within a few days to a week.
Bite Adjustment
Dr. LaPointe will ensure your bite feels comfortable, but minor adjustments may be needed as you begin using your new crown or bridge.
Oral Hygiene Adaptation
You may need to modify your oral hygiene routine, especially with bridges. Dr. LaPointe will demonstrate proper cleaning techniques to ensure your restorations stay healthy.
Alternative Treatment Options
While crowns and bridges are excellent solutions for many situations, Dr. LaPointe will also discuss alternative treatments when appropriate:
Dental Implants
For missing teeth, implants may offer advantages in certain situations, particularly when adjacent teeth are healthy and don't need crowns.
Inlays and Onlays
For less extensive damage, these partial crowns may provide adequate restoration while preserving more natural tooth structure.
Veneers
For primarily cosmetic concerns on front teeth, veneers might be a more conservative option than full crowns.
Dr. LaPointe will help you understand all your options so you can make an informed decision about your treatment.
Why Choose LaPointe Family Dentistry
for Crowns & Bridges?
Expertise and Experience
Quality Materials
Personalized Care
Comfortable Environment
Long-Term Relationship
Contact LaPointe Family Dentistry today to schedule your crown and bridge consultation. We're committed to helping you achieve a strong, healthy, and beautiful smile that you can enjoy for years to come.
During your consultation, Dr. LaPointe will thoroughly evaluate your situation, explain your options in detail, and work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.
Don't let damaged or missing teeth continue impacting your quality of life. Dr. LaPointe and our experienced team are ready to restore your smile's function, health, and beauty with expertly crafted crowns and bridges.
Accepting new patients! Most dental insurance plans accepted.