Crowns & Bridges in Estero, FL
Estero Bay Dental has served the Estero and Bonita Springs community for more than 10 years, and Dr. Ivan Vigoa uses precision fitting techniques to make sure every crown and bridge feels natural.
A cracked filling, a worn-down molar, or a gap left by a missing tooth can change the way you eat, speak, and feel about your smile. Fortunately, most of these problems have a straightforward, long-lasting fix.
At Estero Bay Dental, Dr. Ivan Vigoa and our team use dental crowns and bridges to restore damaged or missing teeth so you can chew, speak, and smile with confidence again. We will always walk you through your options before recommending any treatment.
What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?
Dental crowns and bridges are custom-fitted tooth prosthetics used to replace or restore damaged or missing teeth. A crown, sometimes called a cap, is fixed over the surface of a natural tooth or a dental implant to cover and protect it. A bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth and is anchored in place by the natural teeth or crowns on either side of the empty space. Both crowns and bridges are non-removable and must be cemented in place by a licensed dentist, and patients who receive them typically regain both the function and appearance of natural, healthy teeth.
Reasons You Might Need a Crown or Bridge
Crowns and bridges address a range of common dental problems. You may be a candidate for one of these restorations if you have any of the following:
If any of these describe your situation, our team can help you determine whether a crown, a bridge, or another restoration fits your needs.
Choosing the Right Material for Your Restoration
Crowns and bridges can be made from porcelain, metal alloys, or a combination of the two, and the right choice depends on which tooth is being restored and how much bite force it needs to withstand. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, indirect restorations such as crowns and bridges are custom made using techniques like digital design and milling to achieve a precise, durable fit. If you choose a porcelain restoration, its shade will be matched to the natural color of your surrounding teeth so it blends in rather than stands out.
What to Expect During Treatment
If you are a candidate for a crown or bridge, your tooth will first be reduced to make room for the restoration. Our team will then take an impression of your bite to fabricate a mold, and you may be fitted with a temporary restoration while your permanent crown or bridge is made. Your teeth will need some time to heal after placement, so mild sensitivity to hot and cold is normal. Soreness in the gums around the restoration is also common and is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers, easing within a few days.
How Estero Bay Dental Approaches Your Crown or Bridge
We build personalized treatment plans around your specific tooth and your goals, and we always explain the pros and cons of each option so you can decide with confidence. If you would like another opinion before moving forward, we offer free second opinions. We accept CareCredit and work with Cherry Financing for flexible payment options, and we are in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, MetLife, and Principal. Our Smile Program discount program can also help make ongoing care more affordable.
Crowns and Bridges FAQs
Here are answers to a few more questions patients ask about crowns and bridges at our Estero, FL office.
How long do dental crowns and bridges last?
With proper care, crowns and bridges can last many years, though the exact lifespan depends on the material used, the location of the tooth, and how well you keep up with brushing, flossing, and regular checkups.
Is getting a crown or bridge painful?
The procedure itself is performed with local anesthesia, so most patients feel little to no pain during the appointment. Some mild soreness or sensitivity afterward is common and typically fades within a few days.
Will my dental insurance help cover a crown or bridge?
Many plans provide partial coverage for crowns and bridges, especially when the restoration is medically necessary. We are in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, MetLife, and Principal, and we can review your specific benefits before treatment begins.
How many appointments does a crown or bridge take?
Most crowns and bridges require at least two visits, one to prepare the tooth and take an impression, and a second to place the finished restoration once it returns from the dental lab. You may wear a temporary restoration in between.
What should I do if my crown or bridge feels loose?
Call our office as soon as you notice looseness or discomfort. A loose restoration can usually be re-cemented or repaired, but waiting too long can put the tooth underneath at risk.
Crowns and Bridges With Estero Bay Dental
Estero Bay Dental holds a 4.8-star rating across more than 600 patient reviews, and Dr. Ivan Vigoa and our team take the time to explain every restoration option so you always understand what is being recommended and why. Whether you need a single crown or a full bridge, we treat every patient with the same honest, judgment-free approach.
If a damaged or missing tooth is affecting your smile, our team can help you decide whether a crown or bridge is the right solution. Reach out through our contact form to schedule a consultation at our Estero, FL office.