Crowns & Bridges in Naperville, IL
Crowns and bridges restore both function and appearance when a tooth is too damaged for a filling or you're missing one or more teeth. Dr. Brammeier crafts custom porcelain and ceramic restorations at Brammeier Dental of Naperville that look, feel, and function like your natural teeth, so you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence again.
What it is
Placed over a damaged tooth, a crown is a custom cap. A bridge anchors a set of connected crowns to neighboring teeth, replacing one or more missing teeth.
Who it's for
Anyone with gaps from missing teeth, large failing fillings, post-root-canal teeth, or cracked, broken, or severely decayed teeth.
How we help
Durable, high-quality restorations crafted from custom-matched porcelain or ceramic, built on precise digital impressions for lasting results.
Cracked, broken, or missing a tooth? A crown or bridge can restore both your smile and your bite.
Dental Crowns
Covering and protecting a weakened or damaged tooth, a dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that restores its shape, strength, and appearance. Custom made to match your natural teeth, crowns can last 15 years or longer with proper care. They are also the typical follow-up after root canal therapy, sealing and reinforcing the treated tooth. For more moderate damage, a less invasive inlay or onlay may be all that's needed.
When You May Need a Crown
- A large cavity that's grown too big for a filling
- A tooth that is cracked, chipped, or severely worn
- To reinforce a weakened tooth after root canal therapy
- A large filling that is failing or broken and needs replacing
- To anchor a bridge or cover a dental implant
- Cosmetic improvement of a misshapen or discolored tooth
Crown Materials
- All-porcelain/ceramic: Ideal for front teeth and visible areas, the most natural-looking option
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal: Pairs a natural porcelain exterior with the strength of metal
- Zirconia: Tooth-colored and extremely strong, an excellent choice for back teeth under heavy bite force
- Gold alloy: Gentle on opposing teeth and highly durable, sometimes preferred for back molars
- Same-day crowns: Designed digitally and milled in-office, with no temporary crown or second visit needed (available for select cases)
Dental Bridges
Filling the gap left by one or more missing teeth, a dental bridge consists of artificial teeth (pontics) anchored to crowns on the neighboring teeth. Once cemented, it stays fixed in place, so you never remove it, and it feels and functions like natural teeth. When a single gap sits between healthy neighboring teeth, a single-tooth implant is another excellent option to consider.
Beyond restoring your ability to chew and speak properly, replacing missing teeth keeps the remaining teeth from shifting out of position and maintains the natural shape of your face.
Bridge Benefits
- Brings back your smile along with natural chewing and speaking
- Keeps the remaining teeth from drifting into the gap
- Spreads bite forces evenly across your arch
- Preserves facial structure and prevents the sunken look that missing teeth can cause
- Stays fixed in place, with no adhesives, removal, or adjustment
Bridge vs. Implant
- Bridges anchor to neighboring teeth and are typically completed in 2–3 visits
- Implants stand on their own, leaving adjacent teeth untouched
- When neighboring teeth already need crowns, a bridge is often the better choice
- When adjacent teeth are healthy and strong, an implant is ideal
- Dr. Brammeier will help you weigh the options based on your specific situation
Struggling with a damaged tooth or missing one altogether? Let us help you choose the right restoration for your needs.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Visit Steps
- Consultation: Dr. Brammeier examines the tooth, reviews X-rays, and talks through whether a crown, bridge, or other option suits you
- Preparation: After numbing, the tooth is shaped to accommodate the crown and digital or physical impressions are taken
- Temporary crown: While your custom crown or bridge is fabricated, a temporary protects the tooth
- Final placement: At your second visit (typically 2–3 weeks later), the temporary comes off and your permanent restoration is cemented in place
- Bite adjustment: We fine-tune the fit until your bite feels natural and comfortable
Helpful Tips
- Plan on 60–90 minutes for each visit
- Expect numbness for 1–2 hours afterward, so hold off on eating until sensation returns
- Because the temporary crown is functional but less durable, avoid sticky or very hard foods
- Mild sensitivity after cementation is normal and usually settles within a week
- Brush and floss around your crown like a natural tooth, and slide a floss threader under bridges
- With good care and regular checkups, crowns and bridges can last 15+ years
Frequently Asked Questions
Restore your confidence and protect your teeth. Custom crowns and bridges built to last.