Missing a tooth in a row? A bridge anchors a replacement to the teeth on either side without needing an implant. Smile Center Dentistry matches shade and shape to your surrounding teeth before anything is fabricated.
Material choice affects durability and cost differently depending on which tooth is involved, and we explain that honestly. We'd rather spend extra chairside time on the bite check than have you come back with pain.
An intraoral scanner captures your bite precisely, sent directly to the lab without a messy impression tray. The scan also lets you see a preview of your bite before fabrication begins.
Zirconia, e.max, and porcelain-fused-to-metal each have trade-offs in strength, appearance, and cost — we walk through all three. Material recommendations are specific to the tooth, not a blanket default across every case.
We check your bite carefully after placement and adjust until it feels natural, not just acceptable. We'd rather take five extra minutes than have you return uncomfortable.
If a crown or bridge doesn't fit or feel right, we adjust or remake it at no extra charge within the guarantee period. We'd rather remake a restoration than have you live with one that's not right.
Material and approach depend on which tooth and how much force it handles when you chew.
Highly durable and metal-free, zirconia is a strong choice for back teeth that handle heavy chewing force. Ideal when strength is the top priority.
E.max balances strength and aesthetics well for visible teeth where appearance matters most. We explain when this material fits better than zirconia for your case.
PFM can show a thin metal line at the gumline over time, which we explain honestly before you choose it. A solid option for back teeth where appearance is less of a priority.
A bridge anchors a replacement tooth to the crowned teeth on either side of a gap. Bridges avoid surgery but do require altering the supporting teeth.
While your permanent crown is fabricated, a temporary protects the prepared tooth from sensitivity and damage. Same-day crown milling may be available depending on your case and material choice.
An older crown that's cracked, loose, or decaying underneath can often be replaced without starting from scratch. We'll tell you honestly which option actually solves the problem.
We ask about the tooth's history — root canal, crack, missing — so we're prepared for your consult.
The tooth is prepared and scanned digitally, sent directly to the lab for fabrication.
We discuss zirconia, e.max, or PFM based on which tooth and how much force it needs to handle.
We adjust until it feels natural before you leave, not just acceptable.
"Digital impression instead of that awful putty tray from my last dentist. So much more comfortable."
"Bite felt slightly off after my crown was placed, and they adjusted it right there until it was right."
"Temporary crown while waiting for the permanent one didn't feel like a cheap afterthought — fit well the whole time."
"PFM crown on my back molar three years now, holding up exactly as they said it would."
"Old crown from another dentist had decay creeping underneath. They replaced it instead of just patching over the problem."
Typically two visits over one to two weeks — prep and impression first, then final fitting once the lab completes your restoration. Bridges involving multiple teeth sometimes take slightly longer to fabricate.
It depends on which tooth and how much chewing force it handles — we recommend based on your specific case, not a default choice. We're glad to walk through samples so you can see the differences yourself.
It depends on the health of your adjacent teeth and your long-term goals — we walk through both options honestly. We'll tell you if your adjacent teeth already need crowns anyway, which can tip the decision toward a bridge.
Front teeth get materials chosen specifically for translucency and natural appearance. We compare shade in natural light, not just under the exam lamp.
We'd rather you return for a quick adjustment than live with something that doesn't feel right. Most bite adjustments take just a few minutes chairside.
We break down the cost clearly by material so you can compare options. We verify insurance benefits beforehand so you know your out-of-pocket cost.
Our team serves Pecatonica and the surrounding zip codes with the same material-matched approach at every visit. New and existing patients throughout Pecatonica are welcome to book a restoration consult.
We'll match material and shade to your specific tooth, not a generic default.
Call +1-866-227-2801