Veneers, crowns, and dental bridges

If a tooth has suffered significant trauma, a root canal, or is aesthetically compromised, restoring it properly and achieving excellent aesthetics often requires the use of dental prosthetics.

Dental prosthetics is the branch of dentistry that uses custom-made prosthetic restorations constructed for the patient by a dental laboratory.

The existing prosthetic restorations are dental crowns, bridges, and veneers.

Scroll down to learn more.

Materials used for fixed prosthetic restorations

Fixed prosthetic restorations are typically made with a metal or zirconia base structure, topped with a thin, durable, and aesthetic ceramic layer made from advanced technology ceramics.

Can the missing space be covered from the first appointment?

The answer is yes. From the first appointment (see below for the necessary steps), once your natural tooth is prepared, we will place a temporary resin tooth to cover the missing space, protect the prepared tooth, and allow the gums to adjust around the temporary.

What are the procedures and how many appointments are needed to cement a fixed prosthesis?

Appointment 1 - Tooth preparation phase: filing the enamel of a tooth for a single dental crown, filing multiple teeth for a dental bridge. A temporary resin restoration mimicking the future crown or bridge is placed on the filed teeth.
Appointment 2 - Impression taking or scanning: After about a week of the temporary fitting, the position and shape of the prepared tooth are recorded so the dental laboratory can create the prosthetic restoration.
Appointment 3 - Fitting and shade matching: During this appointment, the fitting of the metal structure of the crown or bridge is tested. Additionally, the exact color of your teeth is recorded to match the restoration color to your natural teeth.
Appointment 4 - Final fitting and cementation of the restoration. Care and maintenance instructions.

Is it painful to file the teeth to prepare them for the prosthesis?

Absolutely not. The enamel filing procedure is performed under a simple local anesthetic. The patient will not feel any pain; moreover, if many teeth need to be filed, we can offer conscious sedation to help the patient relax during these procedures.

How long can the prosthesis last on my teeth?

The longevity of the prosthesis can vary depending on the initial condition of the prepared tooth, the execution by the dentist and dental technician, the maintenance by the patient, and the quality of the materials used for the prosthesis. Considering all these variables, these types of prosthetic restorations can last up to 20 years.

Our Fixed Prosthetics Experts

Dr. Mattia Pitino has decades of experience in Implant Prosthetics and Fixed Prosthetics.

Dr. Oriana Zocco has completed various specialization courses on Prosthetics on natural teeth and implants.

Meet the team

Dental crowns and bridges Dental veneers