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.
A crown or bridge that doesn't fit right causes bite problems for years — we check fit carefully before you leave. A restoration is only as good as its fit, which is why we don't rush that step.
Digital impressions reduce fitting errors compared to traditional putty molds. 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.
A crown that's slightly high can cause pain within days — we catch that before you leave the chair. Bite paper checks happen before you're released, not left for you to notice at home.
We don't consider the case done until you're chewing comfortably on it. 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.
We shade-match zirconia carefully since it can appear less translucent than natural enamel if not planned well. Ideal when strength is the top priority.
A glass-ceramic material known for a more translucent, natural appearance, often preferred for front teeth. We explain when this material fits better than zirconia for your case.
A metal substructure with a porcelain outer layer offers strength at a lower cost than all-ceramic options. A solid option for back teeth where appearance is less of a priority.
We evaluate whether your adjacent teeth are healthy enough to support a bridge before recommending it over an implant. 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.
We evaluate whether repair or full replacement makes more sense for your specific restoration. We'll tell you honestly which option actually solves the problem.
Call +1-866-227-2801 to schedule your exam and discuss which tooth needs restoration.
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."
"Crown milling was done same-visit for my case, saved me a whole second appointment."
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.
Zirconia suits back teeth needing strength; e.max often suits visible front teeth better. Budget is a legitimate factor too, and we'll discuss cost differences openly.
It depends on the health of your adjacent teeth and your long-term goals — we walk through both options honestly. Cost and timeline both factor into this decision, and we lay out both clearly.
Yes — we shade-match to your surrounding teeth and choose material based on where visibility matters most. Back teeth prioritize strength since they're less visible when you smile.
We'd rather you return for a quick adjustment than live with something that doesn't feel right. Don't wait weeks hoping it'll settle on its own — call us and we'll check it.
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 Notre Dame and the surrounding zip codes with the same material-matched approach at every visit. Whether it's a single crown or a full bridge, our Notre Dame lab relationships keep turnaround times predictable.
We'll match material and shade to your specific tooth, not a generic default.
Call +1-866-227-2801