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. A restoration is only as good as its fit, which is why we don't rush that step.
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.
We recommend material based on which tooth is involved and how much chewing force it takes, not just price. 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.
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.
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.
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.
We fit temporaries carefully so they don't feel like an afterthought during the wait. 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.
Your finished crown or bridge is bonded and checked carefully for fit and bite alignment.
"Digital impression instead of that awful putty tray from my last dentist. So much more comfortable."
"Bridge instead of an implant since my adjacent teeth already needed crowns anyway. Made financial sense and they explained why."
"Temporary crown while waiting for the permanent one didn't feel like a cheap afterthought — fit well the whole time."
"They walked through all three material options with actual pros and cons instead of just picking one for me."
"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.
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.
A bridge avoids surgery but involves the neighboring teeth; an implant doesn't touch them but requires a longer process. 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. We compare shade in natural light, not just under the exam lamp.
Come back and we'll adjust the fit or bite at no extra charge within the guarantee period. Don't wait weeks hoping it'll settle on its own — call us and we'll check it.
Cost depends on material choice and whether it's a single crown or a multi-tooth bridge — we quote this after your exam. Financing options are available for larger restoration cases.
Our team serves Salem and the surrounding zip codes with the same material-matched approach at every visit. New and existing patients throughout Salem are welcome to book a restoration consult.
Licensed, precise, and local to Salem — call and ask about your options.
Call +1-866-227-2801