About crowns & bridges
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged tooth, restoring its strength, shape, size, and appearance. Crowns are used to protect a tooth after a root canal, restore a tooth with a large filling that has failed, cover a cracked tooth, or cover a dental implant.
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a custom restoration to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Bridges are non-surgical and typically completed in two visits.
At A2 Dental we craft custom porcelain crowns from digital impressions taken with our iTero Element 2 scanner — no goopy trays. Your crown is fabricated by a trusted dental lab, and we place a comfortable temporary in the meantime so your tooth is protected until your final crown is ready.
When you might need this
If any of the following sound familiar, it may be time to schedule a visit. Only a doctor can diagnose your specific situation, but these are common reasons patients come in for crowns & bridges.
A large filling has cracked or fallen out
Once a filling occupies more than half the tooth, the remaining structure is at risk of fracturing. A crown wraps and protects what is left.
You have just had a root canal
A tooth treated with a root canal is more brittle than a healthy tooth. A crown is almost always recommended to prevent fracture.
A tooth is cracked or split
A vertical crack in a tooth needs a crown to hold the pieces together and prevent the crack from spreading.
You are missing one or two teeth
A bridge can replace the missing tooth or teeth without surgery, restoring chewing function and the smile in two visits.
A tooth is severely worn or stained
When wear or discoloration is too extensive for a veneer or filling, a crown can restore both strength and aesthetics.
You have a dental implant ready for restoration
The visible part of an implant restoration is a custom crown that screws or cements onto the implant post.
Your visit, step by step
- 01
Evaluation and 3D scan
We take a digital 3D scan of your tooth and bite — no putty impressions. Your doctor walks you through the recommended restoration.
- 02
Tooth preparation
Under local anesthetic, your doctor gently shapes the tooth to receive the crown. For a bridge, the two anchor teeth on either side of the gap are shaped.
- 03
Digital design
The digital scan from your iTero Element 2 impression is sent to our trusted dental lab, where your crown or bridge is custom-designed to match your bite and surrounding teeth.
- 04
Fabrication
Your restoration is fabricated by the lab over 1 to 2 weeks. A comfortable temporary is placed in the meantime so your tooth stays protected.
- 05
Final fit and cementation
Your doctor verifies the fit, color, and bite. The crown or bridge is then bonded permanently into place.
- 06
Bite refinement
A final bite check ensures the new restoration feels natural. Adjustments are made on the spot if needed.
Why patients choose us for this
Custom porcelain crowns
Lab-fabricated porcelain crowns matched to your bite and shade, with a comfortable temporary in between.
Digital impressions only
Our iTero Element 2 scanner replaces gag-inducing putty with a quick, comfortable 3D scan.
Precision fit
Digital impressions give the lab an exceptionally accurate model, for a crown that fits and feels right.
Experienced doctors
Dr. Yousif Maizy and Dr. Rita Maizy are experienced Ann Arbor dentists. Restorative dentistry is their daily craft.