SERVICES | RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
Smithberger DDS offers permanent solutions to repair damaged teeth and replace missing ones.
When teeth are damaged or missing, it affects much more than your appearance—it can impact your bite, speech, and overall oral health. At Smithberger DDS in Towson, MD, we restore smiles with high-quality dental crowns and bridges. These proven solutions strengthen your teeth, maintain facial structure, and help you chew and speak comfortably again.
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are commonly used to protect teeth that are cracked, worn down, weakened after a root canal, or heavily filled. They also serve as anchors for dental bridges when replacing missing teeth. Our crowns are crafted from durable, lifelike materials that blend seamlessly with your natural smile.
A dental bridge is a fixed appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth by literally “bridging” the gap. It consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) supported by crowns placed on the teeth adjacent to the space. In some cases, bridges may also be secured with dental implants for greater stability and bone preservation. Whether supported by natural teeth or implants, bridges restore your bite and maintain the natural contour of your face
Leaving a gap from a missing tooth can lead to serious dental problems. Nearby teeth may drift into the empty space, causing misalignment, bite changes, and jaw discomfort. Additionally, missing teeth increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bone loss in the jaw. Over time, this can change your facial appearance, making your cheeks hollow and your lips thinner. By placing a bridge, we help protect your oral health, restore your smile’s function, and support a youthful facial structure
✔ Fixed Bridges – These traditional bridges are cemented onto neighboring teeth and can only be removed by a dentist. They offer stability and a natural feel.
✔ Implant-Supported Bridges – When multiple teeth are missing, an implant-supported bridge anchors to dental implants placed into the jawbone. This option preserves bone, prevents further tooth shifting, and offers excellent durability.
We customize crowns and bridges from a variety of strong, esthetic materials, including porcelain, ceramics, and porcelain fused to metal. The choice depends on the location of the tooth, your bite strength, cosmetic goals, and your dentist’s recommendation.
The process typically involves two or more visits. First, we carefully prepare the supporting teeth and take impressions or digital scans. A temporary crown or bridge is placed to protect your teeth while the permanent restoration is custom-made in a trusted dental lab. During your next visit, we will fit, adjust, and securely cement your crown or bridge, restoring full function and aesthetics.
Proper care extends the life of your dental restorations. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss around your crowns and bridges. Specialized tools like floss threaders or water flossers can help you clean underneath bridges where plaque can accumulate. Regular checkups and cleanings at Smithberger DDS ensure your restorations stay healthy and strong.
