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Crowns & Bridges

Dental Crowns & Bridges in Charlottesville, VA

At Willis & Associates Family Dentistry Ivy – Charlottesville, dental crowns and bridges are among our most frequently recommended restorative treatments. Dr. Michelle Kim uses high-quality materials and precise techniques to restore damaged, decayed, or missing teeth — giving you a smile that looks, feels, and functions naturally.

What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are recommended when a tooth is too compromised for a simple filling but can still be preserved rather than extracted.

Common reasons for dental crowns include:

  • Large cavities that cannot be repaired with a filling alone
  • Cracked, chipped, or fractured teeth
  • Teeth weakened by root canal therapy
  • Severely worn or misshapen teeth
  • Cosmetic improvement of discolored or poorly shaped teeth

What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Bridges restore your ability to chew and speak comfortably, prevent neighboring teeth from shifting, and maintain the natural shape of your face.

Crown & Bridge Materials

We offer several high-quality materials to match your needs and aesthetic goals:

  • Porcelain & Ceramic: Excellent color matching for a natural appearance — ideal for front teeth
  • Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal: Combines strength and aesthetics for back teeth
  • Zirconia: Extremely durable and lifelike — a popular choice for both front and back teeth

The Treatment Process

Getting a crown or bridge typically requires two visits. During the first appointment, Dr. Kim prepares the tooth, takes precise digital impressions, and places a comfortable temporary restoration. Your custom crown or bridge is fabricated by a trusted dental laboratory. At your second visit, we bond the permanent restoration in place and ensure a perfect fit and bite.

Caring for Your Crown or Bridge

With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, crowns and bridges can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Brush and floss daily, use a floss threader under bridges, and visit Willis & Associates Family Dentistry Ivy for routine checkups to protect your investment.

Considering a crown or bridge? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Michelle Kim by calling 434-977-4101 or requesting an appointment online.

Quick Links

New Patients Learn what to expect at your first visit with us. Scheduling Schedule your next appointment online or by phone. Patient Registration Register as a new patient quickly and easily. Emergency Care Dental emergency? Call 434-977-4101 for same-day care.

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Related Services

Clinical Hours

  • Mon – Fri8am – 5pm
  • Sat – SunClosed

Appointment Booking

  • Available24/7

Our Location

2216 Ivy Rd #205
Charlottesville, VA 22903

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Related Reading & Care

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a crown and a bridge?

A crown is a custom-made cap that covers a single damaged tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth to crowns placed on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Crowns save compromised teeth; bridges fill spaces left by missing ones.

How many visits does a crown or bridge take?

Typically two. At the first visit, we prepare the tooth, take precise digital impressions, and place a comfortable temporary restoration. A trusted dental laboratory then fabricates your custom crown or bridge. At the second visit, we bond the permanent restoration in place and fine-tune the fit and bite so it feels completely natural.

What materials are used for crowns and bridges?

We offer several high-quality options. Porcelain and ceramic provide excellent color matching for front teeth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal combines strength and aesthetics for back teeth. Zirconia is extremely durable and lifelike, making it a popular choice anywhere in the mouth. We help you choose the material that best fits the tooth location, your bite, and your aesthetic goals.

How long do crowns and bridges last?

With proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits, crowns and bridges can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Daily brushing and flossing, using a floss threader to clean under bridges, and keeping up with routine checkups at our Ivy Road office are the keys to protecting your investment for as long as possible.

When is a crown recommended instead of a filling?

A crown is recommended when a tooth is too compromised for a simple filling but can still be preserved rather than extracted. Common situations include large cavities, cracked or fractured teeth, teeth weakened by root canal therapy, and severely worn or misshapen teeth. Crowns can also improve the appearance of discolored or poorly shaped teeth.

Ready to Schedule Your Visit?

Book online any time, or call 434-977-4101 — our phones are answered after hours for scheduling and urgent needs.

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