Metal-Free Crowns & Bridges in Red Bank, NJ
Placed over a weakened or damaged tooth, a dental crown (also called a "cap") is a tooth-shaped cover that restores the tooth's natural appearance and prevents further deterioration. At The Center for Holistic Dental Medicine, Dr. Glenn A. MacFarlane and his team make sure patients receive metal-free dental crowns, a biocompatible, aesthetic option that sidesteps the problems tied to metal restorations, including allergic reactions and an obvious metallic appearance.
What they are
Custom tooth-shaped covers (crowns) and connected restorations (bridges) that use biocompatible, metal-free ceramics to restore damaged or missing teeth.
Who they're for
Patients who have weakened, broken, or decayed teeth, or who are missing one or more teeth and want an aesthetic, non-surgical replacement option.
Our approach
Restorations made entirely of metal-free ceramic that are biocompatible, indistinguishable from natural teeth, and free of the risks tied to metal materials.
Dealing with a damaged or missing tooth? Schedule a consultation with Dr. MacFarlane to explore your restoration options.
When Is a Crown Needed?
Far more aesthetic than metal, ceramic dental crowns can be virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth, so laughing, talking, or eating never has to make you self-conscious about your smile. For tooth replacement, our zirconia ceramic implants rely on the same biocompatible materials. Dr. MacFarlane may recommend a crown in a number of situations:
Protection & Restoration
- To cap a dental implant placed to replace a single missing tooth
- To shield a weakened or fractured tooth
- To reinforce a tooth whose structure has been compromised by a large area of decay
Repair & Aesthetics
- To restore severely chipped or broken teeth, or for cosmetic purposes
- To connect to false teeth (pontics) and form a porcelain dental bridge
- To rebuild a tooth too damaged for a filling or inlay/onlay
About the Crown Procedure
Because every dental crown at The Center for Holistic Dental Medicine is custom-made for the individual patient, completing your crown may take more than one appointment. During the first visit, the area is numbed and the tooth is shaped so the crown will fit properly over it. Impressions are then taken, and a temporary crown protects the tooth while the final one is made. Once it is ready, the permanent crown is cemented into place and restores your tooth to a healthy, functioning state.
With advanced materials and precise techniques, Dr. MacFarlane makes certain your restoration fits comfortably and blends seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. Because each crown is individually color-matched, the result looks completely natural.
Metal-Free Dental Bridges
For replacing missing teeth, patients at The Center for Holistic Dental Medicine have access to metal-free ceramic dental bridges. A dental bridge is a set of connected crowns that fills the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Dr. MacFarlane offers ceramic bridges as a great alternative to metal-framework bridges, which are less aesthetically pleasing and can be problematic for patients with metal allergies.
Whether a single tooth or several are missing, a bridge offers a fixed, non-removable solution that restores your ability to chew, speak, and smile with confidence.
Thinking about a bridge to replace missing teeth? Contact our office to discuss metal-free options with Dr. MacFarlane.
Benefits of Bridges & Crowns vs. Bridges
Benefits of a Dental Bridge
- Costs less than a dental implant
- Requires no oral surgery
- Placed faster than implants and implant restorations
- Often covered in part or in full by dental insurance plans
- Needs no healthy jawbone for placement
Crowns vs. Bridges at a Glance
- Crowns cover a single damaged tooth entirely to restore it
- Bridges anchor to neighboring teeth to replace one or more missing teeth
- At our practice, both options come in 100% metal-free ceramic
- Based on your specific needs and oral health, Dr. MacFarlane will recommend the best option
What to Expect at Your Visit
Visit Steps
- Consultation: Dr. MacFarlane examines the affected tooth or gap and talks through your treatment options
- Preparation: To support the restoration, the tooth (crown) or neighboring teeth (bridge) are carefully shaped
- Impressions: Detailed impressions are taken and sent to the lab, where your restoration is custom-fabricated
- Temporary placement: While the permanent restoration is made, a temporary crown or bridge protects your teeth
- Final cementation: The permanent metal-free ceramic crown or bridge is cemented into place and restores your tooth to a healthy, functioning state
Good to Know
- The process typically takes two visits spaced a few weeks apart
- Between appointments, temporary restorations keep your teeth protected
- Crowns and bridges need no surgery, and no downtime is required
- With proper oral hygiene and regular dental exams, bridges and crowns can last for many years
- Every restoration at our practice uses only biocompatible, metal-free materials
Ready to restore your smile? Get in touch with The Center for Holistic Dental Medicine today to book your crown or bridge consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don't let a damaged or missing tooth hold you back. Book your crown or bridge consultation at The Center for Holistic Dental Medicine in Red Bank, NJ.