A damaged or missing tooth disrupts more than your smile. It affects how you eat, speak, and feel about yourself every day. When a tooth becomes too compromised to function properly or leaves a gap in your mouth, you need a solution as durable as it is beautiful.
At Simpson Dental PLLC in Charleston, West Virginia, Dr. Mark Simpson, Dr. Christen Simpson Raynes, and Dr. Chase Preston provide custom restorative dentistry solutions, including dental crowns and bridges. With our on-site dental lab staffed by three full-time technicians with a combined 60 years of experience, we create restorations that fit your mouth perfectly and look completely natural.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are custom-made caps that fit over damaged or weakened teeth to restore their shape, strength, and appearance. Think of a crown as a protective covering encasing your entire tooth above the gum line. When a tooth has been compromised by decay, injury, or a large filling, a crown provides the reinforcement it needs to function properly again.
We use the finest quality ceramic and porcelain materials to create crowns that look and feel like your natural teeth. Our technicians match the shade, translucency, and texture of your existing teeth so the crown blends seamlessly with your smile. The result is a restoration so natural-looking that most people won’t be able to tell the difference.
Crowns serve multiple purposes beyond simply covering a damaged tooth. They protect teeth after root canal therapy, anchor dental bridges, complete dental implants, and strengthen teeth with large fillings. When tooth structure becomes too compromised, a crown may be the solution that keeps you from losing the tooth entirely.
With proper care, including twice-daily brushing, regular flossing, and routine dental cleanings, many crowns last 10 to 15 years or longer.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A traditional bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth, called pontics, held in place by dental crowns on the adjacent natural teeth. These anchor teeth, called abutments, support the entire bridge structure and keep everything secure.
Bridges restore your ability to chew properly and speak clearly. They also prevent your other teeth from shifting out of position, which commonly happens when gaps are left untreated. Your natural teeth tend to drift toward empty spaces, leading to bite problems and additional dental issues down the road.
We create bridges in our on-site dental lab using high-quality materials that can be precisely matched to the color of your natural teeth. Our technicians craft each restoration to meet our exacting standards for fit and appearance, so your bridge looks beautiful and lasts for years. Because we control the entire process, we can often complete your bridge faster than offices that rely on outside laboratories.
Caring for a bridge is straightforward. Brush and floss daily, paying attention to the area around and beneath the pontic. Avoid using your teeth as tools, and if you grind your teeth at night, a night guard can help protect your restoration. Contact our office if you notice any sensitivity, looseness, or changes in your bite so we can address issues early.
General and Family Dentistry Financing Available
Quality dental care for the entire family with flexible financing that makes comprehensive treatment accessible.
The Crown and Bridge Process
We start with a comprehensive examination. We assess the condition of your teeth, take digital X-rays, and discuss your concerns and goals. This evaluation helps us determine whether crowns, bridges, or another solution best meets your needs.
For crowns, we carefully prepare the affected tooth by removing any damaged structure and shaping it to support the restoration. For bridges, we prepare the teeth on either side of the gap to serve as anchors. We then take precise impressions of your teeth to ensure your restoration fits perfectly.
While your permanent restoration is being crafted in our lab, we place a temporary crown or bridge to protect your prepared teeth. Once your custom restoration is ready, we remove the temporary and carefully fit the permanent crown or bridge. We check your bite, make any necessary adjustments, and securely bond the restoration in place.
Weighing Your Options: Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and bridges have helped patients restore their smiles for decades, and they remain a trusted choice for good reason. Both provide durable, natural-looking results and are fixed securely in place, so there’s no slipping or removal required. A crown can extend the life of a damaged tooth, while a bridge fills gaps and keeps surrounding teeth from drifting out of position.
That said, every treatment involves trade-offs worth considering. Preparing teeth for crowns or bridges requires removing some enamel, which is irreversible. Bridges also depend on the health of the anchor teeth, so keeping those teeth strong is essential for long-term success. For patients missing teeth, dental implants may be an alternative worth exploring, though they involve a longer treatment timeline and higher upfront cost.
During your consultation at Simpson Dental PLLC, we’ll walk you through your options and help you decide which approach makes the most sense for your needs and goals.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cost of dental crowns and bridges varies depending on the materials used, the complexity of your case, and how many teeth are involved. During your consultation, we’ll provide a clear estimate so you know what to expect before treatment begins.
Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of crown and bridge procedures, particularly when the restoration is considered necessary for oral health rather than purely cosmetic. Our team will work with your insurance provider to help you understand your benefits and maximize your coverage.
For patients without insurance or those facing out-of-pocket costs, we’re happy to discuss payment options that fit your budget. We believe that quality dental care should be accessible, and we’ll work with you to find a path forward that makes sense for your situation.
Schedule Your Consultation at Simpson Dental PLLC
Your trusted dental resource since 1948, Simpson Dental PLLC continues the proud tradition begun when Dr. Mark’s father and Dr. Christen’s grandfather, Robert R. Simpson, DDS, founded our practice. We’ve developed the most advanced office in West Virginia, combining generational experience with cutting-edge technology and materials.
When you choose us for your crown or bridge, you benefit from our on-site dental lab, which allows us to complete many restorations in a more timely manner while maintaining strict quality control. We focus on treating your mouth as part of your whole body because we want you to be healthy and proud of your smile. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover how crowns and bridges can restore your smile and your confidence.
Frequently Asked Question about Dental Bridges & Crowns in Charleston, WV
Can a dental crown or bridge be replaced?
Yes, both crowns and bridges can be replaced when needed. Over time, restorations may wear down, become damaged, or the underlying teeth may develop new issues. If your crown or bridge feels loose, looks worn, or causes discomfort, schedule a visit so we can evaluate whether a replacement is necessary.
Can a dental bridge or crown be done in one day?
In some cases, yes. With our on-site dental lab staffed by experienced technicians, we can often complete restorations faster than offices that send work to outside laboratories. During your consultation, we’ll let you know what timeline to expect based on your specific situation.
Does it hurt to get a dental crown or bridge?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during the procedure. We use local anesthesia to numb the area, so you shouldn’t feel pain while your tooth is being prepared. Some mild sensitivity afterward is normal and typically fades within a few days.
What is the average cost of a dental crown?
The cost of a dental crown depends on factors like the material used and the complexity of the case. Crowns can range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars per tooth. We’ll provide a detailed estimate during your visit, and our team can help you navigate insurance coverage and payment options.
What is the difference between crowns, bridges, and implants?
Each serves a different purpose. Crowns cover and protect damaged teeth that are still in place, and they’re also used to complete dental implant restorations. Bridges replace missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent natural teeth or, in some cases, to dental implants. Implants use a titanium post in the jawbone to support a crown or bridge without relying on neighboring teeth. We’re happy to discuss which option makes the most sense for your situation during your visit.
Meet Your Charleston Dentists
When you choose Simpson Dental, you’re choosing a team with three generations of experience serving Charleston, WV. Our doctors combine advanced training with a genuine commitment to patient care.
Dr. Mark W. Simpson, DDS
Dr. Mark Simpson continues the family tradition his father, Dr. Bob, established in 1948. With decades of experience and a commitment to the highest quality care, Dr. Simpson has built a reputation for excellence throughout Charleston.
Dr. Christen Simpson Raynes, DDS, MBA
As a third-generation dentist and one of the Top 25 Women in Dentistry, Dr. Christen brings advanced expertise and modern techniques to the practice. She combines her grandfather's and father's legacy with cutting-edge technology.
Dr. Chase Preston, DDS
Dr. Preston joined our team to provide exceptional care while maintaining the personal, family-focused approach that sets Simpson Dental apart.
Hear From Our Patients
Don’t just take our word for it. See what patients throughout Charleston are saying about their experience with Simpson Dental.
Explore Our Complete Dental Services
Simpson Dental offers comprehensive dentistry for patients throughout Charleston, WV. From preventive care to advanced restorative procedures, our three-generation practice delivers exceptional results.
- General Dentistry
- Cleanings
- Gum Disease Treatment
- Tooth Extractions
- Dental Botox & Fillers
Visit Us!
Conveniently located in Charleston, West Virginia, Simpson Dental has been serving our community since 1948. Our state-of-the-art facility features the most advanced dental technology in the state, including an on-site dental lab for same-day solutions.
Our central Charleston location makes it easy for patients throughout the Kanawha Valley to access exceptional dental care. We serve patients from Cross Lanes, South Charleston, Dunbar, St. Albans, Beckley, Fayetteville, Lewisburg, and surrounding communities. We also welcome patients from the Huntington area and nearby Ashland, Kentucky, who travel to Charleston for our specialized services and same-day solutions.