Missing a tooth in a row? A bridge anchors a replacement to the teeth on either side without needing an implant. Smile Center Dentistry matches shade and shape to your surrounding teeth before anything is fabricated.
Material choice affects durability and cost differently depending on which tooth is involved, and we explain that honestly. A restoration is only as good as its fit, which is why we don't rush that step.
An intraoral scanner captures your bite precisely, sent directly to the lab without a messy impression tray. Digital files transmit to the lab instantly, which can shorten turnaround time.
Zirconia, e.max, and porcelain-fused-to-metal each have trade-offs in strength, appearance, and cost — we walk through all three. We'll tell you plainly if a cheaper material is genuinely fine for your case, not just upsell the priciest option.
A crown that's slightly high can cause pain within days — we catch that before you leave the chair. Bite paper checks happen before you're released, not left for you to notice at home.
We don't consider the case done until you're chewing comfortably on it. We'd rather remake a restoration than have you live with one that's not right.
Crowns and bridges serve different purposes depending on what's damaged or missing — here's what we offer.
Highly durable and metal-free, zirconia is a strong choice for back teeth that handle heavy chewing force. Ideal when strength is the top priority.
A glass-ceramic material known for a more translucent, natural appearance, often preferred for front teeth. We explain when this material fits better than zirconia for your case.
A metal substructure with a porcelain outer layer offers strength at a lower cost than all-ceramic options. A solid option for back teeth where appearance is less of a priority.
We evaluate whether your adjacent teeth are healthy enough to support a bridge before recommending it over an implant. Bridges avoid surgery but do require altering the supporting teeth.
While your permanent crown is fabricated, a temporary protects the prepared tooth from sensitivity and damage. Same-day crown milling may be available depending on your case and material choice.
An older crown that's cracked, loose, or decaying underneath can often be replaced without starting from scratch. We'll tell you honestly which option actually solves the problem.
We ask about the tooth's history — root canal, crack, missing — so we're prepared for your consult.
The tooth is prepared and scanned digitally, sent directly to the lab for fabrication.
We discuss zirconia, e.max, or PFM based on which tooth and how much force it needs to handle.
We adjust until it feels natural before you leave, not just acceptable.
"Digital impression instead of that awful putty tray from my last dentist. So much more comfortable."
"Bridge instead of an implant since my adjacent teeth already needed crowns anyway. Made financial sense and they explained why."
"Temporary crown while waiting for the permanent one didn't feel like a cheap afterthought — fit well the whole time."
"They walked through all three material options with actual pros and cons instead of just picking one for me."
"Old crown from another dentist had decay creeping underneath. They replaced it instead of just patching over the problem."
Same-day crown milling may be available for some cases, which we discuss at your consult. Bridges involving multiple teeth sometimes take slightly longer to fabricate.
Zirconia suits back teeth needing strength; e.max often suits visible front teeth better. We're glad to walk through samples so you can see the differences yourself.
It depends on the health of your adjacent teeth and your long-term goals — we walk through both options honestly. We'll tell you if your adjacent teeth already need crowns anyway, which can tip the decision toward a bridge.
Yes — we shade-match to your surrounding teeth and choose material based on where visibility matters most. We compare shade in natural light, not just under the exam lamp.
Come back and we'll adjust the fit or bite at no extra charge within the guarantee period. Most bite adjustments take just a few minutes chairside.
We break down the cost clearly by material so you can compare options. We verify insurance benefits beforehand so you know your out-of-pocket cost.
Our team serves San Antonio and the surrounding zip codes with the same material-matched approach at every visit. Whether it's a single crown or a full bridge, our San Antonio lab relationships keep turnaround times predictable.
Licensed, precise, and local to San Antonio — call and ask about your options.
Call +1-866-227-2801