Dental Crowns & Bridges Hillsboro OR | East Wind Dental Care

Whether you need to restore a damaged tooth or replace missing teeth, dental crowns and bridges are time-tested solutions that can give you back a beautiful, functional smile. At East Wind Dental Care, Dr. Merat Ostovar offers both traditional lab-crafted restorations and cutting-edge CEREC same-day crowns—so you can choose the option that best fits your needs and lifestyle.

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What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown (also called a “cap”) is a custom-made covering that fits over a damaged, decayed, or cosmetically flawed tooth. The crown encases the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance.

When You Might Need a Crown

To Protect a Weak Tooth: A tooth weakened by decay, large fillings, or cracks may need a crown to prevent it from breaking.

To Restore a Broken Tooth: If a tooth is cracked, chipped, or worn down, a crown can restore it to full function and appearance.

After Root Canal Treatment: Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy are more brittle and typically need a crown for protection.

To Support a Large Filling: When there isn’t enough natural tooth structure left to support a filling, a crown provides the necessary strength.

To Cover a Dental Implant: Crowns serve as the visible “tooth” portion of dental implants.

For Cosmetic Enhancement: Crowns can improve the appearance of severely discolored, misshapen, or poorly aligned teeth.

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What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by “bridging” the gap between remaining teeth. The bridge consists of artificial teeth (called pontics) held in place by crowns attached to the natural teeth on either side of the gap (called abutment teeth).

Types of Dental Bridges

Traditional Bridge: The most common type, featuring crowns on both abutment teeth with one or more pontics between them.

Cantilever Bridge: Used when there’s only one adjacent tooth available for support. The pontic is anchored to a single abutment tooth.

Maryland Bridge (Resin-Bonded): Uses metal or porcelain wings bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth instead of full crowns. Less invasive but not as strong.

Implant-Supported Bridge: Anchored by dental implants rather than natural teeth. Ideal for replacing multiple consecutive missing teeth.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

• Restore your ability to chew and speak properly
• Maintain your facial shape and prevent sunken appearance
• Prevent remaining teeth from shifting out of position
• Distribute bite forces evenly
• Replace missing teeth without surgery (traditional bridges)
• More affordable than dental implants in many cases

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Crown Materials: Your Options

Crowns can be made from various materials, each with its own advantages. Dr. Ostovar will help you choose the best option based on the tooth’s location, your bite, and your aesthetic preferences.

All-Ceramic/All-Porcelain Crowns

Best for: Front teeth and patients with metal allergies

• Most natural-looking option
• Excellent color matching to surrounding teeth
• Metal-free and biocompatible
• Good strength for front teeth
• May not be ideal for heavy grinders

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns

Best for: Back teeth requiring extra strength

• Strong metal core with natural-looking porcelain exterior
• Good balance of strength and aesthetics
• Long track record of durability
• Dark line may show at gum line over time
• More tooth structure must be removed

Zirconia Crowns

Best for: Any tooth, especially for patients who grind their teeth

• Extremely strong and durable
• Natural appearance (especially newer “translucent” zirconia)
• Metal-free and biocompatible
• Excellent for CEREC same-day crowns
• Less likely to chip than all-porcelain

Gold and Metal Alloy Crowns

Best for: Back molars where appearance is less important

• Extremely strong and long-lasting
• Gentle on opposing teeth
• Require minimal tooth removal
• Not tooth-colored
• Often used for patients who prefer durability over aesthetics

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CEREC Same-Day Crowns

At East Wind Dental Care, we offer CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) technology—allowing you to receive a permanent, custom crown in a single visit!

How CEREC Works

Step 1: Digital Scanning – Instead of messy impression material, we use a small camera to take precise 3D images of your tooth.

Step 2: Computer-Aided Design – Dr. Ostovar uses specialized software to design your custom crown on a computer screen, ensuring perfect fit and appearance.

Step 3: In-Office Milling – Your crown is milled from a solid block of high-quality ceramic or zirconia right in our office while you wait.

Step 4: Placement – Dr. Ostovar bonds your new crown in place, makes final adjustments, and polishes it to perfection—all in the same appointment!

CEREC vs. Traditional Lab Crown

Feature	CEREC Same-Day	Traditional Lab Crown
Number of visits	1	2-3
Treatment time	1.5-2 hours	2-3 weeks
Temporary crown needed	No	Yes
Impression method	Digital scan	Physical impression
Material	Ceramic/Zirconia block	Various options
Precision	Computer-controlled	Handcrafted
Convenience	High	Lower

Benefits of CEREC Same-Day Crowns

• One Visit: No need to take multiple days off work or schedule around a second appointment
• No Temporary Crown: Avoid the discomfort and potential problems of wearing a temporary crown for weeks
• No Messy Impressions: Digital scanning is quick, comfortable, and more accurate
• Precision Fit: Computer-aided design and manufacturing ensures an accurate, well-fitting crown
• High-Quality Materials: CEREC crowns are milled from solid blocks of durable ceramic or zirconia
• Natural Appearance: Color-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth

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The Traditional Crown Process

For patients who prefer traditional lab-crafted crowns or in cases where CEREC isn’t the ideal solution, we also offer the conventional crown process.

First Appointment: Preparation

• Examination: Dr. Ostovar examines the tooth and takes X-rays to assess the root and surrounding bone
• Tooth Preparation: The tooth is shaped to accommodate the crown, removing decay and creating the proper form
• Impressions: Detailed impressions are taken of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth
• Shade Selection: The crown color is matched to your natural teeth
• Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while your permanent crown is made

Laboratory Fabrication (1-2 Weeks)

Your impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians craft your custom crown using your exact specifications.

Second Appointment: Placement

• Temporary Removal: The temporary crown is removed
• Fit Check: The permanent crown is tried on and adjusted for proper fit and bite
• Cementation: Once fit and appearance are confirmed, the crown is permanently cemented in place
• Final Adjustments: Minor adjustments are made if needed for comfort

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The Bridge Process

Getting a dental bridge typically requires two appointments, similar to traditional crowns.

First Appointment

• Abutment teeth are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to allow room for crowns
• Impressions are taken of your teeth
• A temporary bridge is placed

Second Appointment (1-2 weeks later)

• Temporary bridge is removed
• Permanent bridge is checked for fit and adjusted
• Bridge is cemented in place

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Caring for Your Crown or Bridge

With proper care, crowns typically last 10-15 years or longer, and bridges can last 5-15 years or more.

Daily Care Tips

• Brush Twice Daily: Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste
• Floss Daily: Use regular floss for crowns; use floss threaders or special bridge floss for bridges
• Rinse with Mouthwash: An antiseptic mouthwash helps reduce bacteria
• Avoid Hard Foods: Don’t chew ice, hard candy, or other hard objects that could damage your restoration
• Don’t Use Teeth as Tools: Never use your teeth to open packages or bottles

Regular Dental Visits

Continue to see Dr. Ostovar for regular checkups and cleanings. We’ll examine your restorations and address any issues before they become problems.

Signs of Problems

Contact us if you experience:

• Pain or sensitivity around the restoration
• A loose or moving crown or bridge
• Visible cracks or chips
• A change in your bite
• Gum recession around the restoration

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Cost and Insurance

Crown Costs

Crown costs vary based on material and complexity. At East Wind Dental Care, typical ranges are $1,000-$1,800 per crown. CEREC same-day crowns are competitively priced with traditional crowns.

Bridge Costs

Bridge costs depend on the number of units (pontics + abutment crowns). A typical 3-unit bridge may range from $2,500-$5,000.

Insurance Coverage

Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of crown and bridge costs (often 50% after deductible for major restorative work). We’ll verify your benefits and help maximize your coverage.

Financing Options

We offer flexible payment options including CareCredit financing and in-house payment plans. Don’t let cost prevent you from getting the dental care you need.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does getting a crown hurt?

No. We use local anesthesia to ensure you’re completely numb during the procedure. Most patients experience only mild sensitivity afterward.

How long does a crown last?

With proper care, crowns typically last 10-15 years, and many last 20+ years. CEREC crowns are just as durable as traditional lab-made crowns.

Can I eat normally with a crown?

Yes! Once your crown is permanently cemented, you can eat normally. Just avoid extremely hard foods and don’t use your teeth to open things.

Will my crown look natural?

Modern ceramic and zirconia crowns are color-matched to your natural teeth and look completely natural.

Is a bridge or an implant better for replacing missing teeth?

Both have advantages. Bridges are less invasive and less expensive upfront. Implants are more long-lasting, don’t require altering adjacent teeth, and help preserve bone. Dr. Ostovar will discuss which option is best for your specific situation.

How do I clean under a bridge?

Use a floss threader, super floss, or a water flosser to clean under the pontic (artificial tooth) portion of your bridge daily.

What if my temporary crown falls off?

Call us right away. Try to keep the temporary crown and avoid eating on that side. We can usually re-cement it quickly.

Can a crown get a cavity?

The crown itself can’t decay, but the tooth underneath can. That’s why good oral hygiene and regular checkups are essential.

Are CEREC crowns as good as lab crowns?

Yes! Studies show CEREC crowns are just as strong and durable as traditional lab-made crowns, with the added benefits of same-day placement and no temporary crown.

How soon can I get a CEREC crown?

We can often accommodate same-day CEREC crown appointments. Call us at (503) 614-0198 to check availability.

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Schedule Your Crown or Bridge Consultation

Whether you need a single crown, a bridge to replace missing teeth, or you’re interested in the convenience of CEREC same-day crowns, Dr. Ostovar and the team at East Wind Dental Care are here to help.

Call: (503) 614-0198
Visit: 7546 NE Shaleen St, Hillsboro, OR 97124
Serving: Hillsboro, Beaverton, Aloha, and Surrounding Areas

During your consultation, Dr. Ostovar will examine your teeth, discuss your options, and create a personalized treatment plan. Let us help you restore your smile!