Crowns, bridges and dentures

Crowns, bridges and dentures in Mooca – Dr. Cléo Salustiano

Dental prosthetics covers everything that replaces or rebuilds teeth: a crown on a weakened tooth, a bridge where a tooth is missing, a partial denture, a full denture or a fixed prosthesis on implants. At Dr. Cléo Salustiano’s office (CRO-SP 170844), in Mooca, São Paulo, oral rehabilitation is a core part of the work, and Dr. Cléo is taking a postgraduate program in Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry at São Leopoldo Mandic.

The right type depends on how many teeth are missing, the health of the gums and bone, your bite and what you expect from treatment. All of this is checked at the assessment, and the plan is explained step by step before any decision. Care in English, Portuguese and Spanish.

Types of prosthesis

Type	What it is for	Fixed or removable
Crown (cap)	Covers and protects a heavily filled, fractured or root-canal-treated tooth	Fixed
Fixed bridge	Replaces one or more teeth using the neighboring teeth as support	Fixed
Partial denture	Replaces some teeth and attaches to the remaining teeth with clasps or attachments	Removable
Full denture	Replaces all the teeth in one arch	Removable
Implant crown	Replaces one tooth on an implant, without relying on the neighboring teeth	Fixed
Fixed full-arch or overdenture	Replaces a full arch on implants: the fixed full-arch bridge is screwed in; an overdenture clips in and comes out for cleaning	Fixed or removable

When the assessment points to implants, they become part of the same plan. See dental implants.

Materials

Crowns and bridges can be made of zirconia, porcelain (ceramic), porcelain-fused-to-metal or resin, the latter mostly for temporaries. Zirconia is very strong; porcelain has a translucency similar to natural teeth; porcelain-fused-to-metal is a traditional, strong option, but over time it may show a dark line near the gum.

The choice takes into account the position of the tooth, bite force and aesthetics.

How it is done

Assessment: Exam of the mouth and bite and, when needed, X-rays. This is where the type of prosthesis and the material are chosen.
Preparation: Treating whatever comes first, such as cavities, gums or a root canal, and preparing the teeth that will receive the prosthesis.
Impressions and temporary: The impression goes to the lab. While the final piece is being made, you can wear a temporary so you are not left without a tooth.
Try-in and adjustments: The piece is tried in to check fit, shade and bite before placement.
Placement and follow-up: The prosthesis is cemented, screwed in or delivered (for removable ones), with a follow-up for small adjustments.

What affects the cost

The cost of a prosthesis depends on the type, the number of teeth, the material, any treatment needed first (such as a root canal or gum care) and exams. That is why it is presented after the assessment, with the full plan.

How long it lasts and how to care for it

A well-fitted, well-maintained prosthesis usually lasts many years. What shortens its life most is decay or gum inflammation on the supporting teeth, teeth grinding and skipping check-ups.

Careful brushing, floss or interdental brushes under bridges and regular check-ups make the difference. Removable prostheses should be taken out and cleaned every day.

Address and contact

Rua Hipódromo, 1141 — Mooca, São Paulo/SP +55 (11) 97409-7834 call +55 (11) 97409-7834 WhatsApp Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Available treatments

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a bridge and an implant?

A bridge replaces the tooth by resting on the neighboring teeth, which need to be prepared. An implant replaces the root and gets its own crown, without touching the neighbors. Which one makes sense depends on the bone, the health of the adjacent teeth and your case.

Will I be without a tooth while the prosthesis is made?

In most cases, no: a temporary prosthesis is worn while the final one is made in the lab.

Zirconia or porcelain crown?

Zirconia is very strong and is often chosen where the bite is heavy; porcelain looks very natural and is widely used on front teeth. There are also options that combine both. The choice is made at the assessment.

How much does a dental prosthesis cost?

It depends on the type, the material, the number of teeth and what needs to be treated first. The cost is presented at the assessment, together with the full plan.

Do removable dentures hurt?

In the first days there may be pressure points, which are relieved at the adjustment visits. A well-fitted denture should not hurt.

Are you open at night and on weekends?

Yes. Patients are seen Monday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., always by appointment.

Do you accept dental insurance?

No. This is a private practice. At the assessment, treatment options and payment terms are explained clearly before any decision.