Provisional crowns/bridges are temporary replacement prosthetic that protect the remaining natural teeth while patients are in mid-treatment. Provisional crowns are a great way to preserve the smile until missing teeth can be permanently replaced. Not only do they function as placeholders, but they also allow patients to see and feel the comfort of the permanent prosthetic. This allows patients ample time to discuss future treatments with Dr. Lee. An example of how great they are is in how they are used in creating new bridges. Usually, when a bridge fails, it fails for a reason. After the existent bridge is removed, it is no longer functionable and it can leave patients with an unsightly smile until the rest of their treatment is completed (i.e. extractions, root canals, implants…etc). Before the bridge is removed, a provisional bridge can be custom made for the patient to match the surrounding teeth. Until patients are ready to proceed with a new bridge or another permanent prosthetic, the provisional bridge will hide any gaps where teeth are missing and cover any teeth that were shaved down for the previous bridge. Patients can continue to smile confidently as they work their way to getting the real smile they want.