Winston Cutler
2 months ago
Precision-crafted crowns and bridges at Big City Dental — no putty trays, no guesswork, just results that look and feel natural.
If you have a tooth that is cracked, severely decayed, or missing altogether, the right restorative solution can make a significant difference in your daily life. At Big City Dental in Chicago, Dr. Nilay uses advanced digital impressions and high-quality materials to create crowns and bridges that restore full function and blend seamlessly with your natural smile.
What Are Crowns and Bridges: A dental crown is a custom-fitted cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. A bridge uses two crowns anchored to adjacent teeth to replace one or more missing teeth in between. Both are permanent, fixed restorations that look, feel, and function like natural teeth.
Restore Full Chewing Function
A damaged or missing tooth affects the way you eat, speak, and distribute bite pressure across your jaw. A crown or bridge restores normal function so you can chew comfortably and confidently.
Protect Weakened Teeth
A tooth with a large cavity, a crack, or a failed filling is at serious risk of fracture. A crown covers and reinforces the entire tooth, preventing the kind of damage that leads to extraction.
Natural-Looking Results
Modern crown materials are designed to match the color, translucency, and texture of your surrounding teeth. Most patients cannot tell the difference between their crown and their natural teeth.
No Uncomfortable Impressions
Big City Dental uses Trios 3D digital impressions instead of traditional putty trays. The process is faster, more comfortable, and more precise — which means a better-fitting restoration on the first try.
Prevent Bone Loss and Shifting
Missing teeth left untreated cause the surrounding teeth to shift and the underlying bone to deteriorate over time. A bridge fills the gap and helps maintain the structure of your bite.
Step 1 — Exam and Treatment Planning
Dr. Nilay will examine the tooth, take digital X-rays, and review your CBCT imaging if needed to assess the health of the surrounding bone and tissue. He will explain your options clearly and answer any questions before moving forward.
Step 2 — Tooth Preparation
For a crown, Dr. Nilay will reshape the tooth to create a secure foundation. For a bridge, the two anchor teeth on either side of the gap are prepared in the same way. Local anesthetic ensures the procedure is comfortable throughout.
Step 3 — Digital Impressions
Using Trios 3D digital scanning, Dr. Nilay captures a precise model of your prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. No messy putty, no gagging, no waiting for impressions to set.
Step 4 — Temporary Restoration
A temporary crown or bridge is placed while your permanent restoration is being fabricated by our dental lab. Most patients wear their temporary comfortably for two to three weeks.
Step 5 — Placement and Final Fitting
Once your permanent crown or bridge arrives, Dr. Nilay will check the fit, color, and bite before cementing it in place. Minor adjustments are made at the appointment to ensure a perfect result.
Our friendly team is here to help with anything you need — from insurance questions to treatment details.
With proper care, dental crowns typically last 10 to 15 years or longer. Bridges have a similar lifespan. Regular cleanings, good home hygiene, and avoiding habits like grinding help extend the life of any restoration.
The procedure is done under local anesthetic, so most patients feel little to no discomfort during the appointment. Some mild sensitivity around the tooth is normal for a few days afterward and resolves on its own.
It depends on the extent of the damage. Large cavities or cracked teeth that involve more than half the tooth structure are generally better served by a crown. Dr. Nilay will give you an honest recommendation based on what he finds during your exam.
In many cases, yes. A dental implant replaces the missing tooth root as well as the visible crown, making it the most durable long-term solution for a missing tooth. Dr. Nilay will walk you through both options so you can make the best decision for your specific situation.
Our patients come from across Chicago’s Northside neighborhoods. Here’s what they’re saying about their experience at Big City Dental.
2 months ago
Another great visit w Ashley! Chopping it up between spritzes!
3 months ago
I was taken back for my cleaning exactly on time, and the entire visit was efficient without feeling rushed. Another great experience and visit.
3 months ago
I've been going to this practice for over 30 years, and my long-time dentist finally retired a few months ago. I'm very happy to report that the new dentist who has taken over is a very sociable, knowledgeable, and trustworthy person. I'll be happy to continue going here for another 30 years!
4 months ago
I can’t say enough good things about this dental office. From the moment you walk in, everyone is kind, welcoming, and professional. The dentist truly takes the time to explain everything, answer questions, and make sure you’re comfortable throughout the entire visit. I always feel like I’m in great hands and that they genuinely care about doing excellent work—not rushing or cutting corners. The quality of care is consistently wonderful, and I leave every appointment feeling confident and well taken care of. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a dentist they can truly trust!
4 months ago
Been a patient here for years, and every time I leave, I swear I’m going to floss every day… it lasts about a week, but they never judge me! The hygienists are gentle, esp Abby. Dr. Nilay is awesome, and they somehow make dental cleanings almost enjoyable. Highly recommend this crew!
5 months ago
Big City Dental was clean, efficient, and friendly. I will be requesting Abby every time I go now!
5 months ago
Love the place. Amazing people. Friendly staff 🫶🏼✨
5 months ago
I had such a wonderful experience with Raquel and Serena. They were incredibly kind, patient, and professional from start to finish. Their calming personalities and friendly attitudes made the entire visit so much more comfortable. They took the time to explain everything clearly and made sure I felt at ease throughout the appointment. You can truly tell they care about their patients. Thank you, Raquel and Serena, for providing such exceptional care—your teamwork and positivity make all the difference! 🌟🦷
5 months ago
I would definitely recommend Big City Dental to everyone that I know. My Hygienist Ashley was very efficient and thorough and my teeth especially clean. I was totally impressed. I will definitely recommend Ashley to all my family and friends.