In dentistry, crown and bridge refers to the restoration of natural teeth that have been damaged, decayed or lost. Once your dentist has examined your teeth and has evaluated your dental and medical history they will be ready to provide a diagnosis and treatment options. A crown may be constructed to restore an individual damaged tooth’s original form and function, while a bridge may be utilized to replace one or more teeth. These restorations are cemented onto the teeth and are referred to as “fixed” dentistry as opposed to a restoration of missing teeth with a removable appliance or partial denture.

A porcelain crown is used to completely cover a weakened, damaged or cracked tooth above the gum line and protect it. Colored and shaped to match your own teeth, crowns can look and feel almost exactly like a natural tooth.

Soft, moldable material is used to make a precise “impression” of the tooth to be crowned and nearby teeth. A dental technician uses the impression to make the crown the exact height needed.

A temporary crown made of plastic is put over the tooth until the crown is made. When the porcelain crown is fitted, small adjustments are made to ensure you retain your natural bite. Depending on the strength of the tooth underneath, with good dental hygiene a crown can last for many years.

Dental bridges are appliances used to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge is made out of three pieces that fit into the open space between teeth, ‘bridging’ the gap. Most bridges are made of a pontic tooth (or false tooth), held together by two crowns (a “cap” that covers the tooth, approximating its normal size and shape). This combination is then attached (cemented) to the abutment teeth (the surrounding teeth on each side of the gap).