What Crowns & Bridges Are
A crown is a custom cap that covers a damaged tooth to restore its strength and shape. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a replacement tooth to the crowns of the teeth on either side of the gap.
When You Need One
A crown is typically needed after a large filling fails, a tooth fractures, or following a root canal. A bridge may be recommended when one or more teeth are missing and the neighboring teeth already need crowns, or when an implant isn't the preferred route.
My Conservative Approach
I only recommend a crown when a tooth genuinely needs that level of coverage to survive — not as a cosmetic upgrade. When a smaller repair like a filling is enough, I'll recommend that instead.
What to Expect
Getting a crown or bridge usually takes two visits. At the first, I prepare the tooth, take an impression, and fit a temporary while the permanent restoration is made at the lab. At the second, I remove the temporary, fit and cement the permanent one, and check your bite so it feels like your own tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do crowns and bridges last?
With good care, both can last many years — often a decade or more.
What's the difference between a bridge and an implant?
A bridge anchors to the teeth on either side of a gap, while an implant stands independently in the jawbone. I'll help you decide which fits your situation better.
Ready to Schedule?
Book a visit or call the office — I'm happy to talk through whether this is the right fit for you.