Crowns & Bridges

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over the entire visible surface of a tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, strength, and appearance, and is designed to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.

According to the American Dental Association, crowns are recommended to strengthen a tooth with a large filling when there is not enough natural tooth structure remaining to hold it, to protect a weakened tooth from fracturing, and to restore a tooth that is already broken. They are also used to anchor a dental bridge, cover a tooth that is badly shaped or discolored, and cap a dental implant.

Not every case that could benefit from a crown is the same. During your consultation at Esteem Dental Studio, we take time to explain what is happening with your tooth, why a crown is or is not the right move, and what material options are available so you can make an informed decision alongside us.

Crown Materials and What to Expect

The materials used for a crown depend on where the tooth is in your mouth, how much biting force it takes, and what matters to you aesthetically. Common options include porcelain, ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and zirconia, each with its own balance of durability and appearance. We walk you through the tradeoffs so the final choice reflects your priorities.

The process typically takes two appointments. At the first visit, the tooth is prepared, an impression is taken, and a temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while your permanent crown is being made. At the second visit, the permanent crown is seated and adjusted for fit and bite.

A dental bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth using a fixed restoration that attaches to the natural teeth on either side of the space. The American Dental Association describes a bridge as a fixed partial denture that literally bridges the gap, replacing missing teeth with artificial ones that restore chewing function and keep surrounding teeth in place.

When a tooth is lost and the gap goes untreated, the neighboring teeth can gradually drift toward the open space, the opposing tooth can shift up or down, and the overall bite alignment can begin to change. A bridge addresses that problem while restoring a natural-looking smile.

Bridges can be made from porcelain, ceramic, or combinations of materials, and are anchored to the prepared natural teeth on either side of the gap or, in some cases, supported by dental implants. An implant-supported bridge eliminates the need to prepare adjacent teeth entirely and provides a stronger foundation for the restoration.

A bridge tends to work well when the teeth on either side of the gap are healthy enough to serve as anchors and when the patient is looking for a fixed, non-removable solution. It is often a faster path to a complete smile than an implant-supported option, which requires healing time before the final restoration is placed.

That said, the right answer depends on your specific anatomy, the health of the surrounding teeth, your bone structure, and your goals. Drs. Watts and Thachil will evaluate all of those factors and present your options without pushing you toward a particular path. You are the one making the decision about your care.

Crowns and bridges do not require a separate routine, but they do require consistent oral hygiene. Brushing twice daily, flossing carefully around the restoration, and attending your regular preventive care appointments are the most reliable ways to protect your investment and the underlying teeth.

For bridges especially, cleaning beneath the artificial tooth is important. A floss threader or water flosser makes this more manageable. Our hygiene team will walk you through the technique at your visit so you leave knowing exactly how to maintain it at home.