Crowns and Bridges

A crown is a type of dental restoration that fully covers the outside of a damaged tooth. It replaces the entire external portion of the tooth, allowing it to look and function normally. A dental bridge, on the other hand, is used to replace a missing tooth. They are composed of one or more replacement teeth, which are held in place by the two surrounding teeth.

What is a crown?

A crown, often called a “cap” in dentistry, is a restoration that covers or caps a tooth to restore its shape and size. Dental crowns may be made from several different types of materials, including metals, ceramics, resin composites and porcelain. Porcelain crowns are most commonly used on back teeth since they are less visible than other types of dental crowns.

Patients usually require a crown after root canal treatment has been performed on a damaged or decayed tooth or when a large filling wears out over time. When teeth are so severely damaged that they must be extracted, they often must be replaced with a bridge or an implant-supported crown to maintain correct spacing between the remaining teeth in the mouth.

What is a bridge?

A bridge is a fixed appliance that replaces a missing tooth or several missing teeth. Bridges use the surrounding teeth for support. They are held in place by the natural teeth with crowns placed over them, which act as anchors for the bridge. The artificial teeth are attached to the crowns and fill the empty spaces. Bridges restore the smile’s appearance by filling in gaps between teeth and improving chewing and speaking functions. Bridges are also a good treatment option for replacing a lost tooth if the gap is small. This treatment prevents your other teeth from moving out of place and causing more problems.

There are several types of bridges available. Traditional bridges are the most common type of bridge and are created using your existing teeth and crowns that are implanted on either side to hold the artificial teeth in place. Cantilever bridges are used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the gap. In areas where there are fewer teeth available for support, Maryland bonded bridges are a good option. These bridges use metal or porcelain wings on each side of the bridge to hold it in place. Porcelain bonded to metal bridges are also available and used when the back teeth require extra support. Your dentist can help you decide which type of bridge is right for you.

Bridges last many years when properly cared for. You should care for your bridge as you would your natural teeth by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. You should also visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings to keep your teeth healthy and your bridge in proper shape. Some lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and avoiding hard foods should also be made to protect your new bridge. Minimize the risk of damage to your bridge by avoiding sticky foods and wearing a mouth guard during sports or other activities where your mouth could be hit. If you are interested in learning more about bridges and whether they are right for you, call your dentist to schedule an appointment today.

How are crowns and bridges placed in your jaw?

The procedure for placing a crown or bridge involves two or more visits to our practice. Initially, we will remove decay, shape the tooth, and then fit it with a temporary crown of either plastic or metal. On the subsequent visit we will remove the temporary crown and then fit and adjust the final crown in your mouth. Finally, we will cement the crown into place and you have a new beautiful looking tooth.

These procedures typically take between one and two visits to complete. In certain cases, such as when a tooth has severe decay, your doctor may recommend treatment with a dental crown to replace the outer portion of the tooth. A crown is a type of restoration that is placed over an individual tooth -- covering the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and improve its appearance. When completing this procedure, an impression is taken of the tooth and measurements are taken of the surrounding teeth so that the new crown can be fabricated to fit perfectly in the patient’s mouth. Dental bridges are custom made to replace the gap left from a missing tooth. This is an option for filling the space created by a missing tooth without requiring implants or dentures. They are supported by natural teeth or implants, so they do not rely on adjacent teeth for support and they are permanent and stable.

-Dr. Ryan Mendro, DMD

To schedule a consultation for a restorative dentistry procedure such as a dental crown or bridge, call (973) 302-2065 today!

If you found this information helpful and would like to learn more about preventive dentistry procedures, read What Preventive Dentistry Treatments Are Available? | Family Dental Care of Morris County.

This website provides general information about cosmetic dentistry. If you are unsure about your oral health status, please contact our

What are the differences between a dental crown and a bridge?

Both a crown and bridge can repair a tooth that has been severely damaged, but each option accomplishes this in a different way. A crown is a cap that fits over the original tooth, whereas a bridge involves attaching a fake tooth to crowns on either side and then filling the gap with a false tooth that attaches to the middle crown. If the crown or the bridge is replacing an entire row, the artificial teeth are usually attached to each other for stability. To find out more about your options, speak to your dentist. Here are some common reasons patients choose bridges and crowns:

- To protect a weak tooth from further damage.

- To cover up a misshaped or stained tooth.

- To fix a gap after tooth loss.

- To replace a missing tooth.

- To anchor a denture in place.

Get more details about bridges versus crowns from your cosmetic dentist. Schedule an appointment today by calling your dental office.

Author Bio - Dr. Jill Olson is a general dentist in Woodbury, MN specializing in restorative dentistry. She encourages her patients to consider dental implants and dental bridges to replace missing teeth.

When are crowns and bridges used?

A crown is a restoration that covers an entire tooth above the gum line to repair it after it has been damaged, while a bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth in a row. Both are considered “fixed” restorations because they cannot be removed like dentures and must be cemented in place. (For more information about removable dentures called partials or fulls, visit our page on prosthodontics.)

They are custom-fabricated in a dental lab by a skilled technician working from a model provided by your dentist. The materials used by both bridges and crowns are highly durable and designed to last many years with proper care. They require only daily brushing and flossing at home for a healthy smile. >> Learn more at Colgate.com<<

Other dental treatments may be recommended to ensure that the replacement teeth don’t shift out of position in the mouth over time. These can include bite adjustment or orthodontics to move remaining teeth around to fill in the gap left by the lost tooth. If this is the case, the dentist may recommend waiting to replace the missing tooth until the other teeth are in the proper position.

Patients should discuss with their dentist to determine if a crown or bridge is the right choice for them. It’s also a good idea to ask about which material will be best for the chosen restoration, as there are many options available today that are natural-looking and durable. >> Do you have questions about dental crowns or bridges? Ask a dentist at Colgate.com <<

Cavities are not the only reason people need restorative dentistry treatment such as crowns or bridges. Injury, illness, or the natural aging process can all cause teeth to become weak and brittle and more prone to breakage. The same goes for fillings that become broken or worn from tooth decay: healthy teeth