Restorative Crowns & Bridges

Dental Crowns & Bridges for a Healthier, Happier Smile

Restorative crowns and bridges are both used to repair or replace damaged teeth but they use different methods. A dental crown covers and strengthens a weakened or decayed tooth, while a bridge fills the gaps left by a missing tooth using a custom-designed prosthetic anchored to the surrounding teeth.

Both are designed to blend in with your natural teeth to improve bite and oral health without looking fake. Crowns and bridges also prevent shifting to reduce the risk of future damage and need for more complex (and expensive) treatments. With modern materials and technology, they are much more natural-looking and comfortable than in the past.

What Are Dental Crowns & When Do You Need One?

Crowns are custom-made “caps” that are placed over a natural tooth to restore its strength, shape, and appearance. They are usually recommended for teeth that are cracked, severely decayed, weakened after root canal therapy, or worn down from grinding. They are also used cosmetically to enhance the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth. Modern crowns are created from materials like porcelain or ceramic for a natural look that blends in with your smile.

What Are Dental Bridges & How Do They Work?

Tooth bridges can replace one or more missing teeth by connecting a custom-made prosthetic tooth, also called a pontic, to dental crowns that are placed on healthy teeth next to the gap; the crowns act as anchors that hold the replacement tooth securely in place. Bridges restore the ability to chew comfortably, improve speech clarity, and prevent the surrounding teeth from drifting out of alignment.

Since missing teeth can cause bite issues, jaw strain, and oral health issues, bridges provide a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution. They can be designed to match the color, shape, and contour of your natural teeth so they blend in perfectly with your smile.

What Is the Difference Between Crowns & Bridges?

Crowns are used to restore compromised teeth while bridges fill the space left by missing teeth. A crown fixes a tooth by being placed over its existing structure, but a bridge combines crowns and artificial teeth to replace lost teeth entirely. Bridges are recommended when a tooth is missing and the surrounding teeth are strong enough to support the restoration; crowns are used more for supporting damaged teeth, protecting them after an infection, or improving appearance.

How Long Do Crowns & Bridges Last?

With proper dental hygiene and regular checkups, crowns and bridges can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years or even longer. Their longevity depends on materials used, oral habits, and how well surrounding teeth and gums are maintained. Avoiding habits like teeth grinding, chewing ice, or biting hard objects can also help protect your restorations. Good brushing and flossing routines keep the supporting teeth healthy, which is essential for the stability of both crowns and bridges. Many patients enjoy decades of comfortable function when restorations are well cared for and monitored by a dentist.

What Happens When You Get Crowns & Bridges?

The process usually requires two appointments. First, the dentist reshapes the supporting tooth or teeth and takes impressions to create a custom replacement. A temporary crown or bridge is placed to protect the area while the final piece is being designed in a lab. During the second visit, the permanent crown or bridge is fitted, adjusted for comfort, and bonded into place. Modern digital scanning streamlines the process by improving accuracy and overall patient comfort. The end result is a restoration that looks natural, feels comfortable, and functions like your natural teeth.

Do Crowns & Bridges Look Natural?

Yes; today’s restorations are designed using premium materials like porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia, all of which can perfectly mimic the color and consistency of natural enamel. The cosmetic dentists at our Davie, Plantation, and Tamarac locations can custom-match each crown or bridge to the exact shade and shape of your other nearby teeth. These restorations also reflect light similarly to real teeth, giving them a natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Whether you need a single crown or multiple teeth replaced with a bridge, the ultimate goal is to improve your oral health and smile without it looking artificial.