Missing or severely damaged teeth can impact more than just your appearance. They can affect your ability to chew comfortably, speak clearly, and even influence the health of your remaining teeth and jawbone. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers powerful restorative solutions like dental crowns and bridges that can effectively bring back both the function and aesthetics of your smile.
At Radiance Artistic Dental & Wellness Center, we view these restorations as integral components of comprehensive oral health, helping you achieve a complete and confident smile.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown, often referred to as a “cap,” is a custom-made cover that fits snugly over a damaged tooth or a dental implant.
Think of it as a protective shield designed to restore the tooth’s original shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Crowns are typically recommended when a tooth is:
- Severely decayed and a large filling isn’t sufficient.
- Broken, cracked, or significantly worn down.
- Weakened by a root canal procedure.
- Needing to cover a dental implant.
- Used for cosmetic purposes to improve shape, size, or color.
By encasing the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line, a crown provides structural support, preventing further damage and allowing the tooth to function properly again.
Understanding the Different Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can be crafted from various materials, each offering unique benefits in terms of durability, aesthetics, and cost.
The choice often depends on the location of the tooth, the force of your bite, and your aesthetic goals.
Common types of dental crowns include:
- Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns: These are popular for their natural, tooth-like appearance, making them ideal for front teeth. They can be matched precisely to the color of your surrounding teeth. While highly aesthetic, they can sometimes be less durable than metal options, though advancements in ceramic materials have significantly improved their strength.
- Zirconia Crowns: Made from a strong, biocompatible ceramic material, zirconia crowns offer excellent durability and resistance to wear and tear. They provide a good balance of strength and aesthetics, making them suitable for both front and back teeth.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: These crowns have a metal substructure covered with porcelain. They offer good strength and durability from the metal base and a natural appearance from the porcelain. PFM crowns were traditionally very common, but the metal margin can sometimes show as a dark line near the gum line, especially as gums recede.
- Metal Crowns: Made from alloys of gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium. Metal crowns are exceptionally durable and resistant to fracture, making them a reliable choice for molars or back teeth where bite forces are highest. Their metallic color is a significant aesthetic drawback for visible teeth.
- Resin Crowns: These are typically the least expensive option but are also the least durable and most prone to wear and fracture over time. They are often used as temporary crowns while a permanent crown is being fabricated.
Choosing the right type of crown involves considering the tooth’s position, your chewing habits, aesthetic preferences, and budget.
We will discuss the best material option for your specific needs during your consultation.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a non-surgical restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth.
As the name suggests, a bridge literally “bridges” the gap created by missing teeth.
A traditional bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) held in place by dental crowns that are cemented onto the natural teeth adjacent to the gap (called abutment teeth).
Bridges are used to:
- Restore your ability to chew and speak properly.
- Maintain the shape of your face.
- Prevent remaining teeth from shifting into the gap.
- Distribute the forces of your bite properly.
- Fill the gap left by missing teeth, restoring your smile’s appearance.
Exploring the Types of Dental Bridges
Just like crowns, dental bridges come in several forms depending on the location of the missing tooth (or teeth) and the condition of the adjacent teeth:
- Traditional Bridges: The most common type, used when there are natural teeth on both sides of the gap. Crowns are placed on the abutment teeth, and the pontic(s) are suspended between them.
- Cantilever Bridges: Used when there is only one adjacent natural tooth to support the bridge. The pontic is anchored by a crown on just one side. This type is less common and generally not recommended for the back of the mouth where strong bite forces exist, as it can put excessive stress on the abutment tooth.
- Maryland Bonded Bridges (Resin-Bonded Bridges): These use a metal or porcelain framework that is bonded to the back surface of the adjacent teeth, rather than requiring crowns. This is a less invasive option but is generally less strong than traditional bridges and is best suited for replacing front teeth where bite forces are minimal.
- Implant-Supported Bridges: Instead of relying on natural teeth for support, these bridges are anchored by dental implants placed in the jawbone. This is a highly stable and durable option that doesn’t involve altering adjacent natural teeth and helps preserve jawbone density.
Restoring Function: How Crowns and Bridges Improve Oral Health
Beyond just filling gaps or covering damaged teeth, crowns and bridges play a vital role in restoring optimal oral function:
- Improved Chewing: Missing teeth make chewing difficult and can force you to overload your remaining teeth. Bridges replace the missing teeth, restoring a complete chewing surface and distributing bite forces evenly. Crowns restore the strength and integrity of damaged teeth, allowing you to bite and chew effectively again.
- Clearer Speech: Missing teeth, particularly front teeth, can affect your ability to form certain sounds. Replacing them with a bridge or restoring a damaged tooth with a crown helps maintain the correct position of your tongue and lips, improving speech clarity.
- Maintaining Bite Alignment: When a tooth is lost, adjacent teeth can begin to drift into the empty space. This shifting can affect your bite, leading to jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease. A bridge prevents this shifting, preserving your natural bite alignment.
- Preventing Further Problems: Crowns protect weakened teeth from fracturing or decaying further, while bridges prevent issues caused by tooth migration. Both restorations contribute to the overall stability and health of your dental arch.
Enhancing Aesthetics: Achieving a Confident Smile
The aesthetic impact of crowns and bridges is equally significant.
They are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, restoring the visual harmony of your smile:
- Natural Appearance: Modern materials like porcelain and zirconia allow crowns and bridges to mimic the translucency, color, and shape of natural tooth enamel. Custom shading ensures the restoration matches your existing teeth.
- Filling the Gaps: Bridges eliminate unsightly gaps left by missing teeth, completing your smile and boosting your confidence.
- Restoring Tooth Shape and Size: Crowns can correct irregularities in tooth size or shape caused by damage or wear, giving you a more uniform and appealing smile.
- Correcting Color: Severely discolored teeth that don’t respond to whitening can be covered with a crown to achieve a brighter, more consistent smile color.
By addressing both the functional and aesthetic aspects of your smile, dental crowns and bridges help you eat, speak, and smile with comfort and confidence.
Materials Matter: Choosing the Right Fit for You
Selecting the right material for your crown or bridge is crucial for both long-term function and aesthetic outcome.
While many options exist, key factors to consider include:
- Location of the Restoration: Back teeth (molars) withstand stronger bite forces, making durable materials like zirconia or metal alloys suitable. Front teeth prioritize aesthetics, making porcelain or all-ceramic options ideal.
- Bite Strength and Habits: If you have a strong bite or grind your teeth (bruxism), a stronger material like zirconia may be recommended to prevent chipping or wear.
- Aesthetic Goals: Do you need the restoration to look as natural as possible (front teeth) or is durability the primary concern (back teeth)?
- Allergies: Rarely, some individuals may have allergies to metal alloys used in certain crowns or bridges.
- Budget: Material costs can vary, influencing the overall price of the restoration.
Here’s a look at common materials:
| Material Type | Key Properties | Pros | Cons | Ideal Use Cases |
| Porcelain / Ceramic | Highly aesthetic, natural translucency | Excellent aesthetics, color matching, biocompatible | Can be prone to chipping or fracture under high stress, potentially wear opposing teeth | Front teeth |
| Zirconia | Very strong ceramic, good aesthetics | Excellent strength, durability, good aesthetics, biocompatible | Can be slightly less translucent than pure porcelain, requires significant tooth preparation | Front and back teeth |
| Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal | Metal base with porcelain overlay | Good balance of strength and aesthetics, more durable than full porcelain | Metal margin can show at gum line over time, less aesthetic than all-ceramic | Front and back teeth |
| Metal (Gold, Alloys) | Very strong, durable, biocompatible | Highest durability, rarely chip or fracture, require less tooth removal | Poor aesthetics (metallic color), metal allergies are rare but possible | Back teeth (molars) |
| Resin | Tooth-colored plastic | Least expensive | Least durable, prone to wear, fracture, and discoloration, only suitable for temporary use | Temporary restorations |
Choosing the right material is a personalized decision made in consultation with your dentist, who will consider your individual needs and preferences.
Crowns & Bridges vs. Dental Implants: A Key Comparison
When considering options for replacing missing teeth, dental implants are another highly effective solution.
While bridges and implants both restore your smile, they differ significantly in their approach, longevity, and impact on your mouth.
| Feature | Dental Bridge | Dental Implant |
| Support | Supported by adjacent natural teeth (abutments | Supported by a titanium post surgically placed in jawbone |
| Procedure | Non-surgical, involves preparing adjacent teeth | Surgical placement of the implant post |
| Impact on Adjacent Teeth | Requires crowning the adjacent teeth | Does not affect adjacent teeth |
| Bone Health | Does not prevent bone loss in the gap area | Stimulates jawbone, preventing bone loss |
| Number of Missing Teeth | Can replace one or several missing teeth in a row | Can replace a single tooth or support a bridge for multiple |
| Stability | Very stable when well-maintained | Extremely stable, feels like a natural tooth |
| Lifespan (Average) | 5-15 years (with good care) | 10-30+ years (often last a lifetime with proper care) |
| Cost | Generally lower initial cost | Generally higher initial cost |
| Treatment Duration | Shorter (typically 2-3 appointments over a few weeks) | Longer (involves healing time after surgery, potentially several months) |
| Maintenance | Requires specific techniques to clean under the pontic | Similar care to natural teeth |
While bridges are less invasive and often more affordable upfront, implants offer superior longevity, better bone health preservation, and don’t require modifying adjacent healthy teeth.
The best option for you depends on your specific situation, oral health, budget, and preferences, which we can evaluate together.
The Process of Getting a Crown or Bridge
Receiving a dental crown or bridge typically involves a few appointments:
- Initial Examination and Preparation: Your dentist will examine the tooth (for a crown) or the gap and adjacent teeth (for a bridge), potentially taking X-rays. For a crown, the damaged tooth is reshaped to make space for the crown. For a bridge, the abutment teeth are prepared by removing some enamel to accommodate the crowns that will hold the bridge.
- Impressions or Digital Scan: An impression or a digital scan of your teeth is taken. This serves as a model for a dental lab to custom-fabricate your crown or bridge to ensure a precise fit and natural appearance.
- Temporary Restoration: A temporary crown or bridge made of acrylic or resin is placed to protect the prepared tooth/teeth while your permanent restoration is being made.
- Fabrication: The dental lab creates your custom permanent crown or bridge based on the impressions or scans and the dentist’s specifications for color and shape. This typically takes one to two weeks, though some practices with in-house CAD/CAM technology can create certain crowns in a single visit.
- Final Placement: Once your permanent restoration is ready, you’ll return for a second appointment. The temporary restoration is removed, and the permanent crown or bridge is carefully checked for fit, bite, and appearance. If everything is satisfactory, it is permanently cemented into place.
- Adjustments: Minor adjustments may be made to ensure your bite is comfortable and proper.
Caring for Your Dental Restorations: Ensuring Longevity
With proper care, dental crowns and bridges can last for many years, sometimes even decades.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is key to maximizing their lifespan and preventing issues like decay in the underlying tooth (for crowns) or abutment teeth (for bridges), or gum disease.
- Brush Gently: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. Pay extra attention to the area where the crown meets the gum line or around the abutment teeth of a bridge.
- Floss Daily: Flossing is crucial, especially around bridges to clean underneath the pontic (the artificial tooth). Use a floss threader, water flosser, or specialized dental tape designed for bridges to remove plaque and food particles from difficult-to-reach areas.
- Use Antimicrobial Mouthwash: Rinsing daily with an antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and promote gum health around your restorations.
- Avoid Hard, Sticky Foods: Try to avoid biting directly on hard candies, ice, or sticky caramels with the crowned tooth or bridge, as this can potentially damage the restoration.
- Maintain Regular Dental Check-ups and Cleanings: Professional cleanings help remove buildup that regular brushing and flossing might miss. Your dentist will also examine your crown or bridge to ensure it’s in good condition and check for any signs of potential problems.
Lifespan and Cost Considerations
The lifespan of a crown or bridge is influenced by the material used, the location in the mouth, the patient’s oral hygiene habits, bite forces, and whether they grind or clench their teeth.
While averages exist, consistent, diligent care is the most significant factor in how long your restoration will last.
The cost of dental crowns and bridges varies widely based on several factors, including:
- The type of material used.
- The type of bridge (a traditional bridge requires two crowns and at least one pontic, while an implant-supported bridge involves implant placement).
- The complexity of the case.
- The fees of the dentist and dental lab.
- Geographic location.
- Your dental insurance coverage.
Discussing the estimated cost and available payment options is an important part of the treatment planning process.
Potential Considerations
While crowns and bridges are safe and effective, potential issues can arise, though they are often preventable with good care:
- Sensitivity: You might experience temporary sensitivity to hot or cold after the procedure.
- Chipping: Particularly with porcelain, chipping can occur, though it’s less common with stronger materials.
- Loosening: The cement holding the crown or bridge can wear away, causing it to loosen.
- Decay: Decay can still occur in the natural tooth underneath a crown or in the abutment teeth supporting a bridge if hygiene is poor.
- Gum Issues: Poor cleaning can lead to gum inflammation or disease around the restoration.
Regular check-ups allow your dentist to monitor the restoration and address any potential issues early.
Who is a Candidate?
Most individuals with damaged teeth or missing teeth who have good overall oral health and healthy gums are potential candidates for dental crowns or bridges.
However, a thorough examination is necessary to determine if these restorations are the best option for your specific situation.
Factors like the strength of the supporting teeth, the amount of jawbone present (especially for implant-supported bridges), and your oral hygiene habits will be assessed.
Restore Your Complete Smile
Dental crowns and bridges offer effective, long-lasting solutions for restoring the function and aesthetics of smiles affected by damage or tooth loss. They allow you to chew comfortably, speak clearly, and smile with renewed confidence. At Radiance Artistic Dental & Wellness Center in Boulder, Colorado, we understand that restoring your smile is about more than just fixing a problem; it’s about enhancing your overall well-being.
We take a comprehensive, personalized approach to evaluate your needs and recommend the restorative option, whether a crown, bridge, or implant, that is best suited to achieve your goals for both oral health and aesthetic harmony.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will getting a crown or bridge be painful?
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the preparation. Some sensitivity or discomfort after the anesthesia wears off is common and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long do dental crowns and bridges last?
With diligent oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, dental crowns can last 5 to 15 years or even longer, depending on the material. Dental bridges typically last 5 to 15 years, though the lifespan can be extended with excellent care. Factors like grinding, clenching, and biting on hard objects can shorten their lifespan.
Are dental crowns and bridges covered by insurance?
Coverage varies depending on your specific dental insurance plan. Most insurance plans provide some coverage for restorative treatments like crowns and bridges, as they are often deemed medically necessary to restore function and prevent further issues. We recommend checking with your insurance provider or discussing this with our administrative staff.
How do I clean underneath a dental bridge?
Cleaning under the pontic (artificial tooth) of a bridge is essential to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease in the supporting teeth. You can use a floss threader, special bridge and implant floss, or a water flosser to clean the area underneath the bridge where traditional floss cannot reach.
What should I do if my temporary crown or bridge comes off?
If your temporary restoration comes off, contact our office as soon as possible. Keep the temporary restoration if possible. While temporaries are not meant to be permanent, they are important for protecting the prepared tooth and maintaining space until your permanent restoration is ready.
