What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a tooth, covering it completely to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. Once in place, a crown looks and works much like a natural tooth.
Crowns are often recommended when:
- A tooth is too damaged or decayed for a filling
- A tooth has cracked or is at risk of breaking
- A tooth has had root canal treatment and needs protecting
- A large old filling needs replacing with something stronger
- You want to improve the shape or appearance of a tooth
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a replacement tooth, called a pontic, to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Those neighbouring teeth are fitted with crowns that support the bridge.
A bridge does more than fill a space. It restores your ability to chew properly, helps maintain the shape of your face, and keeps the surrounding teeth from drifting out of position, which can happen when a gap is left untreated.
Crowns and Bridges Compared With Other Options
Crowns and bridges aren’t the only way to address damaged or missing teeth, and the right choice depends on your situation.
| If you have | Common options |
|---|---|
| A damaged but present tooth | Dental crown |
| One missing tooth | Bridge or dental implant |
| Several missing teeth in a row | Bridge, implants, or a partial denture |
| A missing tooth and want to avoid altering neighbours | Dental implant |
A bridge relies on the teeth beside the gap for support, which means preparing those teeth. An implant replaces a missing tooth on its own without affecting its neighbours. We’ll walk you through the trade-offs so you can choose what’s right for you.
What Are Crowns and Bridges Made From?
Crowns and bridges are made from durable, tooth-coloured materials designed to blend with your natural teeth. The best choice for you depends on where the tooth sits in your mouth, how much chewing force it handles, and the look you want. We’ll recommend a material suited to your tooth and explain why.
The Treatment Process
Crowns and bridges are usually completed over two or more visits, since the restoration is custom-made to fit your mouth precisely.
Preparation
We prepare the tooth or teeth, which involves reshaping them so the crown or bridge fits properly. This is done under local anaesthetic for your comfort. We then take an impression or scan to create your custom restoration.
Temporary Restoration
While your crown or bridge is being made, we fit a temporary one so you can eat and smile normally in the meantime.
Fitting
At your next visit, we remove the temporary, check the fit and appearance of your permanent restoration, and secure it in place. We'll make sure your bite feels comfortable before you leave.
Caring for Your Crowns and Bridges
With good care, crowns and bridges can last many years. Looking after them is much like caring for your natural teeth:
- Brush twice a day and floss daily, including around a bridge
- Keep up with regular checkups and cleanings
- Avoid using your teeth to open packaging or bite very hard objects
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth, to protect your restoration
We’ll show you how to clean under and around a bridge, since it needs a little extra attention to stay healthy.
Crowns, Bridges, and Your Coverage
Crowns and bridges are often covered at least in part by dental insurance, and we offer direct billing to most providers. Shaughnessy Square Dental Centre is also a participating provider for the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Some major restorative treatments require preauthorization, which we can submit on your behalf so you know what’s covered before starting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do crowns and bridges last?
With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, crowns and bridges commonly last many years. Their lifespan depends on the material, where they sit in your mouth, and habits like grinding.
Does getting a crown or bridge hurt?
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic during preparation, so you shouldn’t feel pain. Some sensitivity afterward is normal and usually settles within a few days.
How many appointments does it take?
Crowns and bridges are typically completed over two or more visits, because the restoration is custom-made between appointments. You’ll wear a temporary restoration in the meantime.
What's the difference between a bridge and an implant?
A bridge is supported by the teeth on either side of a gap, which means preparing those teeth. An implant replaces a missing tooth on its own without altering its neighbours, and helps preserve the jawbone.
Will my crown or bridge look natural?
Yes. Crowns and bridges are matched to the shade and shape of your surrounding teeth, so they blend in rather than standing out.
How do I clean under a bridge?
A bridge needs a little extra care to keep the area healthy. We’ll show you techniques and tools, such as floss threaders or interdental brushes, to clean underneath and around it.