Crowns and Bridges
What Is a Crown, and Why Do I Need One?
A crown is a full-coverage restoration used to protect and restore a tooth that has lost a significant amount of structure. It may be recommended after a root canal, for large cavities, or to improve the appearance of a tooth affected by discoloration or damage from habits such as grinding, acidic wear, or smoking.
Crowns help strengthen the tooth, allowing you to chew comfortably and smile with confidence. Tooth-colored crowns can be selected to match your natural smile, with guidance from your dentist.
To create a crown, the tooth is carefully shaped to form an ideal foundation. An impression or digital scan is then taken and sent to a state-of-the-art dental lab, where your custom crown is fabricated.
What Is a Bridge, and How Is It Different from a Crown?
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. While similar to a crown in how the teeth are prepared, a bridge involves shaping two or more adjacent teeth to support the replacement tooth (or teeth).
A bridge works by placing crowns on the teeth surrounding the gap, which act as anchors for the artificial tooth. Like crowns, an impression or scan is taken and sent to our dental lab to create a custom restoration designed specifically for your smile.
If I Am Not Receiving My Permanent Crown or Bridge the Same Day, What Happens to My Teeth?
While your permanent crown or bridge is being fabricated, your dentist will place a custom temporary crown or bridge to protect your tooth or teeth. These temporaries help maintain function, appearance, and comfort during the waiting period.
Your temporary restoration will be made to closely match your natural teeth in shape and shade. Proper care is important to prevent damage. We recommend avoiding hard or sticky foods such as chips, nuts, and candy, as these can cause the temporary to break or become dislodged.
To care for your temporary, brush twice daily and floss gently. Instead of pulling floss straight up, slide it out from the side to avoid loosening the temporary restoration.
How Long Will It Take to Receive My Permanent Crown or Bridge?
The fabrication of your permanent crown or bridge typically takes 7–14 business days, depending on the dental lab’s schedule.
Once your restoration arrives, our team will contact you promptly to schedule your delivery appointment. If it arrives sooner and we have availability, we’ll do our best to bring you in earlier.
Delivery of Your Permanent Prosthesis
At your delivery appointment, your crown or bridge will be carefully placed and evaluated to ensure it meets our standards for fit, function, and appearance. We will also confirm that the shade blends naturally with your smile.
Dental radiographs (X-rays) may be taken to verify proper seating and cementation of your restoration. This appointment typically takes 30 minutes to one hour.
Maintaining your new restoration begins at home. Brush twice daily and floss every day. Crowns can be flossed with regular string floss, while bridges may require a floss threader for proper cleaning underneath. Routine dental cleanings and exams will help keep your restoration in excellent condition.
Frequently asked questions about Crowns & Bridges
Please contact our office at 956-717-9100 to schedule a 30–45 minute visit. We will replace your temporary at no charge. Some sensitivity is normal if a temporary comes off, but prolonged or spontaneous pain should be addressed promptly.
Call our office as soon as possible so we can re-cement your restoration. We will also evaluate the tooth and the prosthesis to ensure everything is in good condition.
Both options are excellent, and the best choice depends on your individual needs.
Dental Implants – Pros:
- Preserve jawbone
- Do not affect adjacent teeth
- Long-lasting (10–25+ years)
- Feel and function like natural teeth
Dental Implants – Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- Require a surgical procedure
- Longer treatment time (3–5 months healing)
Dental Bridges – Pros:
- Lower upfront cost
- Non-surgical
- Faster completion (2–3 weeks)
- Good option for patients with low bone density
Dental Bridges – Cons:
- Require reshaping adjacent teeth
- Do not prevent bone loss
- Shorter lifespan (7–15 years)
- May be more difficult to clean for some patients