Crown and Bridge

What Are Crowns and Bridges?

Dental Crown

A crown (also called a “cap”) is a custom-made covering that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth.

Purpose: strengthen a tooth, restore its shape/size, protect it after procedures (like root canal), or improve appearance.

Materials: can be made from different materials — porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys (like gold), and combinations (e.g., porcelain-fused-to-metal).

Procedure: Tooth is prepared (reshaped), an impression is taken, a temporary crown is placed, and then the permanent crown is cemented.

Dental Bridge

A bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth.

Structure: It typically has abutment teeth (natural teeth on either side of the gap) that are capped with crowns, and a pontic (the false tooth) in between.

Types:

There are different kinds of bridges:

Traditional bridges (crowns on both sides)

Cantilever bridges (supported only from one side)

Maryland (resin-bonded) bridges (winged design, less invasive)

Implant-supported bridges (anchored on dental implants)

Materials: Similar to crowns — porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or metal.

Procedure: Teeth adjacent to the gap are prepared, impressions are taken, a temporary bridge may be placed, and later the final bridge is cemented.

Why Use Crowns and Bridges?

Restoration: To restore broken, cracked, or decayed teeth that can’t be fixed by regular fillings.

Missing Teeth: Bridges fill in the gaps where teeth are missing, preventing neighbouring teeth from shifting.

After Root Canal: Crowns protect teeth that have had root canal treatment.

Aesthetics: Improve appearance — shape, color, alignment of teeth.

Function: Restore chewing ability, maintain bite, and prevent problems like misalignment.

Advantages & Limitations

Advantages:

Permanent (they are cemented, not removable by you).

Can look very natural (especially porcelain/ceramic types).

Restore strength and function to damaged or missing teeth.

Limitations / Risks:

Adjacent teeth (for bridges) need to be prepared (i.e. shaved) to hold the crowns.

There’s a risk of decay or periodontal disease if hygiene is poor.

Cost: Can be expensive depending on material and complexity.

Lifespan: Crowns/bridges don’t last forever — may need replacement over time.

Types of Crown Materials

All-ceramic / Porcelain: Good aesthetics, natural-looking.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM):

Stronger, good for back teeth.

Metal (Gold or Alloys):

Very strong, but less aesthetic.

Zirconia:

Very strong and increasingly popular.

How Long Do They Last?

Their longevity depends a lot on how well you care for them: brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups matter.

On average, many crowns/bridges last 5–15 years, but with good care, they can last longer.