Crowns & Bridges
Crowns and bridges are fixed prosthetic devices that help repair or replace teeth, restoring your smile’s appearance and function. A dental crown (often called a “cap”) is like a protective cover that encases a damaged tooth to strengthen it and improve its shape or color. A dental bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth by anchoring a false tooth to the natural teeth or implants on either side. At Nuvodent, we provide high-quality crowns and bridges that are custom-crafted to look natural and fit comfortably, so you can bite, speak, and smile with confidence.
When are Crowns Needed?
Large Cavities or Fractured Teeth
When a tooth has a very large filling or a large portion of it is decayed, there may not be enough natural structure left for a regular filling to hold up. A crown can rebuild the tooth’s structure and prevent it from cracking further. Similarly, a tooth that is cracked or broken may need a crown to hold it together.
After Root Canal Treatment
Teeth that have had root canal therapy often become more fragile and prone to fracture because the internal tissue is removed. Crowning a root-canal treated tooth (especially a molar) is standard practice to provide strength and seal the tooth, protecting it long-term.
Worn or Misshapen Teeth
Teeth that are severely worn down (from grinding, for example) or teeth that are misshapen can be restored to a normal contour with crowns.
Cosmetic Improvement
Sometimes crowns are used on front teeth to improve appearance – for example, to cover teeth that are extremely discolored and resistant to whitening, or to correct minor alignment/shape issues. (However, for purely cosmetic cases, veneers might be another option; we’ll advise on the best approach.)
Cracked Tooth Syndrome
If you have a tooth with hairline cracks causing pain on biting (cracked tooth syndrome), a crown can often hold the tooth together and relieve the discomfort by distributing bite forces more evenly.
Crowns essentially reinforce a tooth that is weakened. Think of a crown as a helmet for a tooth – once cemented in place, it strengthens and protects the remaining tooth structure from breaking. Crowns also restore the tooth’s full function and appearance.
When are Bridges Needed?
A bridge is one of the solutions for replacing missing teeth. A traditional dental bridge involves placing crowns on the teeth adjacent to a gap (these teeth are called abutments) and attaching a false tooth (pontic) to those crowns to “bridge” the space. Bridges are typically recommended when:
One or a Few Teeth are Missing
If you’re missing one tooth or a few teeth in a row, a bridge can fill that gap using the neighboring teeth for support. This is especially useful if the adjacent teeth could benefit from crowns themselves (for example, if they have large fillings or are in need of reinforcement).
Implant not Desired or Possible
If a dental implant isn’t an option for you (due to medical reasons, insufficient bone and you prefer not to do bone grafting, or budget constraints), a bridge is a reliable alternative to restore the missing tooth.
You Prefer a Fixed Solution
Unlike partial dentures, bridges are fixed in your mouth and not removable, which many people prefer for comfort and ease of care (you brush them like normal teeth).
By getting a bridge to replace a missing tooth, you prevent the surrounding teeth from drifting out of position (teeth tend to tilt into gaps over time) and restore proper chewing function and aesthetics. It’s generally important to replace missing teeth, and a bridge is a time-tested method to do so.
The Procedure for Crowns and Bridges
First Visit – Tooth Preparation:
For a crown, we will numb the tooth and surrounding area. The dentist will then carefully shape the tooth by removing a portion of the outer surface (enamel) to make room for the crown. How much is removed depends on the type of crown (for example, all-ceramic crowns require slightly more reduction than metal-based ones, to accommodate material thickness). If the tooth has decay or old filling material, that will be cleaned out, and sometimes a build-up material is added to ensure there’s enough structure for the crown to hold onto. After shaping, we take an impression (mold) or a digital scan of the prepared tooth and the teeth around it. This record is sent to a dental laboratory where the crown will be custom-made.
In the meantime, we place a temporary crown over your prepared tooth to protect it. The temporary is usually made of acrylic or resin and is cemented with a weak cement (so we can remove it later). We’ll advise you on being a bit careful with the temporary (avoid very sticky or hard foods on that side, as temporaries can dislodge more easily).
For a bridge, a similar process happens: the teeth on either side of the gap (the abutment teeth) are prepared just like they would be for crowns. Impressions are taken of the entire area including the gap. The lab then will craft a bridge, which is essentially multiple crowns connected together as one piece (two crowns for the abutments with a false tooth in between). A temporary bridge or set of temporaries will be placed so you’re not without teeth while the final is being made.
Second Visit – Placement of Crown/Bridge:
Once the permanent crown or bridge is ready (usually in about 1-2 weeks), you’ll return for fitting and cementation.
We remove the temporary and clean off any temporary cement. We test the fit of the new crown/bridge on your tooth/teeth. We check that the contacts with neighboring teeth are right and that your bite is correct (it should feel comfortable when you bite down, not too high). We also assess the color and shape – quality crowns and bridges today are made to blend in with your natural teeth, so at this stage we ensure you’re happy with the appearance. If all looks and feels good, we proceed to cement the crown or bridge permanently with a strong dental cement. Once set, we’ll floss around the tooth and remove any excess cement, then give it a final polish if needed.
For a bridge, we’ll show you how to use a floss threader or special interdental brush to clean underneath the false tooth, since you can’t floss between it as with normal teeth.
After placement, the tooth might feel slightly sensitive or awkward for a short time as you get used to it (and as the gum tissue settles if it was disturbed). But soon it should feel like a natural part of your mouth. If you have any discomfort when biting or any issue, we can easily adjust the crown or bridge.
Modern crown and bridge work is quite advanced – with precise impressions or digital scans and skilled lab technicians (or in some cases CAD/CAM milling), the result is a restoration that can mimic a natural tooth’s anatomy and shade very closely.
When you come in for a general dental check-up at Nuvodent, we carry out a thorough evaluation to get a complete picture of your oral health.
Benefits of Crowns and Bridges
Restored Function
A crown restores a broken or weak tooth to full chewing capability. You can eat normally without fear of the tooth cracking or pain. A bridge returns your ability to bite and chew properly in an area where teeth were missing.
Protection
Crowns protect compromised teeth (like those with root canals or large fillings) from fracturing. They essentially reinforce the tooth like armor. This can extend the life of a tooth for many years, avoiding extractions.
Maintaining Alignment
By replacing missing teeth, bridges keep the remaining teeth in proper position. This helps maintain a correct bite and prevent future dental problems that arise when teeth drift or over-erupt.
Aesthetics
Porcelain or ceramic crowns and bridges are crafted to match your natural teeth in color and shape, improving your smile’s appearance. A crown can dramatically improve the look of a discolored or misshapen tooth. A bridge fills an unsightly gap seamlessly.
Stability
Unlike removable partial dentures, bridges are fixed in place. They won’t shift or come out when speaking or eating, which often gives people more confidence and comfort.
Durability
Crowns and bridges, especially those made from high-strength materials like zirconia or metal alloys with porcelain, can last a long time – often 10-15 years or more with good care, sometimes decades. They are a strong, durable solution.
Overall, crowns and bridges can significantly enhance quality of life – alleviating discomfort, improving chewing efficiency, and giving you a smile you’re proud of. They are a well-established part of restorative dentistry and have helped millions of people preserve and restore their teeth.
Caring for Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and bridges need to be cared for much like natural teeth, since the longevity of these restorations also depends on the health of the underlying tooth and surrounding gums.
Oral Hygiene
Brush at least twice a day and floss daily. It’s crucial to clean around crown margins (the area where the edge of the crown meets the tooth/gum) to prevent decay from sneaking under the crown or plaque buildup that could irritate gums. With a bridge, flossing requires using a floss threader or special floss (like Superfloss) to get underneath the pontic (false tooth) and clean the gap. Our hygienists will show you the proper technique.
Avoid Hard Biting if Possible
While crowns are strong, chewing on very hard things like ice, hard candy, or opening bottles with your teeth can still chip porcelain or even damage the underlying tooth. Use common sense and avoid using teeth (natural or crowned) as tools for cracking things. If you grind your teeth at night, consider a nightguard to protect both your natural teeth and crowns.
Regular Check-ups
During your routine exams, we’ll check the integrity of your crowns and bridges. We’ll look for any signs of decay at the edges on X-rays and ensure the restorations are holding up well. Professional cleanings are also important to keep the gums around crowns healthy.
Watch for Changes
If a crowned tooth ever feels loose, or a bridge feels loose or gets food underneath consistently, or if you notice any crack in the porcelain, call us. Crowns and bridges are cemented, so a loosening could mean the cement bond is failing or there’s decay. Catching it early means it can often be re-cemented or fixed before bigger issues develop.
With proper care, you shouldn’t even have to think about your crowns or bridges day-to-day – they’ll just function like normal parts of your mouth. Many patients forget they even have them after a while! That’s our aim – to make them comfortable, functional, and blending in so well that only you and the dentist know.
We are here to help.
At Nuvodent, your oral health is our top priority, and we want to work with you to keep your smile healthy and radiant for a lifetime.
Cost of Crowns and Bridges
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The cost for crowns and bridges depends on the number of teeth involved and the materials used. A single crown cost will vary based on whether it’s all-ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, gold, etc. Bridges are usually priced per unit (each crown and each false tooth counts as a unit). For example, a three-unit bridge (to replace one missing tooth with two supports) will generally cost about three times a single crown, since it’s essentially three connected crowns.
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Your dentist will provide a detailed estimate before starting. Crowns and bridges are often partially covered by dental insurance if they are deemed medically necessary (like to restore a broken tooth or replace a missing tooth). We can assist in checking your benefits. We understand this can be a significant investment, but keep in mind it’s an investment in your long-term oral health, comfort, and appearance. Crowns and bridges can last many years, making them cost-effective over time.
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We use reputable dental laboratories and high-quality materials to fabricate restorations that are durable and natural-looking. Our goal is to ensure you receive value in terms of longevity and satisfaction. For an accurate quote, it’s best to have a consultation. We’ll assess the tooth/teeth, discuss materials (for example, if you prefer a metal-free crown), and then give you the cost breakdown. We can also explore alternatives if needed and any payment plan options. Rest assured, we aim to be transparent and fair in our pricing while delivering top-notch dental work that you can rely on.