Crowns and bridges are two of the most reliable restorations in dentistry — time-tested solutions that repair damaged teeth and replace missing ones, while closely matching the look of your natural smile.
Dental crowns — restoring a damaged tooth
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over an existing tooth, covering it completely to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are most often recommended when a tooth is:
- Cracked, broken, or significantly worn down
- Weakened after a large filling or root canal treatment
- Severely discoloured and cannot be improved with whitening
- Misshapen in a way that affects function or appearance
Most crowns are made from porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal, allowing them to be matched closely to the colour of your surrounding teeth.
Dental bridges — replacing missing teeth
A dental bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. The bridge consists of a false tooth (or teeth) held in place by crowns fitted over the adjacent natural teeth on either side of the gap. Once placed, a bridge is fixed — it does not need to be removed for cleaning.
Bridges help restore chewing ability, prevent neighbouring teeth from drifting into the gap, and maintain the shape of your face and jaw over time.
What to expect during treatment
Crown and bridge treatment is typically completed over two appointments.
At your first appointment, the affected teeth are prepared, and precise impressions are taken. These are sent to our dental ceramist, who crafts your restoration to match the shape and shade of your natural teeth. A temporary crown or bridge is placed to protect your teeth in the meantime.
At your second appointment — usually two to three weeks later — the finished restoration is checked for fit and shade, then bonded securely to your teeth.
How long do crowns and bridges last?
With proper care, crowns and bridges can last many years or even a lifetime. Brushing twice daily, flossing carefully around the bridge, and attending regular check-ups and cleans at Karalee Family Dental will help protect your investment and keep your restoration in good condition.