Crowns and Bridges

Crowns and bridges are ways to restore damaged teeth (crowns) and replace missing ones (bridges). Both crowns and bridges are fixed in place, and unlike dentures, cannot be removed by you.

You may require a crown if your tooth needs more repair than a simple filling can provide. You may also need one if you are having root canal treatment, having a bridge fitted, or have had a dental implant. A crown is a way of covering a whole tooth to strengthen it and improve its appearance. Crowns can be made from porcelain, metal, acrylic, or other materials.

A bridge is a way to replace more than one missing tooth, and fits the space where the teeth used to be. A bridge needs to be cemented on to the natural teeth (or crowns fitted to implants) that surround the empty space.

Your dentist will work with a dental laboratory, who will make the crown or bridge and help ensure that it fits well and looks natural.