Quick Summary
Crowns cover and protect damaged or root-canal-treated teeth, while bridges replace a missing tooth using neighbouring teeth as anchors. Materials range from zirconia to porcelain and metal. Your dentist will weigh a bridge against an implant or denture based on your gap, bone and bite.
What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?
A dental crown, often called a cap, is a custom-made covering that fits over a damaged tooth. It restores the tooth's shape, strength and appearance and protects what remains of it.
A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth by joining an artificial tooth to crowns placed on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Because it is fixed in place, it feels far more like natural teeth than something you take out.
When Do You Need a Crown?
- After a root canal: the tooth can become brittle. A crown, especially on a back tooth, protects it from cracking.
- A large filling that cannot hold: when too little natural tooth remains, a crown is stronger than a bigger filling.
- A cracked or weak tooth: a crown holds the pieces together and prevents the crack from spreading.
- Severe wear or breakdown from grinding or acid.
- Cosmetic reasons: to improve the shape, size or colour of a discoloured or misshapen tooth.
- To cover a dental implant after it has healed.
Crown and Bridge Materials Compared
Each material has its own balance of strength, appearance and how much tooth needs to be shaped. Your dentist will recommend one based on the position of the tooth and how you bite.
| Material | Strengths | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Zirconia | Very strong and durable with a natural look. Suitable for front and back teeth. | Needs precise planning and shaping |
| All-ceramic or porcelain | Excellent natural appearance and translucency, ideal for front teeth. | Can be less strong for heavy back-teeth biting in some cases |
| Porcelain-fused-to-metal | A strong metal core with a tooth-coloured porcelain layer. | A thin dark line may show near the gum over time |
| Metal alloy | Extremely durable and needs the least tooth reduction. | Visible metal, so usually chosen for back teeth |
How a Crown Is Made and Fitted
A crown usually takes two visits. Here is how the process works.
Assessment and planning
We examine the tooth, take an X-ray and talk through your options and the best material for you.
Shaping the tooth
Under local anaesthesia, the tooth is gently shaped, and an impression or digital scan is taken.
Temporary crown
A temporary crown protects the tooth while your permanent crown is made.
Final fitting
The permanent crown is checked for fit, colour and bite, then cemented in place.
Bridge, Implant or Denture: Which Is Right for a Missing Tooth?
If you are missing a tooth, you have a few good options. None is best for everyone. This comparison gives you a starting point.
| Option | Best for | Advantages | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental bridge | One or a few missing teeth with healthy neighbours | Fixed in place and relatively quick | Neighbouring teeth must be shaped; needs careful cleaning underneath |
| Dental implant | Replacing a tooth without touching neighbouring teeth | Stands alone and helps preserve jaw bone | Needs enough bone, a minor surgery and healing time |
| Removable denture | Several or all teeth missing | Non-surgical and adaptable | Can feel bulky at first; needs daily removal and cleaning |
To learn more about the implant route, see our guide to dental implants in Velachery, or visit the bridges and crowns and dentures pages.
Cracked, root-canal-treated or missing a tooth?
Book a consultation and we will explain your options, the materials and the process before you decide.
How to Look After Crowns and Bridges
- Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth. Decay can still start at the edge of a crown where it meets your natural tooth.
- For a bridge, clean underneath it with floss threaders or interdental brushes so the gum and supporting teeth stay healthy.
- Avoid biting hard objects, such as ice, pen caps, nails and hard candy.
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth. Grinding is one of the biggest threats to any dental restoration.
- Keep up regular check-ups so any small issue is spotted early.
With good hygiene and regular check-ups, crowns and bridges commonly last many years, often a decade or more. How long yours lasts depends on your bite, your habits and the health of your gums and supporting teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The tooth is numbed before it is shaped, so you should not feel pain. Some mild sensitivity after the numbness wears off is common.
Yes. The crown itself cannot decay, but the natural tooth underneath at its edge can. Good cleaning is essential.
Call us the same day. Temporary crowns are held on lightly, and we can re-cement it so the prepared tooth stays protected.
No. Crowns do not respond to whitening treatments. If you plan to whiten your teeth, do it first and then match the crown to your new shade. See our teeth whitening guide.
Not always, but often for back teeth that take heavy chewing forces. Your dentist will advise based on how much healthy tooth is left. See our root canal guide.
Most crowns take two visits, usually a couple of weeks apart. A bridge follows a similar pattern. Your dentist will give you a timeline for your case.
Keep reading
Restore your tooth, restore your bite
Book a consultation to find the right crown, bridge or replacement for your smile.
This article is for general information and does not replace a personal dental examination.