Overview
Quick
Answers About Crowns
If you have damaged or missing teeth, dental crowns and bridges are two of the most common ways to restore both function and appearance.
Here are quick answers to the questions we hear most often.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a custom-fitted "cap" placed over a tooth that has been damaged, has significant decay, or has had a root canal. It's designed from precise measurements of your tooth so it looks and functions naturally.
What is a crown made of?
Crowns are made of very sturdy materials — most often porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or gold. With good care, a well-made crown can last many years.
What is a dental bridge?
A bridge is similar to a crown but restores a missing tooth. It's essentially three crowns joined together — the middle "crown" is a full replacement tooth, and the two outer crowns anchor to the neighboring teeth.
How does a bridge work?
The two anchor teeth may need to be shaped slightly to fit the bridge snugly. Once in place, the bridge restores your bite and keeps the surrounding teeth from drifting into the empty space.
Are there alternatives to a crown or bridge?
Yes. A dental implant places a titanium post into the jaw and attaches a replacement tooth to it. Implants are a more comprehensive, permanent option — and typically a larger investment. Whether a crown, bridge, or implant is right for you is a conversation to have with our team.
Ready to talk it through? Call (810) 628-3914 to schedule a consultation.