Overview
A crown is used to entirely cover or “cap” a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. When the tooth has had a root canal treatment, has been broken and cracked or has a large dental filling and a large cavity.
Most of them are either made of metal (like gold), with ceramics (porcelain), or made of a combination of metal and porcelain so it can be matched to the color of your teeth.
Bridges are commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. They span the space where the teeth are missing. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space.
Using your impression, a dental lab then makes your crown or bridge. A temporary crown or bridge will be put in place to cover the prepared tooth while the permanent crown or bridge is being made. When the permanent crown or bridge is ready, the temporary crown or bridge is removed, and the new crown or bridge is cemented over your prepared tooth or teeth.
