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Crowns & Bridges

Crowns and bridges are restorations that correct dental problems while protecting and strengthening your teeth.

A dental crown is custom made to fit over a damaged natural tooth. It restores the function of the tooth and provides strength and support. Dental bridges fill in the space left by a missing tooth to complete your smile.

Everyone wants a smile that is healthy and beautiful, and we may be able to help you reach that goal using crowns and bridges. Updated techniques and treatments have made the placing of crowns and bridges easier than ever before.

When Are Dental Crowns and Bridges Used?

Dental crowns have many applications and can be used to correct a number of problems, including:

Severely decayed teeth
Teeth weakened by root canal treatment
Fractured or broken teeth
Broken fillings
Large, unattractive fillings

A dental bridge is used to fill the space left by a missing tooth. The bridge is usually made as a single unit that is held in place by crowns on adjacent teeth. A dental bridge not only improves your appearance but also prevents surrounding teeth from shifting out of place and moving into the space left by a missing tooth.

What Does Placing a Crown or Bridge Involve?

A dental crown or bridge can usually be placed in two or three visits. First, we prepare your natural tooth to receive the restoration, and then impressions are taken of your teeth. The impression accurately represents the position of your natural teeth so that your restoration fits perfectly.

The impressions are sent to a special dental lab and are used to create your permanent restoration, which usually takes about two weeks. Before you leave our office, we fit you with a temporary bridge or crown that you wear while the new crown or bridge is being prepared.

Once the restoration is finished, we will schedule an appointment for you to return to our office. At that time, we check the finished restoration for proper fit, making adjustments as necessary. Finally, the restoration is cemented permanently into place.

Before you leave our office, we will give you instructions on caring for your new restoration. The restoration is fully functional, but you should remember that it requires special care to prevent damage and the need for replacement. If you follow proper oral hygiene and schedule regular dental cleanings, your new restoration will last for many years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a crown?

A crown is a protective cap that covers the entire tooth. It can be made of porcelain, gold, porcelain over gold, or a newer material called zirconia.

When is a crown needed?

A crown may be needed if a tooth is broken, lost a filling, has cracks, has a large cavity, or some combination of these problems.

Do I need a root canal every time a crown is done?

No, some people get this confused with the common recommendation that every root canal should have a crown done after. Most crowns do not need a root canal after however.

What is a bridge?

A bridge is made to replace a missing tooth. It is made of a crown on each of the adjacent teeth and a fake tooth in the middle, which are all connected as one piece. It is then cemented on the adjacent teeth. Bridges are made of the same materials as crowns.

Bridge or implant? Which is better?

This is a very nuanced question and will depend on each person’s dental situation. Implants have made bridges less commonly done, however we still do bridges in some situations. A bridge may be a better value if the adjacent teeth are already in need of crowns. It may also be done if the patient is not a good candidate for an implant.

Meet Our Doctor:

Brian Burke DMD, PC

Dr. Brian T. Burke is a graduate from Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry. He continued his training in all facets of dentistry at Christiana Care's General Practice Residency in Wilmington, DE. He received his bachelor's degree in Biology with a Psychology minor at Penn State University. Dr. Burke met his wife, Stephanie, when he was in dental school and they decided to settle down outside of Philadelphia. Shortly after starting a family, they moved to Chester Springs where they are raising their three little girls.

Dr. Burke has been in ...