Dental Crowns and Bridges – Restore Damaged or Missing Teeth

At Bedrock Dentistry, Dr. Rajani Bhore provides high-quality dental crowns and bridges to restore damaged, weakened, or missing teeth with durable, natural-looking restorations. Crowns completely cover and protect a damaged tooth, while bridges replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth. Both restorations are custom-crafted from premium dental materials to match your natural teeth perfectly, giving you a strong, functional, beautiful smile that lasts for years.

What are dental crowns?

A dental crown (also called a cap) is a tooth-shaped restoration that completely covers a damaged, weakened, or severely decayed tooth from the gum line up. Dr. Bhore custom-designs each crown to restore the tooth's original shape, size, strength, and appearance while protecting it from further damage or fracture.

Crowns are fabricated from various materials including porcelain, ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or zirconia, depending on which tooth needs restoration and your esthetic preferences.

When do you need a dental crown?

Dr. Bhore recommends crowns for:

• Large cavities: Teeth with extensive decay where fillings would be too weak or unstable

• Fractured or cracked teeth: Teeth with significant breaks that compromise structural integrity

• Root canal treatment: Teeth that have had root canals become brittle and require crown protection to prevent fracture

• Severe wear: Teeth worn down by grinding, acid erosion, or age that need length and shape restored

• Weak or broken fillings: Old large fillings that have failed or teeth with insufficient structure remaining

• Cosmetic improvement: Severely discolored, misshapen, or poorly positioned teeth that need complete coverage

• Dental implant restoration: Crowns are placed on implants to replace missing teeth

What are dental bridges?

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth (pontics) to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. The teeth on both sides of the gap are prepared for crowns (called abutment teeth), and the replacement tooth or teeth are permanently attached between them, literally "bridging" the space.

Bridges are cemented in place—you cannot remove them—and they restore your ability to chew, speak clearly, maintain facial structure, and prevent remaining teeth from shifting into the empty space.

Types of dental bridges

Traditional bridge: Most common type; uses crowns on teeth adjacent to the gap to support replacement teeth in between. Requires preparing (shaving down) the adjacent teeth.

Cantilever bridge: Used when teeth are present on only one side of the gap; the pontic is anchored to one or more adjacent teeth on one side only. Less common due to increased stress on supporting teeth.

Maryland bridge: Also called resin-bonded bridge; uses metal or porcelain wings bonded to the back of adjacent teeth with minimal tooth preparation. Best for front teeth with light chewing forces.

Implant-supported bridge: When multiple adjacent teeth are missing, dental implants (instead of natural teeth) can support the bridge. This is the most durable option and doesn't require altering healthy natural teeth.

Crown and bridge materials: Which is best?

All-Porcelain or All-Ceramic: Best esthetics; completely tooth-colored with no metal. Ideal for front teeth and highly visible areas. Slightly less strong than metal-based options but excellent for most applications.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): Strong metal substructure covered with tooth-colored porcelain. Good balance of strength and esthetics. May show a dark metal line at the gum line over time. Good for back teeth and bridges requiring maximum strength.

Zirconia: Advanced ceramic material offering exceptional strength and excellent esthetics. Ideal for patients who want metal-free restorations with maximum durability. Perfect for back teeth and bridges.

Gold alloy: Most durable and longest-lasting option. Requires less tooth removal than other materials. Excellent for back teeth where esthetics aren't primary concern. Very gentle on opposing teeth.

Dr. Bhore will recommend the best material based on which tooth needs restoration, your bite forces, esthetic priorities, and budget.

What is the crown and bridge procedure?

First visit – Preparation:

• Dr. Bhore numbs the tooth/teeth and removes decay or old fillings

• She reshapes the tooth (removing 1-2mm from all surfaces) to create space for the crown or prepares abutment teeth for a bridge

• Detailed impressions are taken of the prepared teeth and opposing teeth

• You select the shade (color) to match your natural teeth

• A temporary crown or bridge is placed to protect prepared teeth and maintain function and appearance

• Impressions are sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians custom-fabricate your restoration (typically 2-3 weeks)

Second visit – Delivery:

• Dr. Bhore removes the temporary restoration and thoroughly cleans the prepared teeth

• She carefully tries in the permanent crown or bridge to verify perfect fit, bite alignment, and appearance

• Once you approve the color and fit, the restoration is permanently cemented in place

• Final bite adjustments ensure comfortable, even contact with opposing teeth

The entire process from first appointment to final restoration takes 2-4 weeks.

How long do crowns and bridges last?

With proper care, dental crowns typically last 10-15 years or longer, and bridges last 10-15 years on average. Longevity depends on:

• Material used (gold and zirconia tend to last longest)

• Location in mouth (back teeth experience higher forces)

• Oral hygiene (preventing decay around crown margins and under bridges)

• Bite forces and grinding habits (nightguards protect restorations)

• Quality of initial fit and fabrication

How do I care for crowns and bridges?

For crowns:

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, paying special attention to where crown meets gum

• Floss daily around crowns just like natural teeth

• Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or using teeth as tools

• Wear a nightguard if you grind teeth

For bridges:

• Brush twice daily around bridge abutment teeth and pontic surfaces

• Floss daily under the pontic (false tooth) using floss threaders or superfloss to remove food and plaque

• Use water flossers to clean hard-to-reach areas under bridge

• Regular professional cleanings every six months

Excellent hygiene is critical for bridges because decay can develop on the supporting abutment teeth underneath the crowns, potentially causing bridge failure.

Crowns and bridges vs. dental implants: What's the difference?

Dental crowns restore individual damaged teeth that are still present. They don't replace missing teeth.

Dental bridges replace missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent natural teeth, but require permanently altering those healthy teeth by shaving them down for crowns.

Dental implants replace missing teeth without touching adjacent teeth. Implants are independent restorations that don't rely on neighboring teeth, making them the most conservative option for tooth replacement. However, implants require surgery and cost more than bridges.

For single missing teeth, implants are generally the best long-term solution. For patients who cannot have implant surgery or prefer a more affordable option, bridges are excellent alternatives.

Why choose Bedrock Dentistry for crowns and bridges in Austin?

Dr. Rajani Bhore combines precise preparation techniques with artistic crown and bridge design to create restorations that fit comfortably, function flawlessly, and look naturally beautiful. She works with premier dental laboratories that use the highest quality materials and pays meticulous attention to bite alignment, margins, and esthetics to ensure your restorations last for years.

If you have a damaged tooth that needs a crown, are missing teeth and considering a bridge, or want to replace old, failing restorations with modern, beautiful crowns, contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bhore. She'll examine your teeth, explain all your restoration options, and create a personalized treatment plan to restore your healthy, confident smile.