Dental health isn’t just about clean teeth—it’s about restoring strength, function, and beauty to your smile when damage occurs. At North Texas Family Dental, we offer comprehensive restorative solutions, including dental crowns and bridges, to help patients maintain confidence, bite strength, and long-term oral wellness.
In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about dental crowns and bridges—what they are, when they’re used, how the process works, and how they can dramatically improve your quality of life.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its size, shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made from various materials including porcelain, ceramic, resin, or metal alloys, depending on your needs and budget.
Crowns Are Typically Used When:
- A tooth has extensive decay too large for a filling
- A tooth is cracked, broken, or worn down
- After a root canal, to protect the weakened tooth
- To anchor a dental bridge
- To cover a misshapen or discolored tooth for cosmetic reasons
- To restore a dental implant
Crowns fully encase the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line, providing protection while improving function and aesthetics.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It literally “bridges” the gap between two healthy teeth or implants. A traditional bridge consists of two crowns (one on each side of the gap) and one or more false teeth (pontics) between them.
Bridges are usually made from porcelain fused to metal or ceramics to ensure durability and a natural look. They help restore your smile, maintain facial structure, and prevent remaining teeth from shifting.
You Might Need a Dental Bridge If:
- You’re missing one or more permanent teeth
- You want to restore your chewing and speaking ability
- You’re looking to maintain the shape of your face
- You want to prevent remaining teeth from drifting
The Benefits of Crowns and Bridges
- Restored Function: Eat, chew, and speak more comfortably
- Aesthetic Improvement: Crowns and bridges are custom-shaded to match your natural teeth
- Durability: With proper care, they can last 10–15 years or more
- Stability: Bridges prevent neighboring teeth from shifting
- Confidence: Smile more freely without worrying about damaged or missing teeth
The Treatment Process: What to Expect
At North Texas Family Dental, we tailor each treatment to your individual needs using advanced technology and high-quality materials. Here’s a general overview of the process:
- Initial Consultation: Your journey begins with a thorough dental exam, X-rays, and a conversation about your goals. We’ll determine if a crown or bridge is the best solution, and discuss material options and treatment costs.
- Tooth Preparation:
- For a crown: The tooth receiving the crown will be filed down to make room for the cap. Decay is removed and the remaining structure is shaped for ideal crown placement.
- For a bridge: The adjacent teeth (called abutment teeth) are prepped to support the crowns that will hold the bridge in place.
- Impressions: Once the teeth are prepared, we’ll take digital or physical impressions to send to a dental lab. These impressions ensure your crown or bridge fits perfectly and looks natural.
- Temporary Restoration: While your permanent crown or bridge is being created, a temporary version will be placed to protect your teeth and maintain appearance.
- Placement of the Final Crown or Bridge: When your custom restoration is ready (typically in 1–2 weeks), you’ll return for placement. We’ll check the fit, color, and bite before cementing it into place.
- Follow-Up and Care Instructions: Our team will provide tips on how to care for your new crown or bridge. Good hygiene and regular dental visits will keep your restoration in excellent shape for years to come.
Materials: What Are Your Options?
At North Texas Family Dental, we offer multiple crown and bridge materials to meet functional and cosmetic needs:
- Porcelain/Ceramic: Great for front teeth; natural-looking
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal: Stronger than porcelain alone
- Gold Alloys: Extremely durable, great for molars
- Resin: Less expensive but also less durable
We’ll help you choose based on your bite pressure, location of the tooth, aesthetic preferences, and budget.
How to Care for Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and bridges require the same care as natural teeth:
- Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily, especially under the bridge
- Use floss threaders or interdental brushes to clean hard-to-reach areas
- Avoid chewing hard foods or ice, which can crack porcelain
- Schedule regular cleanings and checkups
A well-maintained crown or bridge can last a decade or longer, making them a worthwhile investment in your oral health.
FAQs About Crowns and Bridges
- Q: Does it hurt to get a crown or bridge?
A: The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain. Mild soreness may occur after prep or placement, but it usually subsides quickly. - Q: How long does the treatment take?
A: Most crowns and bridges require two appointments spaced 1–2 weeks apart. - Q: Will my crown or bridge look natural?
A: Absolutely. We match color, shape, and size to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. - Q: Can crowns or bridges be repaired if damaged?
A: In some cases, yes. Minor chips can be repaired, but severe damage may require replacement.
Are Crowns or Bridges Covered by Insurance?
Most dental insurance plans cover part of the cost of crowns and bridges, especially if the procedure is medically necessary (not just cosmetic). Our office staff will help you verify your benefits and maximize your insurance coverage.
We also offer financing options to help make your treatment affordable. Ask about payment plans or healthcare financing during your consultation.
Why Choose North Texas Family Dental?
At North Texas Family Dental, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality restorative dentistry in a warm, welcoming environment. Our experienced team uses state-of-the-art materials and technology to ensure your crown or bridge looks, feels, and functions just like a natural tooth.
We take the time to understand your concerns, explain your options, and help you feel confident about your care.
Restore Your Smile Today!
Don’t let damaged or missing teeth hold you back. Whether you need a single crown or a full dental bridge, North Texas Family Dental is here to help you reclaim a healthy, confident smile.
📞 Call us today or book your appointment online to learn more about crowns and bridges and how they can restore both the function and beauty of your smile.
