Crowns and Bridges
Fix Damaged or Missing Teeth with Dental Crowns & Bridges
Whether you have a cracked tooth that needs reinforcement, a cavity too large for a filling, or a gap from a missing tooth, dental crowns and bridges are two of the most reliable ways to restore your smile’s function and appearance. At Novelly Family Dentistry in Chandler, AZ, we provide custom-crafted restorations that look natural, feel comfortable, and hold up beautifully over time.
Our team takes a careful, personalized approach to every case. We’ll evaluate your situation, explain your options in plain language, and help you choose the treatment that makes the most sense for your dental health and your life. Whether you need a single crown or a multi-tooth bridge, we’re equipped to get it done with precision and care.
Crowns and Bridges: What’s the Difference?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are commonly used after root canal treatment, when a tooth has significant decay, or when a tooth is cracked or chipped in a way that can’t be addressed with a filling alone. They can also be placed on top of a dental implant.
A dental bridge is used when one or more teeth are completely missing. It works by using the teeth on either side of the gap, or implants, as anchors to support one or more artificial teeth in between. The result is a fixed restoration that fills the gap and restores function without the need for a removable appliance.
Both crowns and bridges are long-lasting solutions when properly cared for, and modern materials allow them to blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Signs You Might Need a Crown or Bridge
- A tooth that’s cracked, chipped, or broken
- Severe decay that goes beyond what a filling can handle
- A weakened tooth following root canal treatment
- One or more missing teeth affecting your bite or appearance
- A worn-down tooth that’s lost significant structure
- Difficulty chewing on one side due to damaged or missing teeth
- An older restoration that’s failing or needs to be replaced
- Gaps in your smile that are shifting adjacent teeth out of position
Crown and Bridge Options
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are designed to match the color and translucency of natural teeth, making them the go-to choice for visible front teeth. They’re highly aesthetic and work well for most patients who prioritize appearance.
Ceramic Crowns
All-ceramic crowns are completely metal-free, making them a good option for patients with metal sensitivities or those who want the most natural-looking result possible. They’re biocompatible and blend beautifully with surrounding teeth.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns, typically made from gold or other alloys, are exceptionally durable and tend to last a very long time. They’re less popular for front teeth due to their visible appearance, but for back molars where strength matters most, they’re a time-tested option.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
PFM crowns combine a metal core for strength with a porcelain exterior for aesthetics. They’re a solid choice for back teeth where both durability and appearance matter. Over time, a small dark line at the gum margin may become visible, which is something to keep in mind.
Traditional Dental Bridges
A traditional bridge is the most common type. It uses the two teeth flanking the gap as anchors, which are crowned to support the artificial tooth in between. This approach is reliable and widely used.
Cantilever Bridges
When a tooth is only missing support on one side, a cantilever bridge may be used. This design works off a single anchor tooth and is less common than traditional bridges.
Maryland Bridges
A Maryland bridge uses a minimal bonding framework to attach to the backs of adjacent teeth, requiring little to no tooth preparation. It’s a conservative approach, though it’s not as strong as traditional bridge designs.
Implant-Supported Bridges
Instead of relying on natural teeth for support, implant-supported bridges are anchored by dental implants. This is the strongest and most long-lasting bridge option, and it preserves the health of adjacent natural teeth.
The Benefits of Crowns and Bridges
- Restore normal chewing and speaking function
- Protect weak or damaged teeth from further breakdown
- Fill gaps to prevent neighboring teeth from shifting out of alignment
- Provide a natural-looking result that blends with your smile
- Long-lasting with proper care, crowns typically last 10 to 15 years or more
- Prevent bone loss in the area of a missing tooth (especially with implant-supported bridges)
- Boost confidence by completing your smile
What to Expect During Treatment
- Consultation: We examine your teeth and discuss your goals to determine whether a crown, bridge, or another option is best.
- Treatment planning: A personalized plan is developed based on your specific situation.
- Tooth preparation: The affected tooth (or teeth) is reshaped to accommodate the restoration.
- Impressions or digital scans: We capture precise measurements to ensure a perfect fit.
- Temporary restoration: A temporary crown or bridge protects your teeth while the permanent restoration is being made.
- Final placement: Your custom crown or bridge is fitted, adjusted, and permanently cemented.
- Bite check: We make sure everything aligns properly and feels comfortable.
- Aftercare guidance: We walk you through caring for your new restoration.
Why Novelly Family Dentistry for Crowns and Bridges?
- Skilled restorative team with experience handling everything from simple crowns to complex multi-tooth bridges
- High-quality materials and precise digital scanning for a comfortable, accurate fit
- Transparent pricing with flexible payment options
- Friendly, patient-centered care, we take the time to answer your questions
- Comprehensive services including periodontal support and implant coordination
- Serving Chandler families and individuals with trusted, consistent care
Serving Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Tempe
Our Chandler office is easy to get to from across the East Valley. If you’ve been dealing with a damaged tooth or a gap in your smile, we’d love to help. Call us to schedule a consultation and find out how a crown or bridge could make a difference for your dental health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crowns and Bridges
- What’s the difference between a crown and a bridge?
A crown covers and protects a damaged existing tooth. A bridge replaces a missing tooth using adjacent teeth or implants as anchors.
- How long do dental crowns last?
With proper care, crowns typically last 10 to 15 years, and many last considerably longer.
- Are dental bridges permanent?
Bridges are fixed restorations, they’re cemented in place and not removable. They’re designed to be long-lasting, though they may eventually need to be replaced.
- Is the procedure painful?
Both crown and bridge procedures are done under local anesthesia. You may feel some sensitivity afterward, but the process itself is comfortable.
- How many appointments does it take?
Typically two to three appointments, one for preparation and impressions, and one for placement of the final restoration.
- Can I eat normally after getting a crown or bridge?
Yes, once the final restoration is in place and any post-treatment sensitivity has settled down.
- Do crowns look natural?
Modern crowns are crafted to closely match the color and shape of your natural teeth. Most people won’t be able to tell the difference.
- How do I care for a dental bridge?
Brush normally and use floss threaders or a water flosser to clean underneath the bridge. Regular dental check-ups are important to monitor the health of the supporting teeth.
Schedule Your Crown or Bridge Consultation
If a damaged or missing tooth has been bothering you, there’s no reason to wait. Contact Novelly Family Dentistry in Chandler, AZ today to schedule an appointment and find out how we can restore your smile.
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