Many have heard crowns referred to as a “cap”. This is actually a very good description as a crown essentially covers the entire top of the tooth above the gums. Crowns are typically recommended in cases where a tooth requires additional strength and support beyond what a standard filling can provide. This may be due to large decay, fractures, or previous root canal treatment. In some cases, crowns are used to reinforce a tooth with a large filling and little remaining tooth structure or to rebuild severely worn teeth. A crown will restore the tooth’s shape, size and appearance while also providing strength for everyday use.

A bridge is a restoration that replaces the space where one or more teeth have been lost. A bridge consists of two crowns on teeth adjacent to the missing tooth space and a false tooth attached in between. Bridges are permanently cemented and do not come in and out of the mouth.