A dental crown is used to entirely cover or "cap" a damaged tooth. Besides strengthening a damaged tooth, a crown can be used to improve its appearance, shape or alignment. A crown can also be placed on top of an implant to provide a tooth-like shape and structure for function.

Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth. Other materials include gold and metal alloys, acrylic and ceramic. These alloys are generally stronger than porcelain and may be recommended for back teeth. Porcelain bonded to a metal shell is often used because it is both strong and attractive.

A dentist may recommend a crown to:
 Replace a large filling when there isn't enough tooth remaining
 Protect a weak tooth from fracturing
 Restore a fractured tooth
 Attach a bridge
 Cover a dental implant
 Cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth
 Cover a tooth that has had root canal treatment

Upper and lower teeth shape will be recorded. This is done using a putty-like material in trays. Your dentist may refer to this as “taking impressions”. You will be numbed up with a local anesthetic. This is to ensure you do not experience any discomfort while the tooth is reshaped using a drill. The tooth will only be shaved back by a few millimeters, possibly less. Another impression is taken of the newly prepped tooth. A temporary crown is created in order to protect the tooth while the crown is being made. This temporary crown is also useful if any gum modification is required. It allows the gum to heal around the temporary crown before placing the final crown. When the crown is ready to cement in the mouth, the temporary crown is removed. The new crown is fitted and the appearance is checked with you. Then, it is glued directly to the tooth. Adjustments can be made if needed and floss is used to check the contact of the crowned tooth with the teeth next door.

A bridge replaces the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It is made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap.

A bridge consists of false teeth rigidly attached between two crowns. The teeth on either side of the gap are prepared for these crowns and the bridge is cemented into place. In some cases, it’s possible to use implants to replace the missing teeth rather than using the existing teeth. Once a bridge is cemented into position, it looks and works just like natural teeth.

Preparation steps for bridges are very similar to crowns. The main difference is that both teeth on either side of the gap are reshaped into crowns. These teeth act as anchors for the replacement tooth which is filling the gap. When the bridge arrives, it is cemented as a single unit. Super floss is used to floss under the bridge and ensure no excess cement is left behind.

Once your crown or bridge is fitted, it’s important to maintain a regular and effective routine of oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing two to three times a day, taking extra care to floss around your crown. This will help avoid decay where the crown and the tooth join. Avoid sticky foods such as toffee, chocolates, and do not use your teeth inappropriately – chewing pens, crunching ice etc. A dental floss is thread, which looks like a small bendy brush, can be used to clean under your bridge. There are also water jets on the market that will help keep your bridge clean. Whether you have a crown or a bridge, the most important thing is to regularly visit your dentist for a checkup and clean. This way problem can be detected early, allowing them to be corrected before they become painful and expensive.

Tooth may rarely break during preparation. This is especially the case if an existing crown is being removed from the tooth prepared earlier. Higher risk is associated with lesser tooth structure. Your dentist will advise you of how likely this risk applies to your tooth.Infection of the pulp or gums may occur. In heavily broken down teeth, the nerve is very close to becoming exposed and therefore infected. Your dentist will advise you if you should undertake root canal treatment to avoid this complication. Gum infection can be prevented with ongoing oral hygiene.

Both dental bridges and crowns will last between five to 15 years, depending on how well you look after your oral health. Make sure to clean your mouth daily and maintain regular checkups with the dentist every six months.