(623) 547-0307

Restorative Dentistry • Litchfield Park, AZ

Crowns & bridges—strength, restored beautifully.

Reinforce weak or damaged teeth, replace missing teeth, and restore confident function with custom-crafted restorations designed for comfort and a natural finish.12

Custom shade matching Modern materials Implant-supported options
Dental crowns and bridges restorative dentistry

Restore a flattering, functional smile

Dental crowns and bridges can help you keep a confident, functional smile despite common tooth concerns like breakage, decay, or tooth loss. A crown covers and protects a tooth, while a bridge can replace one or more missing teeth by “bridging” the gap.12

At Litchfield Dental Care, we create strong custom restorations designed to look natural and feel comfortable—so you can eat, speak, and smile without thinking twice.

What are crowns and bridges?

Crowns and bridges are restorative devices used to repair or replace teeth. Crowns fit over a tooth like a protective cap, while bridges replace missing teeth using supporting teeth (or implants) on either side of a gap.12

Dental crown

A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over a prepared tooth to restore strength and appearance. Crowns are commonly used for damaged, weak, or heavily restored teeth, and they can also cover dental implants.13

Dental bridge

A bridge replaces missing teeth using crowns (on natural teeth or implants) and one or more “pontic” teeth that fill the space. Bridges can restore chewing function and improve appearance.24

Materials & aesthetics: We’ll recommend the right material based on your tooth, bite, and goals—prioritizing strength and a natural look (shade, translucency, and contour).

What is the process for getting crowns and bridges?

Your consultation begins with an exam and planning. For a crown or bridge, the tooth (or teeth) is prepared by removing a small amount of enamel so the restoration fits precisely. Temporary restorations are often placed while the final is crafted.34

01
Consultation & design — exam, digital records/impressions, shade planning.
02
Tooth preparation — conservative shaping for an accurate, comfortable fit.3
03
Temporary restoration — protects your tooth while the final is made.
04
Final placement — fit check, bite refinement, and cementation/bonding.

Implant-supported crowns or bridges

If a dental implant is part of your plan, implant surgery occurs before the final crown/bridge is designed and placed. Implants replace tooth roots and support a crown for a natural look and function.5

What should I do about a broken crown or bridge?

If a crown or bridge feels loose, cracks, or breaks, call right away. A damaged restoration can expose underlying tooth structure and may increase risk of sensitivity or complications. Good home care matters too—brush twice daily, clean between teeth daily, and avoid chewing hard objects that can fracture restorations.13

Care tips for longevity
  • Brush twice daily and clean between teeth daily.3
  • Avoid biting ice, hard candy, or other hard objects.
  • Use a mouthguard for contact sports (and ask about night guards if you clench/grind).
  • Keep regular exams and cleanings to monitor fit and gum health.

Crowns & bridges FAQs

How do I know if I need a crown or a bridge?
Crowns are used to cover and protect a tooth, while bridges replace one or more missing teeth. We’ll evaluate your tooth structure, bite, and goals to recommend the best option.12
Are crowns and bridges noticeable?
Modern materials and careful shade matching can produce very natural-looking results. We tailor contour and translucency to blend with surrounding teeth.
How long does it take to get a crown or bridge?
Many cases take two visits: preparation + records, then final placement. A temporary restoration is often worn while the final is fabricated.34
Can a bridge be supported by implants?
Yes—implants can support crowns and bridges by replacing tooth roots and providing stable support for restorations.5
What should I do if my crown feels loose or breaks?
Call promptly for evaluation. Avoid chewing on that side and keep the area clean. We can assess repair vs replacement based on fit and tooth condition.
Sources
  1. ADA MouthHealthy — Crowns. (mouthhealthy.org)
  2. ADA MouthHealthy — Bridges. (mouthhealthy.org)
  3. MedlinePlus — Dental crowns (procedure overview). (medlineplus.gov)
  4. Cleveland Clinic — Dental Bridges: types & what to expect. (my.clevelandclinic.org)
  5. Mayo Clinic — Dental implant surgery (implants support crowns/bridgework). (mayoclinic.org)