Crowns & Bridges

Restoring a damaged or missing tooth restores the confidence to use your smile without thinking about it.

A dental crown is a full-coverage restoration that caps a damaged tooth, restoring its strength, function, and appearance. A dental bridge uses crowns on adjacent teeth to support a replacement for one or more missing teeth in between. Together, these are two of dentistry's most proven and versatile restorations — and at De Anza Smiles, both are crafted from tooth-colored porcelain or zirconia so they blend seamlessly with your natural smile.

What It Treats

When Crowns or Bridges Are Needed

Cracked or Fractured Teeth

A cracked tooth that causes pain with chewing needs a crown to hold it together and prevent the fracture from progressing to the root where extraction becomes the only option.

Severely Decayed Teeth

When decay is too extensive for a filling to adequately restore, a crown rebuilds the tooth in full — protecting what remains of the natural structure while restoring full function.

After Root Canal Treatment

Root canal therapy removes the pulp but leaves the tooth brittle. A crown placed afterward protects the tooth from fracture and restores its full biting strength.

Missing Teeth (Bridge)

A fixed bridge replaces one to three missing teeth using crowns on the natural teeth on either side. The result is a permanent, non-removable restoration that restores biting and speaking function.

Implant Restoration

After a dental implant integrates with the jawbone, a custom porcelain crown is placed on top to complete the restoration — creating a fully functional, natural-looking tooth replacement.

Benefits

Why Patients Choose Crowns & Bridges

Full Strength Restored

A crown returns a damaged tooth to full biting and chewing function — you stop favoring the other side and eat normally again without hesitation.

Natural Appearance

Tooth-colored porcelain and zirconia crowns are shade-matched to your surrounding teeth. No metal showing — just a restoration that looks like a tooth.

Prevents Further Damage

Crowning a cracked or weakened tooth today prevents fracture, infection, and extraction tomorrow. One restoration avoids a cascade of more complex problems.

Lasts 10–15 Years

With proper care, crowns and bridges are long-lasting restorations. Many patients go well over a decade before any maintenance is needed.

The Process

How Crowns & Bridges Are Made

1

Evaluation & Treatment Plan

X-rays and an exam confirm the extent of damage. We discuss whether a crown, bridge, or implant-crown best fits your specific situation and long-term goals.

2

Tooth Preparation & Impressions

The tooth is shaped to accept the crown. Digital impressions or physical molds are taken and sent to a dental lab. A temporary crown or bridge protects your teeth while the permanent restoration is fabricated.

3

Placement & Bite Adjustment

When your permanent crown or bridge arrives, we check the fit, color match, and bite carefully. Adjustments are made until everything is perfect, then it's cemented permanently in place.

FAQ

Common Questions

How long does getting a crown take?
The process typically involves two appointments spaced 2–3 weeks apart — one for preparation and impressions, one for permanent placement. You'll wear a temporary crown in between to protect the tooth.
Will my crown look natural?
Yes. We use high-quality porcelain and zirconia shade-matched to your surrounding teeth. The result looks and feels like a natural tooth — most patients forget which tooth has the crown.
Is a bridge or implant better for a missing tooth?
Both are excellent options. Implants are generally preferred because they preserve jawbone and don't require altering adjacent teeth. Bridges are a strong alternative when implant candidacy is limited or faster treatment is preferred. We'll walk through both options at your consultation.
How do I care for my crown or bridge?
Brush and floss daily — for bridges, use a floss threader or water flosser to clean under the pontic. Avoid chewing ice or hard objects. Regular checkups allow us to monitor the margins and ensure longevity.

Schedule a Consultation

Fill out the form or call (408) 255-1700