Crowns and Bridges
Restore Your Smile with Dental Crowns & Bridges in Phoenix
Whether you have a cracked tooth that needs reinforcement, severe decay that’s gone beyond a filling, or a gap from a missing tooth, dental crowns and bridges are two of the most proven and reliable restorative options available. At our Phoenix practice, we craft custom restorations designed to look natural, feel comfortable, and hold up beautifully over time.
We take a personalized approach to every case. We’ll examine your teeth, explain your options in plain terms, and help you choose the treatment that makes the most sense for your oral health and your daily life. Whether you need a single crown to protect a weakened tooth or a multi-tooth bridge to fill a gap, our team is equipped to deliver results you’ll be happy with for years to come.
We also want to be upfront about costs. We offer transparent, affordable pricing and flexible payment options, and we’ll give you a clear estimate before any treatment begins.
Crowns vs. Bridges: What’s the Difference?
A dental crown is a custom cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, strength, and appearance. It fits completely over the existing tooth and is permanently cemented in place. Crowns are commonly used after root canal treatment, for teeth with large cavities, cracked or broken teeth, or worn-down teeth that have lost significant structure. They’re also placed on top of dental implants.
A dental bridge fills the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It’s supported by the teeth on either side of the gap, or by implants, with one or more artificial teeth in between. A bridge is a fixed restoration, meaning it’s cemented in place and not removable like a partial denture. Modern bridges are designed to blend in with your surrounding teeth and restore full chewing function.
Signs You Might Need a Crown or Bridge
- A tooth that’s cracked, chipped, or broken
- Extensive decay that a filling can’t adequately address
- A tooth that’s been weakened by root canal treatment
- One or more missing teeth creating a gap in your smile
- A worn-down tooth that’s lost significant structure
- Difficulty chewing due to damaged or missing teeth
- An older crown or bridge that’s failing and needs replacement
- Adjacent teeth that are starting to shift toward a gap
Crown and Bridge Options We Offer
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are designed to match the color and translucency of natural teeth, making them an excellent choice for visible front teeth. They’re highly aesthetic and work well for most patients who prioritize a natural appearance.
Ceramic Crowns
All-ceramic crowns are completely metal-free, offering a clean, biocompatible option with outstanding aesthetics. They’re a good fit for patients with metal sensitivities or anyone who wants the most natural-looking result possible.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns, typically made from gold or another durable alloy, are exceptionally strong and long-lasting. They’re less popular for visible teeth, but for back molars where function and durability are the priority, they’re a time-tested choice.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
PFM crowns combine a metal core for strength with a porcelain outer layer for aesthetics. They’re a solid option for back teeth where both durability and appearance matter. Over time, a thin dark line may become visible at the gumline, something to keep in mind when choosing.
Traditional Bridges
A traditional bridge uses the two teeth flanking the gap as anchors. These anchor teeth are crowned and support the artificial tooth (or teeth) in between. This is the most widely used bridge design, reliable, strong, and well-established.
Cantilever Bridges
Cantilever bridges are supported by just one anchor tooth rather than two. They’re used in specific situations where only one healthy adjacent tooth is available for support.
Maryland Bridges
Maryland bridges use a conservative bonding framework attached to the backs of neighboring teeth, with minimal or no preparation required. They’re less invasive but not as strong as traditional bridges, best suited for lower-stress areas.
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 durable bridge option, and it avoids any alteration to healthy adjacent teeth. It’s a great choice for patients who are missing multiple consecutive teeth and want the most stable, long-lasting solution.
The Benefits of Crowns and Bridges
- Restores normal chewing and speaking function
- Protects damaged or weakened teeth from further breakdown
- Fills gaps and prevents neighboring teeth from shifting out of alignment
- Provides a natural-looking result that blends with your smile
- Long-lasting with proper care, crowns typically last 10 to 15 years or longer
- Prevents bone loss in the area of a missing tooth (especially with implant-supported bridges)
- Gives you back the confidence to smile without self-consciousness
What the Treatment Process Looks Like
- Consultation: We examine your teeth and discuss which option is right for your situation.
- Tooth preparation: The affected tooth is reshaped to accommodate the crown, or adjacent teeth are prepared to anchor a bridge.
- Digital impressions: We take precise measurements to design a restoration that fits perfectly.
- Temporary restoration: A temporary crown or bridge protects your teeth while your permanent restoration is being made.
- Final placement: Your custom crown or bridge is fitted, adjusted for comfort, and cemented in place.
- Bite check: We make sure everything feels right and aligns properly.
- Aftercare guidance: We walk you through how to care for your new restoration.
Why Choose Our Phoenix Practice?
- Experienced restorative team with a strong track record across all types of crown and bridge cases
- High-quality materials and precise digital scanning for a comfortable, accurate fit
- Transparent pricing and flexible payment options
- Comprehensive services, including periodontal support and implant coordination
- Friendly, patient-centered care from a team that takes the time to explain your options
Serving Phoenix and the Surrounding Area
Our practice is conveniently located in Phoenix and welcomes patients from across the metro area. If a damaged or missing tooth has been bothering you, we’d love to help. Call us today to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crowns and Bridges
- How long do crowns and bridges last?
With proper care, both typically last 10 to 15 years, many last considerably longer.
- Is the procedure painful?
Both procedures are done under local anesthesia. You may experience some sensitivity afterward, but the process itself is comfortable.
- How much do crowns cost in Phoenix?
Costs vary by material and case complexity. We’ll give you a clear estimate before any treatment begins and walk you through payment options.
- How many appointments does it take?
Typically two to three appointments, one for preparation and impressions, and one for final placement.
- Can I eat normally after getting a crown or bridge?
Yes, once the final restoration is placed and any post-treatment sensitivity settles down.
- Do crowns and bridges look natural?
Modern restorations are crafted to closely match the color and shape of your natural teeth. Most people can’t 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 check-ups are important for monitoring the health of the supporting teeth.
- Are bridges better than implants for replacing missing teeth?
It depends on your situation. Implants are generally the stronger long-term option, but bridges may be a better fit for some patients. We’ll go over the pros and cons of each during your consultation.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
If a damaged or missing tooth has been affecting your daily life, there’s a solution. Contact our Phoenix practice today to schedule a consultation and find out how a crown or bridge can get your smile back to feeling, and functioning, its best.