Smiley Dental Waltham

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Dentures

Understanding Crowns and Bridges

Dental crowns and bridges are among the most reliable restorative treatments used to rebuild weakened teeth or replace those that are missing. While a crown restores a single tooth’s structure and strength, a bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring to the surrounding teeth or implants. Both procedures contribute to improved chewing, speaking, and long-term oral stability.

Who Are Dental Bridges For?

A dental bridge is ideal for patients who want to restore one or more missing teeth quickly and effectively. Bridges are commonly recommended when dental implants are not preferred, not possible, or when a patient wants a faster and more affordable replacement option.

A bridge may be right for you if you:

A bridge not only restores appearance but also protects your dental alignment by keeping surrounding teeth from drifting.

Who Needs a Dental Crown?

A dental crown works like a protective “cap” that covers a tooth damaged by decay, cracks, or past trauma. It restores shape, strength, and natural appearance.

You may need a crown if:

Crowns are custom-made to blend perfectly with neighboring teeth, restoring comfort, function, and confidence.

Why Some Teeth Require Crowns or Bridges

Teeth may need extra reinforcement when the natural structure becomes too weak to function normally. Large cavities, cracks, or aging dental fillings can compromise a tooth, making everyday chewing risky. Missing teeth also place added pressure on remaining teeth, causing premature wear and shifting of the bite.

Crowns rebuild compromised teeth, while bridges fill missing spaces to maintain balance in your bite and prevent long-term complications.

Longevity and Care

With proper care, crowns and bridges often last 10–15 years or even longer. Good oral hygiene is essential because the edges where restorations meet natural teeth must remain clean and free of plaque.

To maintain long-lasting results:

Crowns and bridges function just like your natural teeth and should be treated with the same level of care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a bridge be placed on dental implants instead of natural teeth?

Yes. Implant-supported bridges are highly stable and ideal for patients missing multiple teeth.

Once fully adjusted, most patients say they feel completely natural.

Options include porcelain, zirconia, porcelain fused to metal, and gold. We help you choose based on strength and appearance.

Yes. Temporaries protect your tooth and maintain your bite while your permanent restoration is created.

Yes, but this is usually due to wear or cement breakdown. A quick dental visit can resolve the issue.

Ready to restore comfort, function, and confidence?

Call Smiley Dental Waltham at 781-666-6000 to schedule your visit.

Other Smiley Dental locations:
Boston 857-888-8000 • Beverly 978-288-1000 • Lowell 978-999-9000 • Fairhaven 508-967-1000