What are dental crowns and bridges?
A crown, often called a cap, is a custom-made cover that fits over a tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape and strength and protects it from breaking further. Crowns are commonly fitted after root canal treatment, on teeth with very large fillings, and on cracked or badly worn teeth.
A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. The new tooth (or teeth) is joined to crowns on the teeth on either side of the gap, so the whole bridge is fixed in place and does not come out.
Both are made to match the shape and shade of your natural teeth, so they look like part of your smile. Crowns can also be fitted on top of dental implants.
When you may need a crown or bridge
Your dentist may suggest a crown or bridge if you have:
- A tooth that has had root canal treatment, especially a back tooth
- A cracked, chipped or broken tooth
- A large old filling that is failing or leaves the tooth weak
- A badly worn or discoloured tooth
- One or more missing teeth with healthy teeth on either side
- An old cap or bridge that is loose, chipped or no longer matches
How a crown or bridge is made
Most crowns and bridges need two or three visits.
Examination and planning
We check the tooth, the gums and the bite, usually with an X-ray, and discuss the material and shade.
Preparing the tooth
Under local anaesthesia, the tooth is shaped so the crown can fit over it.
Impressions
Impressions or scans record the exact shape of your teeth for the dental laboratory.
Temporary cap
A temporary crown or bridge protects the tooth while the final one is made.
Fitting
The final crown or bridge is checked for fit, bite and colour, then cemented in place.
Crown materials
Caring for your crown or bridge
A crown or bridge can last many years with good care.
- Brush twice a day and clean around the crown at the gum line
- Use a floss threader or interdental brush to clean under a bridge
- Avoid biting very hard things such as ice, bones or bottle caps
- Tell us if the crown feels high when you bite, or if it becomes loose
- Keep regular check-ups so the tooth underneath stays healthy
Crowns and bridges in Ghatkopar & Kurla with Dental Solutions
Crowns and bridges are the work of prosthodontists, dentists with advanced training in restoring and replacing teeth. At Dental Solutions they are planned by Dr. Swati Sharma Gaba and Dr. Aditi Rane, both M.D.S. in prosthodontics.
You can begin at either clinic, in Kurla West or Ghatkopar West, and have your fitting at whichever is more convenient.
Senior Consultant Prosthodontist
Dr. Swati Sharma Gaba
M.D.S. (Prosthodontics) · 21+ years of clinical experience
Dr. Swati’s experience includes crowns, bridges, dentures, implant-supported prostheses and complex restorative procedures, with an emphasis on long-term dental health and natural aesthetics.
Read profileThis page is general information, not a diagnosis. Only an examination can tell you what is right for your teeth.
