A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth or dental implant to restore its form, strength, and improve its appearance and alignment. Porcelain or ceramic crowns are matched to the color of your natural teeth. Your dentist may recommend a crown in the following situations:

•  To protect a weak tooth or a large restoration from breaking
•  To cover a severely discolored or poorly shaped tooth
•  To reinforce a tooth that has a root canal treatment
•  To restore a dental implant
•  To attach a dental bridge in place (aiming to replace one or more missing teeth)

A dental veneer is a thin, custom-made shell of tooth-colored material designed to cover the front surface of your tooth. The aim of these porcelain veneers is to restore the form, the contour, and the dimension of the anterior teeth to improve the esthetics of your smile. Dental veneers are a conservative esthetic option that will offer you a long-lasting, natural smile.

A dental bridge is a fixed appliance that replaces one or more teeth. It helps to prevent the adjacent teeth from shifting, as well as an imbalance in your occlusion.

Before a crown, veneer or bridge is made, your tooth (or teeth) must be reduced in size for the crown or bridge to fit over your tooth properly. Next, an impression of your tooth is taken to provide an accurate mold to send to the dental lab. Your dentist will then choose the color of the crown or bridge to best match the color of your natural teeth. Finally, a temporary crown or bridge will be cemented over your tooth to protect it, while waiting for the permanent crown or bridge to be made. When ready, the new crown or bridge is cemented in place, leaving you with a beautiful smile!