Crowns

Description: a tooth-like covering placed over a tooth that is badly damaged or decayed. Many people call it a "cap".

Made of: all metal, porcelain fused-to-metal (PFM), or all ceramic. PFM and all-ceramic crowns are the same color as your natural teeth.
Used for: a broken or severely damaged decayed tooth. With a severely broken down tooth, a filling can't make the tooth strong enough. A crown can also be used for a cracked tooth or to hold a bridge in place.

Crowns can be used to improve appearance. They may be placed to cover misshapen or badly discolored teeth.

Longevity: five years or more with the proper care. In many cases they last much longer, up to 40 years or so. A major reason crowns fail is that new cavities develop on the supporting tooth structure. These cavities can occur because of poor oral hygiene.

Office visit: requires two visits. At the first visit, your dentist prepares the teeth, takes impressions and covers your teeth with a temporary crowns. On the final visit, your crowns will be permanently cemented.


Bridges

Description: a fixed removable denture made to replace one or more missing teeth. The bridge is cemented into place.

Made of: made either of porcelain fused-to-metal (PFM) or ceramics.

Used for: replacement of one or more missing teeth

Longevity: five years or more with the proper care. A major reason bridges fail is that new cavities develop on the supporting teeth. These cavities occur because of poor oral hygiene.

Office visit: requires two visits. At the first visit, your dentist prepares the teeth, takes impressions and covers your teeth with temporary crowns. On the final visit, your bridge will be permanently cemented.