Crowns are very similar to veneers because they are bonded or cemented to your tooth. However, the main difference between the two is that veneers cover only the facial, or front, surface of a tooth, where a crown completely covers the entire tooth. Crowns are generally indicated in the treatment when the tooth has a fracture, a previous large restoration, has undergone a root canal or has severe erosion.
Crowns can be made from different restorative materials, namely ceramic (porcelain) or metal (usually gold). A crown normally takes two appointments with us. At your first appointment your tooth will be contoured and impressions will be made. A provisional restoration (a “temporary” crown) will be placed over the tooth and your impressions will be sent to a dental lab for your crown to be custom made. In a couple of weeks, your new crown will be either bonded or cemented in at your second appointment.
A bridge, or fixed partial denture, is indicated to restore a missing tooth. Fixed bridges are fabricated by placing crowns on neighboring teeth and having a bonded tooth placed in between both crowns. The fixed bridge is cemented and requires meticulous daily hygiene.