Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are restorative treatments that protect, strengthen, and replace damaged or missing teeth. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that fully covers a weakened or unsightly tooth, restoring its size, shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are commonly recommended for cracked, broken, or heavily filled teeth (including after root canals) to prevent further damage and improve function. A dental bridge is a custom prosthesis that “bridges” the gap left by one or more missing teeth. It typically consists of an artificial tooth (pontic) held in place by crowns on the adjacent natural teeth (abutments) or by implants. Bridges restore chewing and speaking function, maintain proper bite alignment, and prevent neighboring teeth from shifting. Our Scarborough dental team offers expert crown and bridge services for both children and adults, using high-quality materials like porcelain for natural-looking results.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a full-coverage restoration (“cap”) placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its original strength and appearance. By encasing the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line, a crown can rebuild a tooth that is cracked, broken, worn down, or cosmetically discolored. Crowns are custom-made (in a dental lab) to match your bite and natural tooth color; all-porcelain or ceramic crowns are especially prized for their lifelike translucency and aesthetics. Modern porcelain crowns (including newer zirconia and lithium-disilicate materials) provide excellent strength and beauty. For example, porcelain crowns blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth and are the “gold standard” for restoring front teeth or any visible teeth.
Dental crowns may also be used on children’s primary (baby) teeth if they are weak or decayed. A pediatric dental crown is a similar tooth-shaped cap that protects a baby tooth when a filling isn’t sufficient. Children’s dentists often recommend crowns for baby teeth that are badly decayed or broken, since retaining the tooth helps guide proper jaw development. By covering the damaged tooth with a crown (after removing a small amount of enamel for fit), the tooth’s shape and strength are restored without extraction. In this way, dental crowns help preserve children’s smiles until their permanent teeth come in.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap with an artificial tooth (pontic) attached to neighboring support teeth or implants. The two teeth adjacent to the gap (abutments) are prepared with crowns or attachments, and the pontic is bonded or cemented between them. This “bridge” can fill a single missing tooth space or multiple adjoining spaces, restoring both function and appearance. Bridges improve chewing and speech, maintain facial contour, and prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of place. They can be made from various materials (porcelain, gold, metal alloys) matched to your bite. In some cases (especially to replace back molars), a bridge may be supported by dental implants instead of natural teeth, providing an even stronger long-term solution.
How Do Crowns and Bridges Differ?
The main difference is in purpose: a crown covers and protects an existing damaged or weakened tooth, while a bridge replaces missing tooth space. Crowns are used on individual teeth to restore their structure, whereas bridges use one or more crowns to anchor an artificial tooth in a gap. In other words, if you have a decayed or cracked tooth still present, you likely need a crown to rebuild it. If you have lost a tooth entirely, a bridge will span that gap using nearby teeth as support. In practice, bridges always involve crowns on the supporting teeth, so sometimes a bridge treatment includes both (for example, “crowns and bridge” on adjacent teeth).
Types of Crowns and Bridges
Crowns: Dental crowns come in different materials. Porcelain (ceramic) crowns are tooth-colored and highly aesthetic, making them ideal for front teeth or any visible area. They closely mimic natural enamel in color and translucency. Porcelain crowns are very durable – new all-ceramic crowns can last many years with proper care. Other options include porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns, which have a metal core for strength but a porcelain exterior for appearance, and metal crowns (such as gold or metal alloys) that are extremely strong and often used for back molars. In pediatric dentistry, stainless steel crowns and composite crowns are used for baby teeth due to their strength and ease of placement. Each type of crown has trade-offs in cost, appearance, and longevity: for example, porcelain crowns tend to be more expensive than metal crowns but offer superior esthetics.
Porcelain Crowns in Toronto: In our Toronto practice we often use all-porcelain crowns for their natural look and biocompatibility. All-porcelain crowns avoid metal altogether, eliminating any dark lines at the gum and reducing sensitivity. Dr. Smith and our team use the latest digital impression and CAD/CAM technology to craft porcelain crowns that match your existing tooth color and shape. As one Toronto dentist explains, porcelain crowns “blend seamlessly with the rest of your natural teeth, enhancing both strength and visual appeal”. These crowns are often recommended for restoring front teeth, covering badly shaped teeth, or giving you a more uniform smile.
Bridges: Similarly, dental bridges have various designs. A traditional fixed bridge uses crowns on two adjacent teeth to support one or more pontics between them. A cantilever bridge has a pontic attached to a crown on only one side (used in special cases). A Maryland bridge (bonded bridge) uses a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth, often for single front teeth. An implant-supported bridge uses one or more implants as the anchors instead of natural teeth – this involves surgical placement of implants and is a more complex but very strong solution. The type of bridge chosen depends on which teeth are missing, the strength of neighboring teeth, and patient preference.
Who Can Benefit from Crowns and Bridges?
Children and adults alike can benefit from crowns and bridges when appropriate:
- Children: Young patients who have had extensive decay or injury to a baby tooth may be candidates for a pediatric crown instead of extraction. For example, if a cavity in a baby tooth is too large for a filling, a stainless steel or ceramic crown can save the tooth and maintain space for permanent teeth. “One of the main reasons kids need a dental crown is for cavities. Instead of extracting a tooth, a crown can be a better alternative”. Our pediatric dentists work gently with kids of all ages to make the experience comfortable.
- Adults: Any adult with a weak, cracked, broken, or severely decayed tooth may need a crown. Crowns are also placed after root canal treatment to strengthen the treated tooth. They are used to cover large fillings, restore worn teeth, or improve cosmetic appearance. Patients who have missing teeth can benefit from bridges to fill those gaps. A bridge is often recommended if one or more teeth are missing due to decay, injury or genetics. By replacing missing teeth, bridges help you chew properly, speak clearly, and keep the remaining teeth from shifting.
Our crown and bridge dentist has specialized training in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. We serve the Scarborough community and greater Toronto, providing full-service care for crowns and bridges. Our Scarborough Town Centre office (Scarborough, Ontario) and downtown Toronto clinic are equipped with modern technology (digital scans, in-office milling, etc.) to provide precise, comfortable treatments. We treat children and adults with care, offering sedation options for anxious patients and ensuring every restoration fits beautifully with your smile.
Patients with dental anxiety or children often feel reassured by our friendly team and gentle approach. For a young child with a badly decayed primary tooth, we might prepare the tooth (removing minimal enamel) and place a stainless steel or ceramic crown in just a couple of visits. Even for adult patients, we prioritize comfort: local anesthesia or sedation ensures that crown and bridge procedures are painless. Throughout treatment, we use the latest techniques (digital impressions and 3D printing) to create restorations that match your bite and arch. Whether fitting a single crown or fabricating a multi-tooth bridge, our goal is a seamless fit and natural look.
Treatment Process
Both crown and bridge treatments generally involve two main appointments. In the first visit, the dentist carefully prepares the affected teeth: for a crown, this means reshaping the tooth by removing a small amount of enamel to make room, and for a bridge, preparing the abutment teeth on each side of the gap. We then take impressions (now often digital scans) of the teeth, which are sent to a dental lab to fabricate your custom restoration. You will leave with a temporary crown or temporary bridge to protect your teeth during fabrication.
At the second visit, the permanent crown or bridge is tried in and adjusted for fit, bite, and color match. The restoration is then permanently cemented or bonded into place. This two-step process allows us to ensure a precise fit. (In select cases using CEREC or similar technology, a same-day crown can be milled in-office, allowing placement in a single visit.) After placement, we check your bite and make any final refinements. Proper aftercare involves good oral hygiene and regular checkups to maximize the lifespan of your crown or bridge.
Cost Considerations
Dental crown cost and dental bridge cost can vary widely based on several factors. In general, crowns are a significant investment in oral health, and costs depend on the crown material (e.g., porcelain, metal, PFM, or zirconia) and the complexity of the procedure. In Toronto, porcelain crowns typically range from around $1,000 to $1,500 per tooth (not including lab fees). A Canadian dental guide notes that with insurance, a crown might cost $200–$600, while without insurance, it could be $800–$1,200 or more. All-ceramic or zirconia crowns tend to be at the higher end of the range ($900–$3,500) due to their aesthetics and durability.
Dental bridge cost is generally higher, since multiple units (pontics and crowns) are involved. In Canada, the average bridge cost (for a standard 3-unit bridge) can range between $1,000 and $5,000. In Ontario, typical bridge treatment often costs roughly $1,000–$5,000, depending on the number of teeth replaced and materials. For example, a traditional 3-tooth bridge may average several thousand dollars. Factors such as insurance coverage, the type of bridge (traditional vs. implant-supported), and the use of high-end materials will all influence your final cost. We will provide a clear estimate and discuss financing or insurance options before treatment. Remember that a quality crown or bridge is an investment in oral health that can protect your jaw and prevent more costly problems later.
Why Choose Our Crown and Bridge Dentist?
We are proud to be a trusted crown and bridge dentist serving Scarborough and Toronto patients. Our practice at Scarborough Town Centre has years of experience placing dental crowns and bridges for children and adults. We use top-tier dental labs and the latest technology (digital scanning, CAD/CAM milling) to ensure strong, precise restorations that look and feel natural. As one Toronto clinic notes, consulting a skilled dentist is “advisable” for achieving the best health, strength, and appearance of your teeth. Likewise, our approach emphasizes both function and aesthetics. We match tooth color carefully and ensure each restoration is comfortable in your bite.
Caring for crowns and bridges is straightforward: brush and floss daily, and visit us every six months. With good oral hygiene, modern crowns and bridges can last many years, often a decade or more. We stand by our work; for example, some offices offer warranties on restorations. Our team will explain how to protect your investment and when to schedule follow-up visits.
Ready for a confident, restored smile? Schedule a consultation today. Whether you need a single porcelain crown in Toronto or a bridge for missing teeth in Scarborough, we can help. Call our Scarborough office or book online to discuss your dental crown and bridge options with an expert dentist. Let us help you protect your smile and oral health with high-quality crowns and bridges designed just for you.