Crowns & Bridges

What Are Dental Crowns & Bridges?

Dental crowns are custom-made caps that fit over a damaged, weakened, or aesthetically compromised tooth. They restore the tooth's shape, size, strength, and appearance while protecting it from further damage. A crown completely encases the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line.

Dental bridges are fixed prosthetic devices used to replace one or more missing teeth. A bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) held in place by crowns cemented onto the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap. Bridges literally "bridge" the space left by missing teeth.

At Dr. Shrey Suri's Specialist Dental Clinic, we use premium-quality materials and advanced CAD/CAM technology to create crowns and bridges that look, feel, and function like your natural teeth.

Types of Dental Crowns

We offer a comprehensive range of crown materials to suit every need, budget, and aesthetic preference:

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns

These crowns combine the strength of a metal substructure with a porcelain outer layer that matches your natural tooth colour. PFM crowns are a reliable, time-tested choice suitable for both front and back teeth, offering a good balance of durability and aesthetics.

All-Ceramic / All-Porcelain Crowns

Made entirely from ceramic material, these crowns provide the most natural-looking results with excellent translucency that mimics real tooth enamel. They are metal-free, making them ideal for patients with metal allergies and perfect for front teeth where aesthetics are paramount.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia is one of the strongest and most durable crown materials available today. These tooth-coloured crowns offer exceptional strength comparable to metal, excellent biocompatibility, and a natural appearance. Zirconia crowns are our most popular choice for both front and back teeth.

Metal Crowns (Gold / Base Metal Alloys)

Metal crowns are the strongest and most durable option, withstanding heavy biting and chewing forces with minimal wear to opposing teeth. While they lack tooth-coloured aesthetics, they are an excellent long-lasting choice for back molars that are not visible when smiling.

Types of Dental Bridges

Depending on the location of the missing tooth and the condition of surrounding teeth, we recommend the most suitable type of bridge:

Traditional Bridge

The most common type, consisting of a pontic (false tooth) held in place by dental crowns cemented onto the adjacent natural teeth (abutments) on both sides of the gap. Ideal when you have healthy natural teeth on both sides of the missing tooth.

Cantilever Bridge

Similar to a traditional bridge, but the pontic is supported by a crown on only one adjacent tooth instead of two. This is used when there are natural teeth on only one side of the gap, though it is less common due to the leverage forces involved.

Maryland (Resin-Bonded) Bridge

A conservative option where the pontic is held in place by a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the backs of adjacent teeth. This approach requires minimal preparation of the supporting teeth, making it an excellent choice for front teeth.

Implant-Supported Bridge

Instead of relying on natural teeth for support, this bridge is anchored by dental implants surgically placed in the jawbone. It is the strongest and most stable option, ideal for replacing three or more consecutive missing teeth without affecting healthy adjacent teeth.

The Crown & Bridge Procedure

Getting a crown or bridge at our clinic typically involves two comfortable visits:

Consultation & planning: Dr. Suri examines your teeth, takes digital X-rays, and discusses the best material and treatment option for your specific case.
Tooth preparation: The affected tooth (or abutment teeth for a bridge) is carefully reshaped to accommodate the crown. This is done under local anaesthesia for complete comfort.
Digital impressions: Precise digital or physical impressions are taken and sent to our dental laboratory for custom fabrication of your restoration.
Temporary crown: A temporary crown or bridge is placed to protect your prepared teeth while the permanent restoration is being crafted.
Final fitting: At the second visit, the temporary is removed, and the permanent crown or bridge is checked for fit, bite, and colour match before being permanently cemented.
Final adjustments: Minor adjustments are made to ensure a perfect bite and comfortable fit. You leave with a fully restored, natural-looking smile.

When Do You Need a Crown or Bridge?

Crowns and bridges may be recommended in the following situations:

To protect a weakened tooth from breaking or to hold together a cracked tooth.
To restore a tooth that is severely worn down or broken.
To cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there is little natural tooth structure remaining.
To cap a tooth after root canal treatment for added strength and protection.
To cover misshapen, severely discoloured, or cosmetically unappealing teeth.
To replace one or more missing teeth and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting.
To restore proper bite alignment and chewing function after tooth loss.
To provide a fixed, permanent alternative to removable partial dentures.

Care & Maintenance

With proper care, dental crowns and bridges can last 10 to 15 years or even longer. Follow these tips to maximise their lifespan:

Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily, using a floss threader or super floss to clean under bridges.
Avoid chewing on hard objects such as ice, pens, or hard candy.
Do not use your teeth to open packages or bottles.
If you grind your teeth at night, ask Dr. Suri about a custom night guard.
Visit our clinic every 6 months for professional check-ups and cleanings.
Contact us promptly if your crown or bridge feels loose, uncomfortable, or if you notice any cracks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental crowns and bridges last?

With proper care and good oral hygiene, dental crowns typically last 10 to 15 years, while many last 20 years or more. Bridges have a similar lifespan. The longevity depends on the material chosen, your oral hygiene habits, and regular dental check-ups. Zirconia and metal crowns tend to last the longest.

Is the crown or bridge procedure painful?

No. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so you will not feel any pain during tooth preparation. You may experience mild sensitivity for a few days after the procedure, which is completely normal and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Which crown material is best for me?

The best material depends on the tooth's location, your biting forces, aesthetic preferences, and budget. For front teeth, all-ceramic or zirconia crowns offer the best aesthetics. For back teeth, zirconia or PFM crowns provide excellent strength. Dr. Suri will recommend the ideal option during your consultation.

Can a crown or bridge fall off?

While uncommon, a crown or bridge can occasionally become loose due to decay underneath, cement washout, or excessive force. If this happens, contact us immediately. Do not try to re-cement it yourself. Keep the crown safe and bring it to your appointment — in many cases, it can be re-cemented.

How do I clean under a dental bridge?

Use a floss threader, super floss, or an interdental brush to clean underneath the pontic (false tooth) of your bridge daily. A water flosser (oral irrigator) is also an excellent tool for flushing out food debris and bacteria from under bridges. Regular professional cleanings at our clinic are equally important.