Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges
Restore damaged or missing teeth with custom crowns and bridges built for function and appearance.
What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?
Dental crowns are custom-made caps that cover a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Dental bridges replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth (pontic) between two crowns on adjacent healthy teeth.
Both restorations are crafted from high-quality materials like porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia to blend naturally with your existing teeth. They are a time-tested solution for restoring both function and aesthetics, helping you eat, speak, and smile with confidence.
Benefits of Crowns and Bridges
Restore
Chewing and speaking function fully restored.
Natural Looking
Matches your smile seamlessly.
Protect
Weakened teeth from further damage.
Long-lasting
10–15 years with proper care.
- Prevent teeth shifting — bridges fill gaps that cause misalignment
- Even bite force — crowns distribute pressure across the tooth
- Stain-resistant — high-quality ceramic resists discoloration
- Custom color-matched to your natural tooth shade
What to Expect — Crowns and Bridges Procedure
Crown Procedure
- Tooth examination and preparation — shaping the tooth to receive the crown.
- Digital impressions sent to the dental lab.
- Temporary crown placed while your permanent crown is made.
- Custom permanent crown fitted and cemented in a second visit.
Bridge Procedure
- Adjacent teeth prepared for crowns; gap measured precisely.
- Impressions taken and sent to the lab.
- Temporary bridge worn during fabrication.
- Permanent bridge fitted, adjusted, and cemented in place.
How to Care for Your Crowns and Bridges
- Brush twice daily — pay extra attention where the crown meets the gum line.
- Floss carefully around bridges using a floss threader or superfloss.
- Avoid chewing hard foods or ice on crowned teeth.
- Rinse with fluoride mouthwash to protect the underlying tooth.
- Visit your dentist regularly to check for wear or loosening.
- Report any sensitivity, discomfort, or if the crown feels loose.
Key Features of Our Crowns and Bridges
- Custom-milled porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia restorations
- Digital scanning for precise fit (no messy impressions)
- Stain-resistant and natural-looking
- Single-visit crown options with CEREC technology
- Bridges prevent remaining teeth from shifting
- Strong bond that supports normal chewing function
- Minimally invasive prep techniques available
Types of Crowns and Bridges We Offer
The right material and design depend on which tooth is being restored, your bite, and the look you want. Dr. Bistritz will walk you through the options at your visit.
Dental Crown Options
- All-ceramic and porcelain crowns — the most natural-looking option, ideal for front teeth where appearance matters most.
- Zirconia crowns — exceptionally strong and durable, a great choice for back teeth and patients who grind.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns — pair a natural-looking surface with a strong metal core.
- Gold and metal-alloy crowns — extremely durable and gentle on the opposing teeth, often used for out-of-sight molars.
Dental Bridge Options
- Traditional bridge — a replacement tooth held in place by crowns on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap.
- Cantilever bridge — used when there is a healthy tooth on only one side of the gap.
- Maryland (resin-bonded) bridge — a conservative option that bonds to the backs of adjacent teeth with minimal reshaping.
- Implant-supported bridge — anchored by dental implants instead of natural teeth for extra stability when several teeth are missing.
Is a Crown or Bridge Right for You?
A crown may be recommended if you have:
- A tooth weakened by a large filling, a crack, or significant wear
- A tooth that has had root canal treatment and needs protection
- A misshapen or badly discolored tooth you want to restore
- A dental implant that needs a natural-looking crown to complete it
A bridge may be recommended if you:
- Are missing one or a few teeth in a row
- Have healthy teeth or implants on both sides of the gap to anchor the bridge
- Prefer a fixed, non-removable alternative to a partial denture
- Want to keep your remaining teeth from drifting out of position
Every mouth is different. At a consultation in our Aventura, FL office, Dr. David S. Bistritz examines the tooth or gap, reviews your options, and recommends the approach that best protects your long-term oral health.
The Crown & Bridge Process, Step by Step
- Consultation and exam — Dr. Bistritz evaluates the tooth or gap, may take digital X-rays, and discusses whether a crown, a bridge, or an alternative such as a dental implant is the best fit.
- Tooth preparation — the tooth, or the teeth that will anchor a bridge, is gently shaped to make room for the restoration. A badly damaged tooth may be built up first for a solid foundation.
- Digital impressions — a precise digital scan is taken (no messy putty) and sent to the dental lab along with the shade that matches your natural teeth.
- Temporary restoration — a temporary crown or bridge protects the prepared teeth and keeps you comfortable while your custom restoration is crafted.
- Placement and bite check — at your next visit the permanent crown or bridge is tried in, adjusted for a comfortable bite, and securely bonded or cemented into place.
- Follow-up — a quick check confirms the fit feels natural, and routine checkups let Dr. Bistritz monitor the restoration over time.
In select cases, a same-visit crown may be possible using in-office CEREC technology — ask Dr. Bistritz whether you are a candidate.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients return to their normal routine right away. It is common to notice mild sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure for a few days as the tooth adjusts, and this usually fades on its own. If your bite feels uneven or the restoration feels too high, a quick adjustment at our office resolves it easily.
- Ease into eating — favor softer foods for the first day, especially while wearing a temporary crown or bridge.
- Keep it clean — brush twice daily and clean around a bridge with a floss threader, superfloss, or a water flosser.
- Protect the restoration — avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or pens, and wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth.
- Watch for changes — contact the office if you have lasting sensitivity, discomfort, or a crown or bridge that feels loose.
- Keep routine checkups — professional cleanings and exams help your crown or bridge last as long as possible.
Crown & Bridge Questions
Contact Aventura Dental Center
Call us at (305) 933-2501 or email info@aventuradentalcenter.com to schedule your crown and bridge consultation.