“Crown” is the more professional term for what you may have heard called a “cap.” A dental crown is a custom-made, hollow, artificial tooth that completely covers another tooth that cannot be repaired with a less involved method, like a filling — they are also the final step in a dental implant procedure. A dental bridge fills the gap left by a missing tooth by anchoring an artificial tooth to the healthy teeth on either side.
Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry
A dental crown is recommended when a tooth has an exceptionally large cavity, has become worn or damaged beyond what a filling can repair, or is naturally malformed and needs to look better. A bridge is used when one or more adjacent teeth are missing. When only one tooth is missing between two healthy teeth, your dentist may opt for a Maryland Bridge, which removes the need for putting crowns on the anchoring teeth — the artificial tooth is attached to a strip of metal whose ends are cemented to the backs of the neighboring teeth. For larger gaps, a traditional bridge crowns the teeth on either side and suspends one or more artificial teeth in between.
It takes at least two office visits to complete a crown or bridge. At your first visit, after numbing the area with anesthetic, Dr. Daniel removes decay and shapes the tooth so the crown will sit properly. An impression is taken and sent to the dental lab, and a temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth. When your permanent crown or bridge returns from the lab — usually within two weeks — you come back for the second visit. The temporary is removed, the permanent restoration is checked for fit and bite, adjusted as needed, and then permanently cemented in place. The result is a strong, natural-looking restoration that can last many years with proper care.
Crowns and bridges restore your ability to chew and speak normally, distributing bite forces properly across your teeth and preventing neighboring teeth from shifting.
Modern porcelain crowns and bridges are color-matched to your natural teeth, giving you a restoration that looks and feels indistinguishable from the real thing.
A well-crafted crown or bridge, maintained with good oral hygiene and regular checkups, can last 10 to 15 years or longer.
You may need a dental crown if you have a tooth with a very large cavity that a filling cannot adequately repair, a cracked or broken tooth, a tooth that has had a root canal and needs protection, or a tooth that is severely worn down. A dental bridge is an option if you have one or more missing teeth between healthy anchor teeth and are looking for a non-surgical solution. Patients who prefer not to go through the implant process, or who don’t have sufficient bone density for implants, often find bridges to be the right alternative. Dr. Daniel will review all of your options during your consultation so you can make the most informed decision for your oral health and budget.
Why Choose Us
At Aria Dental of Annapolis, Dr. Nicholas Daniel and Dr. Lisa Daniel have built a practice around one simple belief: every patient deserves to feel like a person, not an appointment. From routine cleanings to full-mouth restorations, you get honest, thorough care from a team that knows your name.
With proper care, dental crowns typically last 10 to 15 years, and often longer. Good oral hygiene, regular professional cleanings, and avoiding habits like chewing ice or grinding your teeth all contribute to a crown's longevity. Porcelain-fused-to-metal and all-ceramic crowns are the most common types used today.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you won't feel pain during the appointment. Some soreness and sensitivity are normal for a few days after the tooth is prepared. Over-the-counter pain relievers are typically sufficient. Your bite may feel slightly different with the temporary crown, which is adjusted when the permanent crown is placed.
A crown covers the entire tooth — all the way around and down to the gum line. A veneer covers only the front surface of the tooth. Crowns are used when significant structural support or protection is needed, while veneers are primarily cosmetic and used when the underlying tooth structure is intact.
Yes, a bridge can replace multiple consecutive missing teeth. The bridge spans the gap and is supported by crowns on the teeth at each end of the gap. The number of teeth that can be bridged depends on the strength of the anchor teeth and the size of the gap.
Both are effective options, but they work differently. A dental implant replaces the tooth root itself, which helps preserve jawbone and does not require altering the adjacent teeth. A bridge is faster and less expensive but does require crowning the neighboring teeth. Dr. Daniel will discuss both options and help you decide based on your specific situation, bone health, and budget.
Care for crowns and bridges just as you would your natural teeth — brush twice daily and floss once a day. For bridges, a floss threader or water flosser helps clean underneath the artificial tooth where it meets the gums. Attend regular cleanings so Dr. Daniel can monitor the fit and integrity of the restoration over time.
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