A smile can say a lot about a person, but when teeth are damaged, decayed, or missing, it may leave individuals feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable.

Our mission at Dental Boutique Westchase is to provide comprehensive family and cosmetic dental care to the Westchase and NW Tampa, FL, communities to help our patients achieve and maintain healthy, beautiful smiles. Among the many cosmetic and restorative dentistry options we offer, dental crowns and bridges are versatile and effective treatments to repair imperfections and restore full function and appearance to your teeth.

Dental crowns are custom-made, tooth-shaped restorations designed to cover a damaged or weakened tooth fully. They can be fabricated using various materials like porcelain, ceramic, resin, or metals, and are carefully crafted to match the size, shape, and natural shade of your adjacent teeth for a seamless finish. Crowns not only strengthen the structure of a compromised tooth but also improve its aesthetics, offering a comprehensive solution for patients with decayed, cracked, or worn-down teeth.

In this blog, we will delve into the benefits of dental crowns and bridges, helping patients make informed decisions about their restorative dentistry needs. We will discuss the various materials used for crowns and bridges, explore the differences between traditional and implant-supported bridges, and outline the process of receiving a crown or bridge. By understanding the advantages and applications of dental crowns and bridges, you can choose the best restorative treatment for your unique dental needs and goals.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

1. Strength and Durability: Dental crowns are designed to provide strength, support, and durability to a damaged or weakened tooth. By fully encasing the tooth, a crown can protect it from further damage, and in many cases, eliminate the need for extraction.

2. Aesthetic Improvement: Crowns can be fabricated from materials such as porcelain or ceramic, which closely resemble the appearance of natural teeth. This enables crowns to not only restore the tooth's function but also significantly enhance its aesthetics, resulting in a more attractive, cohesive smile.

3. Versatility: Dental crowns are a versatile restorative option that can be used in a variety of situations. They can be placed over teeth that are badly decayed and have a large filling, over broken or cracked teeth, or in conjunction with other dental procedures such as root canals or dental implant placement.

4. Longevity: With proper care and maintenance, dental crowns can last for many years, making them an excellent long-term solution for restoring compromised teeth.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

1. Gap Closure: Dental bridges effectively close the gap created by one or more missing teeth, restoring your smile's appearance, and preventing teeth from shifting out of alignment.

2. Enhanced Functionality: Missing teeth can impede abilities such as chewing and speaking. Dental bridges can restore these essential functions, allowing you to eat and communicate with ease once again.

3. Aesthetic Enhancement: Just like dental crowns, bridges are crafted to blend seamlessly with your existing teeth, providing an aesthetically pleasing solution for replacing missing teeth.

4. Stability: Dental bridges provide a stable and long-lasting solution for tooth replacement. By anchoring the bridge to the adjacent healthy teeth, it remains securely in place, offering a reliable restoration option.

Dental Crowns and Bridges Materials

Different materials are available for crowns and bridges, and the choice depends on factors such as desired aesthetics, strength requirements, and cost. Some common materials include:

1. Porcelain or Ceramic: These materials closely resemble natural tooth enamel in appearance, making them popular choices for those seeking a natural-looking restoration. Porcelain and ceramic crowns and bridges offer excellent durability and stain resistance, making them suitable for front and back teeth.

2. Metal Alloys: Gold or other metal-based crowns and bridges are known for their exceptional strength and durability, making them an ideal choice for teeth in the back of the mouth that experience heavy chewing forces. However, the distinct metallic color is a downside for those seeking a discreet restoration.

3. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): PFM crowns and bridges combine the best of both worlds, providing the strength and durability of metal while maintaining the aesthetics of porcelain. This hybrid construction offers a natural appearance and long-lasting performance, but may sometimes reveal a dark metal line along the gumline.

Traditional Bridges vs. Implant-Supported Bridges

Traditional dental bridges are supported by the natural teeth on either side of the gap, which requires reshaping of these teeth to accommodate the crowns. Implant-supported bridges, on the other hand, are anchored to dental implants rather than natural teeth, preserving the adjacent teeth and promoting improved oral health.

Implant-supported bridges offer several advantages, including a more stable foundation, prevention of bone loss in the jaw, and a longer-lasting solution. However, they also require a more extensive treatment process, including dental implant surgery and longer healing periods.

The Dental Crown and Bridge Process

The process for receiving a dental crown or bridge typically involves two to three dental appointments. During the first visit, your dentist will prepare the tooth or teeth by removing decay or damage, filing down the tooth's structure if necessary, and taking impressions of the area. A temporary crown or bridge will be placed until the permanent restoration is ready.

At the second appointment, your dentist will remove the temporary restoration and fit the permanent crown or bridge, making any necessary adjustments to ensure a comfortable bite and precise fit. Once satisfied, they will cement the restoration into place, completing the dental crown or bridge process.

Final Thoughts


Dental crowns and bridges are effective restorative dentistry options that can improve the function, health, and aesthetics of your smile. By understanding the benefits and applications of these treatments, you can make informed decisions about your dental health.

Our team at Dental Boutique Westchase is here to guide you in choosing the best treatment plans for your unique needs and help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come. Contact us today to schedule a consultation on dental crowns and start your journey to a renewed, confident smile.