What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are custom-made, tooth-shaped caps that fit over a tooth or dental implant. They restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance, making them one of the most versatile tools for dental care in Irvine.
Crowns may be recommended for:
- Teeth weakened by decay or large fillings
- Broken, cracked, or worn-down teeth
- Supporting a dental bridge
- Covering a dental implant
- Protecting teeth after root canal therapy
With today’s advanced materials like zirconia and lithium disilicate, dental crowns look and feel just like natural teeth.
What Are Dental Bridges?
Dental bridges literally “bridge the gap” created by missing teeth. A bridge is anchored by crowns placed on either side of the space, with a natural-looking replacement tooth in between. For patients seeking an advanced, longer-lasting solution, bridges can also be supported by dental implants, providing superior stability and comfort.
In reconstructive dentistry, bridges are essential for restoring your bite, preventing teeth from shifting, and maintaining the natural contours of your face.
Crowns, Bridges, and Dental Implants: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between dentures, crowns, bridges, or dental implants depends on your goals for comfort, function, and appearance. The chart below shows how these options compare:
| Dentures | Single Tooth Implant | All-on-4 ® Implant Bridges | Prettau Implant Bridges | |
| Appearance | When in place can look natural | Look like natural teeth | Look like natural teeth | Look like natural teeth |
| Function | Reduced bite force | Function like natural teeth | Function like natural teeth | Function like natural teeth |
| Comfort | Gum irritation common | Feels like natural tooth | Feels like natural teeth | Feels like natural teeth |
| Number of Implants | None | 1 | 4 | 6-8 |
| Bone Loss | May accelerate bone loss | Prevents bone loss | Prevents some bone loss | Prevents more bone loss |
| Restoration Materials | Acrylic base, sometimes with ceramic teeth | Typical dental crown: lithium disilicate or zirconia | Acrylic or zirconia | Full zirconia |
| Durability | May warp when dry or under hot water. Can break when dropped. Wears down under normal conditions. | Very sturdy: can withstand all normal bite force | Acrylic is like dentures, zirconia is strong enough for all normal bite force | Can withstand all normal bite force |
| Longevity | Adjustment needed in less than a year, may last 8 years | Can last a lifetime–crown may last 10-20 years | Proven durability up to 10 years | Expected durability beyond 10 years |
| Procedure Complete in | 1 day | 1 day | 1 day | 1 day |
| Healing Time | Up to six months for new dentures, none for replacements | Up to six months | Up to six months | Up to six months |
Why Choose Us for Reconstructive Dentistry in Irvine?
We understand that dental care is not one-size-fits-all. Our office takes the time to evaluate your oral health, bone structure, and smile goals before recommending crowns, bridges, or implant-supported restorations. With advanced digital scanning, 3D printing, and precise treatment planning, you can trust that your smile will be both functional and natural-looking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Restore Your Smile Today
If you’re ready to learn more about dental crowns and dental bridges in Irvine, we’re here to help. Call us today at (949) 551-5902 to schedule your consultation and discover how crowns, bridges, and dental implants can restore your confidence, comfort, and oral health.
