Crowns

A crown (cap) is a tooth-like covering placed over a carefully prepared preexisting tooth. Crowns serve many functions, such as to strengthen, restore or improve the appearance of your natural tooth.  While it is unnecessary to grind a tooth down for a crown, if this has already been done-if the tooth already has a crown-replacing that crown would be necessary should that crown fail.  On a tooth with a broken restoration or crack, an onlay is the best choice for your tooth! 

Bridges

A bridge does exactly as is stated…it bridges a tooth over the missing tooth to another tooth.  

Crowns and bridges are created from porcelain or gold.   Aesthetics, function, grinding/clenching and tissue compatibility are considered when selecting the material most suitable for you.