At Gentle Dental, we understand that hearing you need a crown or a bridge can sound overwhelming. The good news? These are some of the most trusted, comfortable, and natural-looking treatments in dentistry today and when done well, they simply feel like your own teeth again.
Our goal is always simple: to help you chew comfortably, smile confidently, and protect your long-term oral health, without rushing or unnecessary treatment.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A crown is a custom-made cover that fits over a tooth to restore its strength, shape, and appearance. We usually recommend a crown when a tooth is too weak to safely support a normal filling.
You may need a crown if your tooth:
– Has cracked or broken
– Has had a root canal
– Has a very large filling
– Is badly worn down
– Needs extra strength for long-term protection
A crown helps preserve your natural tooth and prevents future breakage.
How Is a Crown Done?
The process is usually completed over two visits:
First visit:
– We gently prepare the tooth under local anaesthesia
– Take a precise impression or digital scan
– Place a comfortable temporary crown to protect the tooth
Second visit:
– We fit and cement your final crown
– Adjust it carefully so it feels natural in your bite
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the process is.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by filling the space with natural-looking artificial teeth, supported by crowns on the neighbouring teeth.
Bridges help restore:
– Chewing ability
– Speech
– Smile appearance
– Proper tooth alignment
They also prevent surrounding teeth from shifting into the gap.
When Is a Bridge a Good Option?
A bridge may be recommended if:
– You are missing one or more teeth
– The teeth next to the gap are strong enough to support crowns
– You want a fixed (non-removable) solution
– Dental implants are not suitable or not your first choice
How Is a Bridge Made?
The process is very similar to getting crowns:
– The supporting teeth are prepared
– Impressions or scans are taken
– A temporary bridge is placed
– The final bridge is fitted and cemented once ready
Everything is designed to look natural and feel balanced.
Will It Hurt?
Treatment is done under local anaesthesia, so you should be comfortable throughout. Some mild tenderness afterward is normal and usually settles quickly.
How Long Do Crowns and Bridges Last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits:
– Crowns often last 10–15 years or more
– Bridges can last 10 years or longer
We’ll also show you how to clean around your bridge properly to keep it healthy.
A Gentle Final Word
Needing a crown or bridge doesn’t mean something has gone wrong. It means we’re protecting your teeth and restoring your smile in the most predictable, long-lasting way. At Gentle Dental, we take time to explain your options, answer your questions, and move at a pace that feels right for you. Our aim is not just treatment, it’s peace of mind.
