Bridges & Crowns

Woman with brown hair smiles broadly outdoors with a beach and blue sky in the background.

Dental bridges and crowns are restorative solutions designed to repair damaged teeth and replace missing ones. A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers and protects a weakened or broken tooth, restoring its strength, shape, and appearance. On the other hand, a dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth. 

At Hampden Ave Dental, we provide high-quality, custom-fitted crowns and bridges tailored to restore both function and aesthetics. Our expert team uses advanced materials and technology to ensure durable, natural-looking restorations that seamlessly blend with your smile. 


Need for Dental Crowns & Bridges

Tooth crown being fitted on prepared tooth in pink gums; close-up view.

A dental crown acts like a protective shield when a tooth is too damaged or weak to be fixed by dental fillings. It covers the entire tooth, much like a snug hat, to restore its strength, shape, and function. Without a crown, a cracked, decayed, or worn-down tooth can continue to deteriorate, leading to pain, infection, or tooth loss. 

Missing or severely damaged teeth can also affect your ability to chew properly, cause discomfort, and even impact your speech.

You may need a dental crown to:

  • Protect a weakened tooth from decay or fractures
  • Protect and support a cracked tooth
  • Restore a tooth that is worn down or broken
  • Secure a dental bridge in place
  • Cover a severely stained or discolored tooth
  • Protect a tooth after a root canal treatment
  • Cap a dental implant for a complete restoration

Types of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns can be crafted from various materials, including resin, metal, and porcelain, offering durability and a natural look. The best option for you will depend on your preferences, budget, and oral health requirements.

  • Metal Crowns: Metal crowns may be crafted from durable materials like gold, palladium, nickel, and chromium. These crowns are incredibly strong, resistant to chipping or breaking, and require minimal enamel removal. 
  • Pressed Ceramic Crowns: Pressed ceramic crowns have a solid ceramic core, providing durability with a natural look. The ceramic core is formed under high heat and then layered with porcelain for a lifelike appearance.
  • Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: PFM crowns offer the best of both worlds—strength from their metal core and a natural appearance from the porcelain exterior. They can be color-matched to your natural teeth, making them suitable for both front and back teeth. 
  • All-Ceramic or All-Porcelain Crowns: For the most natural look, all-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns closely mimic the translucency of tooth enamel. These are an excellent choice for patients with metal allergies and those seeking a highly aesthetic restoration.
  • All-Resin Crowns: All-resin crowns are a more budget-friendly option, though they are less durable than other materials. They are more prone to wear and breakage, making them ideal for temporary use rather than long-term restorations. Resin crowns typically last three to five years before needing replacement.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns provide several benefits, including:

  • Enhancing the appearance of your smile 
  • Restoring proper chewing and speaking function
  • Maintaining your facial structure by preserving tooth alignment
  • Evenly distributing bite forces to reduce strain on other teeth
  • Preventing remaining teeth from shifting out of place


Dental Bridges

Dental bridge with three artificial teeth supported by two posts in a pink gum.

A dental bridge fills the gap left by missing teeth, restoring both function and appearance. When a missing tooth isn’t replaced, the surrounding teeth can shift out of place, leading to misalignment, bite problems, and difficulty chewing or speaking.

Over time, the lack of support can also cause jawbone deterioration and changes in facial structure. A bridge prevents these issues by keeping your remaining teeth in their proper position while restoring your ability to eat and speak comfortably. It also helps distribute bite forces evenly, reducing strain on other teeth. 


A dental bridge is made up of the following components:


Abutments: These are the supporting structures that hold the bridge in place. They can be natural teeth that are reshaped to anchor the bridge or small connector posts of dental implants.


Pontics: These are the artificial teeth that fill the gap left by missing teeth, restoring both function and appearance.

The number of abutments and pontics in your bridge depends on your needs and the type of bridge used. At Hampden Ave Dental, we customize each bridge to ensure a seamless, comfortable fit for your teeth.


Types of Dental Bridges

We offer different types of dental bridges based on your oral health needs. The four main types of dental bridges include:

  • Traditional Bridge: This type consists of artificial teeth held in place by dental crowns on both ends. The crowns are bonded to healthy natural teeth on either side of the gaps to provide support.
  • Cantilever Bridge: This is similar to a traditional bridge but with support on only one side. This means the artificial tooth extends over the gap, with a single crown anchoring it in place.
  • Maryland Bridge: This option uses metal or porcelain wings attached to the backs of adjacent teeth instead of using crowns. Maryland bridges are more commonly used to replace front teeth. This is because the bridge may not be able to withstand the chewing forces required for back teeth.
  • Implant-Supported Bridge: Instead of relying on natural teeth for support, an implant-supported bridge is secured by dental implants. It is ideal for patients with multiple missing teeth in a row, offering exceptional stability and function.


Our providers take several factors into account to determine the best type of dental bridge for you, including:


  • Your age 
  • Number of missing teeth 
  • Health of adjacent teeth
  • Presence of natural teeth on both sides 
  • Overall oral health

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges provide several benefits, including:

  • Restoring bite function and improving chewing ability
  • Preventing neighboring teeth from shifting out of place
  • Maintaining facial structure
  • Providing a durable and natural-looking appearance


Our Process for Fitting Dental Crowns & Bridges

At Hampden Ave Dental, we evaluate your oral health, discuss your concerns, and use advanced diagnostics to recommend the best solution for your dental needs.

Our team ensures that your dental crown or bridge not only restores function but also enhances your natural-looking smile. Our process is designed for comfort, precision, and long-lasting results.


Consultation & Examination

During your initial visit, our team examines your tooth and takes digital X-rays to assess your oral health. If your tooth has significant decay or damage, we may recommend a root canal before placing a crown or bridge. This is also when our team discusses the best bridge or crown options for your oral health.


Tooth Preparation

Once we decide on the right restorative treatment, we prepare the affected tooth (for a crown) or the supporting teeth (for a bridge). The tooth preparation process may involve the following:


  • Numbing the area with a local anesthetic to ensure comfort
  • Preparing the affected or abutment teeth by reshaping them to accommodate dental crowns or bridges 


Once the prep work is complete, we take precise impressions of your teeth to create a custom-fit crown or bridge. While your crown or bridge is being made, a temporary crown or bridge may be placed to protect your prepared tooth.


Final Placement

Once your custom-fit crown or bridge is ready, we schedule a follow-up appointment to remove the temporary restoration and ensure a perfect fit. 


Here’s what to expect during the visit.

  • We remove the temporary crown or bridge and check the fit, color, and shape of the permanent one.


  • Our providers make precise adjustments to ensure comfort, a natural appearance, and a proper bite.


  • We secure the restoration in place using strong dental cement for long-lasting durability.


  • Finally, we polish and fine-tune the crown or bridge to blend seamlessly with your surrounding natural teeth.


Once your crown or bridge is placed, you may experience mild sensitivity or gum tenderness for a few days. Your bite may also feel slightly different as you adjust to your new restoration. Our team checks the fit carefully before you leave the clinic to ensure comfort and function.


We also provide personalized aftercare instructions to help with healing and longevity. Contact our providers immediately if you have any concerns or notice persistent discomfort.



Schedule Your Consultation for Bridges & Crowns in Lakewood, CO

At Hampden Ave Dental, our team ensures that you have a seamless and comfortable experience when getting a crown or bridge. From your initial consultation to the final placement, we ensure precision, quality, and a custom fit for your restoration. 

To schedule a consultation for dental bridges and crowns, please call us at 303-985-1263 or request an appointment online.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long does it take to recover after getting a dental bridge?

    Recovery varies from person to person, but most patients adjust within one to two weeks. Your teeth and gums may feel sensitive initially, and it may take a few days for your new bridge to feel completely natural in your bite.

  • How long does it take to feel comfortable after a dental crown procedure?

    Most people can return to work, school, and daily activities immediately after getting a crown. However, mild sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks is common for the first few weeks. You may also experience tenderness or soreness in the gums around the treated tooth. These side effects are temporary and should subside within a few days.

  • How long do dental bridges & crowns last?

    Dental bridges and crowns typically last five to fifteen years and sometimes even longer with proper care. If you notice any signs of wear, damage, or discomfort, visit your dentist to assess whether a replacement is needed.