Strengthening and Restoring Your Smile

A healthy smile is not just about looks—it plays a key role in how you chew, speak, and feel about yourself. If you have a damaged or missing tooth, modern dentistry offers reliable solutions like dental crowns and bridges to help you regain full function and confidence. At Vital Dental, Dr. Martin Maya and his team are here to guide you through every step, offering clear, stress-free information tailored to your needs.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown, often called a “cap,” is a custom-made covering placed over a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth. Its purpose is to protect the tooth, restore its natural shape and size, and improve its appearance.

You may need a crown if:

  • A large cavity has weakened the tooth.
  • You’ve had a root canal.
  • The tooth is cracked, worn down, or broken.
  • You want to improve the look of a discolored or misshapen tooth.
Crowns are crafted from materials like porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or porcelain fused to metal. At Vital Dental, we use high-quality materials that match the color of your natural teeth—so your restored tooth blends in beautifully with your smile.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of two or more crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap (called abutment teeth) with a false tooth or teeth (called pontics) in between.

A bridge may be right for you if:

  • You’re missing one or more teeth in a row.
  • The teeth on either side of the gap are healthy and strong.
  • You want a fixed, long-term solution instead of a removable partial denture.
Bridges not only fill in the gaps but also help maintain facial shape, restore proper bite function, and prevent the remaining teeth from shifting out of place.

Crowns vs. Bridges: What’s the Difference?

While crowns and bridges are often mentioned together, they serve distinct purposes:
Feature
Crown
Bridge
Purpose
Restores a single damaged tooth
Replaces one or more missing teeth
Uses neighboring teeth
No
Yes, for support
Structure
Single cap
Multiple units (crowns + false teeth)
Common materials
Porcelain, ceramic, zirconia
Same as crowns
Aesthetic function
High
High
In simple terms, a crown repairs a tooth, while a bridge replaces missing ones by anchoring to the surrounding teeth.

Is the Procedure Painful?

One of the most common concerns patients have is whether getting a crown or bridge hurts. The answer is: not at all. The procedure is done under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the appointment. You may feel some mild sensitivity or soreness afterward, but it typically resolves quickly.

How Long Do Crowns and Bridges Last?

With proper care, crowns and bridges can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Their longevity depends on your oral hygiene habits, diet, and regular dental visits. At Vital Dental, we’ll guide you on how to care for your restoration so it serves you well for many years.

Aftercare Tips for Crowns and Bridges

To get the most out of your crown or bridge, follow these simple tips:
  • Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
  • Floss daily—especially around the crown or under the bridge. Special flossing tools may help.
  • Avoid chewing hard objects like ice or pens.
  • Visit your dentist every 6 months for checkups and cleanings.

How Do I Know Which One I Need?

Every smile is unique. The best way to find out if you need a crown, a bridge, or another treatment is through a personal consultation. At Vital Dental, we’ll examine your teeth, listen to your concerns, and explain your options clearly—without pressure or fear. Our goal is to help you make the best choice for your long-term oral health.

Trust Your Smile to Dr. Martin Maya

At Vital Dental, we treat every patient with respect, honesty, and compassion. We understand that dental treatment can be intimidating, which is why we take extra time to ensure you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way. Whether you need a crown to strengthen a tooth or a bridge to restore a complete smile, we’re here to help you regain function and beauty.
Call us today at (954) 975-9779 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Martin Maya. Let’s restore your smile with care and precision—because everyone deserves to smile with confidence.