If you have a weak tooth or are missing one or more teeth, you may need a crown or a bridge respectively.

A crown (also known as a cap) sits over an existing tooth that may have been broken or weakened by a crack, and will therefore serve to return the tooth back to its former strength, function and appearance.

A crown could be used for a number of other reasons, for instance:

If you have a large discoloured filling and would like to improve the appearance of the tooth.

Following root canal treatment crowns are often indicated to protect the underlying tooth structure from fracture.
Placing a tooth over an implant can also be done with a crown.

If you are missing one or more teeth, a bridge may be fitted. There are many types of bridges, from a very conservative Resin Bonded Bridge to a conventional Fixed Bridge.

The latter design (conventional bridge) uses either a single crown or multiple crowns on either side of the missing tooth to support an artificial tooth in the middle – known as the pontic.

However there are many alternatives to replacing a missing tooth.
(see treatment menu for links to Dentures and Implants)