About crowns & bridges
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged tooth, restoring its strength, shape, size, and appearance. Crowns are used to protect a tooth after a root canal, restore a tooth with a large filling that has failed, cover a cracked tooth, or cover a dental implant.
A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a custom restoration to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. Bridges are non-surgical and typically completed in two visits.
At McLaren Dental we use CEREC same-day crown technology for most crowns — meaning we design, mill, and place a permanent ceramic crown in a single visit. No temporary crown. No second appointment. No goopy impressions.
When you might need this
If any of the following sound familiar, it may be time to schedule a visit. Only a doctor can diagnose your specific situation, but these are common reasons patients come in for crowns & bridges.
A large filling has cracked or fallen out
Once a filling occupies more than half the tooth, the remaining structure is at risk of fracturing. A crown wraps and protects what is left.
You have just had a root canal
A tooth treated with a root canal is more brittle than a healthy tooth. A crown is almost always recommended to prevent fracture.
A tooth is cracked or split
A vertical crack in a tooth needs a crown to hold the pieces together and prevent the crack from spreading.
You are missing one or two teeth
A bridge can replace the missing tooth or teeth without surgery, restoring chewing function and the smile in two visits.
A tooth is severely worn or stained
When wear or discoloration is too extensive for a veneer or filling, a crown can restore both strength and aesthetics.
You have a dental implant ready for restoration
The visible part of an implant restoration is a custom crown that screws or cements onto the implant post.
Your visit, step by step
- 01
Evaluation and 3D scan
We take a digital 3D scan of your tooth and bite — no putty impressions. Your doctor walks you through the recommended restoration.
- 02
Tooth preparation
Under local anesthetic, your doctor gently shapes the tooth to receive the crown. For a bridge, the two anchor teeth on either side of the gap are shaped.
- 03
Digital design
For CEREC same-day crowns, the restoration is designed on-screen while you are in the chair. For lab-made crowns and bridges, the digital scan is sent to our lab.
- 04
Milling or fabrication
CEREC crowns are milled in-office from a solid block of porcelain in about 15 minutes. Lab restorations take 1 to 2 weeks and a temporary is placed in the meantime.
- 05
Final fit and cementation
Your doctor verifies the fit, color, and bite. The crown or bridge is then bonded permanently into place.
- 06
Bite refinement
A final bite check ensures the new restoration feels natural. Adjustments are made on the spot if needed.
Why patients choose us for this
CEREC same-day crowns
We design, mill, and place permanent ceramic crowns in a single visit for most cases — no temporaries.
Digital impressions only
Our iTero scanner replaces gag-inducing putty with a quick, comfortable 3D scan.
Precision fit
Computer-milled crowns achieve a margin fit that is more accurate than even excellent manual lab work.
University-trained doctors
Our doctors trained at U of M and continue to teach there. Restorative dentistry is their daily craft.