Restore Your Smile with Natural-Looking Solutions
A damaged or missing tooth doesn't just affect how your smile looks. It impacts your ability to chew, speak clearly, and maintain proper oral health. Whether you're dealing with a cracked tooth, severe decay, or gaps from missing teeth, dental crowns and bridges offer proven solutions that blend seamlessly with your natural smile.
At Southern Smiles by Bethany Burton, we understand that every smile tells a story. Our team combines advanced dental technology with personalized care to restore both the function and beauty of your teeth. We create custom restorations that look natural, feel comfortable, and last for years to come.
Ready to restore your smile? Call (904) 387-3118 to schedule your consultation with our Jacksonville dentist. We proudly serve patients throughout Orange Park, Atlantic Beach, and Neptune Beach.
Why Choose Southern Smiles by Bethany Burton for Crowns and Bridges
Our patients say it best — in their own words:
“I just had a crown done by Dr. Burton and the experience was phenomenal. Same-day crown with the newest technology — I walked out in under 2 hours with my permanent crown. Completely painless (just the tiny numbing shot), no gooey impressions, no temporary crown, no second appointment weeks later. Worth every penny!” — Melissa A.
“My crown broke while I was out of town on a work trip. The second I got home they got me right in — Dr.mw-parser-output .mw-headline { text-align: center; } Dr. Burton even came in early just for me and fixed it painlessly. They’re so great!” — Gerick G.
You’ll hear the same things over and over from our patients:
- Same-day crowns (done in one quick visit)
- Latest technology — no messy impressions, no temporaries
- Truly painless (beyond the little numbing prick)
- Dr. Burton takes her time, explains everything, and makes you feel comfortable
- Friendly team that treats you like family
If you need a crown or bridge and want it to be easy, fast, comfortable, and built to last, come see why so many people say this is the best crown experience they’ve ever had.
Schedule your visit today — we can’t wait to take great care of you!
What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps made from durable materials like porcelain or ceramic that cover a damaged tooth completely. They restore the tooth's shape, size, strength, and appearance while protecting what remains of the natural tooth structure.
Dental bridges use crowns on adjacent teeth as anchors to support one or more artificial replacement teeth, effectively "bridging" the gap left by missing teeth. Both restorations are permanently cemented in place and function just like your natural teeth.
Types of Crowns and Bridges
Different situations call for different solutions. Here are the restoration options available. Give us a call to see what we offer at our Jacksonville dental practice:
- All-porcelain crowns: The most natural-looking option, perfect for front teeth where aesthetics matter most; stain-resistant and biocompatible
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns: Combine the strength of metal with the appearance of porcelain; ideal for back teeth that endure heavy chewing forces
- Traditional fixed bridges: Use crowns on teeth adjacent to the gap to support replacement teeth; the gold standard for replacing one to three consecutive missing teeth
- Cantilever bridges: Anchored to a single adjacent tooth when there's only one natural tooth next to the gap
- Implant-supported bridges: Attach to dental implants rather than natural teeth, preserving healthy tooth structure while providing superior stability
- Temporary crowns: Protect your tooth while your permanent restoration is being crafted in the lab
Benefits of Dental Crowns and Bridges
Restorations do more than fill gaps—they transform your oral health.
- Protect vulnerable teeth from further damage after root canal therapy, large dental fillings, or fractures that would otherwise lead to tooth extraction
- Restore full chewing function so you can enjoy all your favorite foods without pain or difficulty
- Prevent neighboring teeth from shifting into empty spaces, which causes bite misalignment and jaw problems over time
- Improve speech clarity by filling gaps that cause whistling sounds or difficulty pronouncing certain words
- Boost confidence with a complete smile you're proud to show in photos and social situations
- Maintain facial structure by preventing the bone loss and facial collapse that occurs after tooth loss
- Last 10-15 years or longer, with proper care, making them a cost-effective long-term investment
- Look completely natural thanks to advanced ceramics that mimic the translucency and color variations of your existing teeth
Who Is a Good Candidate for Crowns and Dental Bridges?
Most patients with damaged or missing teeth qualify for these restorations.
- Anyone with a cracked, broken, or severely worn tooth that can't be repaired with a simple filling
- Patients who've had root canal therapy and need to protect the now-fragile tooth from breaking
- People with large fillings that have weakened the remaining tooth structure
- Those missing one to three consecutive teeth and are looking for a fixed (non-removable) replacement option
- Patients with discolored or misshapen teeth who want to improve their smile
- Individuals with adequate bone density and healthy gums to support the restoration
- People who are committed to maintaining good oral hygiene to ensure the longevity of their investment
The Crowns and Bridges Process
1. Initial Consultation and Examination
Dr. Burton examines your teeth, takes digital X-rays to assess bone and root health, and discusses your goals. We'll explain which type of restoration works best for your situation and answer all your questions about the procedure and timeline.
2. Tooth Preparation
We numb the area completely for your comfort, then reshape the affected tooth to make room for the crown. For bridges, we prepare the teeth on both sides of the gap. Digital impressions capture precise measurements without messy traditional molds.
3. Temporary Restoration Placement
You'll leave with a temporary crown or bridge that protects your prepared teeth and maintains your appearance while the permanent restoration is being crafted. These temporaries are functional but require some care—avoid sticky or hard foods.
4. Custom Fabrication
Our dental laboratory creates your permanent restoration using your digital impressions and Dr. Burton's detailed specifications. We carefully match the color to your surrounding teeth and shape it for optimal comfort and function.
5. Final Placement and Adjustment
At your second appointment, we remove the temporary and check the fit and appearance of your permanent restoration. Once you approve how it looks and feels, we permanently cement it in place and make any necessary bite adjustments.
6. Follow-Up Care
We schedule a brief follow-up visit to ensure you're comfortable with your new restoration and that your bite feels natural. Most patients adapt within a few days and quickly forget which tooth is restored.
Caring for Your Crowns and Bridges
Proper maintenance keeps your restoration looking great and functioning well for many years.
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste, paying special attention to the gumline where the crown meets your natural tooth
- Floss daily using a floss threader or water flosser to clean around and under bridges
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or other extremely hard objects that could crack the porcelain
- Wear a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping
- Visit Southern Smiles every six months for professional teeth cleanings and examinations to catch any issues early
- Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce plaque buildup around the restoration margins
- Contact us immediately for emergency dental care if your crown feels loose or if you notice any changes in your bite
Cost and Financing for Crowns and Bridges
Investment in your smile shouldn't break the bank. The cost of crowns and bridges varies based on several factors, but we work with every budget to make treatment accessible. Most dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of these restorative procedures since they're medically necessary, not just cosmetic.
- Single crowns typically range from $1,000 to $1,800, depending on material and complexity
- Traditional bridges generally cost $2,500 to $5,000 based on the number of teeth being replaced
- Material choice affects price—all-porcelain costs more than porcelain-fused-to-metal but offers superior aesthetics
- The extent of tooth damage and any additional procedures needed (like buildup or post placement) influence the final cost
- Our in-house membership plan provides 15% off crowns and bridges with no insurance paperwork, pre-approvals, or annual maximums
- Third-party financing through CareCredit offers flexible monthly payment plans with promotional interest-free periods
Important Considerations and Alternatives
While crowns and bridges are highly successful, they're not the only option for every situation. The procedure is irreversible because we must remove tooth structure to place a crown, so it's worth understanding all your choices. Some tooth sensitivity immediately after placement is normal and typically resolves within a few weeks. Very rarely, the nerve inside a crowned tooth may become irritated and require root canal therapy later.
Possible Side Effects
- Temporary sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures during the first few weeks after placement
- Slight discomfort or soreness in the gums surrounding the restoration as you adjust
- Rare allergic reactions to metals in porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (easily avoided by choosing all-ceramic)
- Adjustment period as you get used to the feel and height of the new restoration
Common Alternatives
- Dental implants with crowns: Replace missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth; more expensive initially, but often the longest-lasting solution
- Partial dentures: Removable appliances that replace missing teeth; more affordable but less stable and comfortable than fixed bridges
- Dental bonding or veneers: Work for minor cosmetic issues or small areas of damage, but don't provide the strength of crowns
- Large dental fillings: Can repair some damaged teeth if enough healthy structure remains, though they don't last as long in severely compromised teeth
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental crowns and bridges last?
With proper care and regular dental visits, crowns typically last 10 to 15 years, while bridges often last five to 15 years. Many patients enjoy their restorations for even longer. The lifespan depends on your oral hygiene habits, diet, whether you grind your teeth, and the location in your mouth.
Does getting a crown or bridge hurt?
The procedure itself is painless because we use local anesthesia to numb the area completely. You may experience some sensitivity or mild discomfort for a few days after the anesthesia wears off, but most patients manage this easily with over-the-counter pain relievers. The temporary phase is typically more uncomfortable than the final restoration.
Can I eat normally with crowns and bridges?
Yes. Once you're fully adjusted to your restoration, you can eat virtually anything you enjoyed before. We recommend avoiding extremely hard foods like ice or hard candy that could damage any tooth, natural or restored. During the temporary phase, stick to softer foods and chew on the opposite side.
What happens if my crown falls off?
While rare, crowns can occasionally come loose. If this happens, save the crown and call our office immediately. Don't try to reattach it yourself with household glue. We can often clean and re-cement the original crown if you bring it in promptly, and the tooth underneath is still healthy.
How do I clean around my bridge?
Flossing requires a special technique or tool since you can't floss between the artificial tooth and gums normally. We'll teach you to use a floss threader or recommend a water flosser, which many patients find easier. Regular brushing remains the same as for natural teeth.
Can a crowned tooth still get cavities?
Your natural tooth structure underneath the crown can still develop decay, especially at the margin where the crown meets your tooth. This is why excellent home care and regular professional cleanings are essential. The crown itself can't decay, but the tooth supporting it needs protection.
Start Your Smile Transformation Today
You don't have to live with damaged or missing teeth affecting your confidence and quality of life. Dental crowns and bridges offer reliable, long-lasting solutions that restore both function and beauty to your smile. At Southern Smiles by Bethany Burton, we make the process comfortable, affordable, and convenient.
Take the first step toward a healthier, more complete smile at our Jacksonville dental clinic near you. Call (904) 387-3118 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Burton. We welcome patients from throughout Jacksonville, Orange Park, Atlantic Beach, and Neptune Beach. Let's create a restoration you'll be proud to show off.
