Dental Crowns & Bridges in Beaverton, OR
Custom restorations that protect weak teeth and replace missing ones, planned carefully with Dr. Gvozden.
Two restorations, two different jobs
Crowns and bridges are often mentioned in the same breath because they use the same technique, but the reason you need one is quite different. A crown saves a tooth you still have. A bridge fills a gap where a tooth used to be.
Dr. Gvozden has more than 40 years of clinical experience and hospital-based surgical training, and he brings a cautious view to both: if a simpler treatment will do the job, we will start there. When a crown or bridge is the right answer, it is planned for durability.
Is a crown or a bridge right for you?
You may need a crown if…
- A cavity is too large for a filling to hold up
- A tooth is cracked or has a fractured cusp
- A tooth has had a root canal and needs protection
- A tooth is worn down from grinding or acid
- An old filling is failing and little natural tooth remains
You may need a bridge if…
- You are missing one or a few teeth in a row
- The teeth next to the gap are strong enough to support crowns
- You prefer a fixed option that is not removable
- An implant is not suitable or not wanted right now
If you are missing many teeth or would rather avoid grinding down neighbors, also look at implants and dentures and partials.
Why missing teeth do not stay a “small” problem
When a tooth is gone, neighbors may tilt into the space and the tooth above or below may slowly drift down or up. Chewing shifts to the other side, and the food traps that result make cavities and gum problems more likely. Replacing the tooth is not only about how you look in photos.
What to expect: the crown process
- Exam and planning. We evaluate the tooth with an exam and X-rays and talk through materials and cost.
- Preparing the tooth. Under local anesthetic, we reshape the tooth to make room for the crown and remove any decay.
- Impression and shade. We record the shape of your tooth and bite and choose a shade that matches your neighbors.
- Temporary crown. A temporary protects the tooth while the permanent one is made.
- Fitting. At the second visit, we check the fit, bite and color, then cement the permanent crown.
A bridge follows the same path, with the neighboring teeth prepared to carry the artificial tooth in between.
Common crown materials
| Material | Strengths | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| All-ceramic or porcelain | Most natural appearance; good for visible teeth | Some types may be less forgiving under heavy chewing forces |
| Zirconia | Very strong; well suited to back teeth | Appearance can vary by formulation |
| Porcelain fused to metal | Proven strength with a tooth-colored surface | A thin dark line may show at the gumline over time |
| Metal alloy | Very durable; conserves tooth structure | Metallic color, usually reserved for hidden teeth |
We will recommend a material based on the tooth’s location, your bite and your priorities, and explain why.
Caring for a new crown or bridge
- Brush twice daily and clean along the gumline where the crown meets the tooth
- With a bridge, use a floss threader or interdental brush to clean underneath the artificial tooth
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candy or opening packages with your teeth
- Ask about a night guard if you clench or grind
- Keep regular exams so we can monitor the margins
Honest expectations
A crown is durable but not permanent. Restorations can chip, loosen or need replacing after years of wear, and the tooth underneath still needs care. Neither a crown nor a bridge can cure gum disease or prevent decay in the tooth it covers.
If you have a crown that feels high, loose or sensitive, call. Simple adjustments are often quick.
Questions to ask before you say yes
- Is there a more conservative option? A large filling, an onlay or watchful waiting may be reasonable for some teeth.
- What material do you recommend, and why? The answer should depend on location and bite.
- What will it cost, and what will insurance cover? We are happy to check your benefits and put the plan in writing.
- What if the tooth underneath needs more work? Sometimes a tooth needs a root canal before or after the crown; we will explain the possibilities.
- What are my alternatives to a bridge? An implant or partial denture may fit your situation better.
A good treatment plan makes room for all of these questions, and we would rather you ask them than wonder later.
When a crown is an emergency
A crown that falls off, or a tooth that breaks under a crown, is not usually life-threatening but should be seen quickly. Keep the crown, avoid chewing on that side and call us. If it is safe to do so, rinse gently; do not use household glue. We will assess whether it can be re-cemented or needs to be remade. For pain, swelling or trauma, see our emergency dentist page.
Start with a conversation in Beaverton
If you have a tooth that worries you or a gap you would like to close, schedule an exam. We serve adults and families from Beaverton, Aloha, Hillsboro and Tigard at 18355 SW Alexander St. Our team can check your dental benefits so you know what to expect before treatment. Call (503) 822-0096, or return to general dentistry to see the rest of our adult services.
Questions patients often ask
What is the difference between a crown and a bridge?
A crown covers one existing tooth. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth to crowns on the neighboring teeth.
How long do crowns and bridges last?
Many last a decade or longer, but it depends on the material, your bite, grinding habits and oral hygiene. We will examine them at checkups and tell you if anything needs attention.
Will I have a temporary while I wait?
Usually yes. If your restoration is made in a dental laboratory, you wear a temporary crown or bridge in the meantime. Avoid sticky foods and floss carefully so it stays in place.
Is a crown painful?
The tooth is numbed, so it should not be. Some sensitivity afterward is common and typically settles down. Call us if it is strong or lingers.
Bridge or implant: which is better?
Neither is best for everyone. A bridge is usually quicker and does not require surgery, but it depends on the neighboring teeth. An implant does not, but requires healing time and enough bone. See dental implants.
Can a crown get a cavity?
The crown itself cannot decay, but the natural tooth beneath it can, especially at the edge. Careful brushing and flossing around the crown is important.
How much of a crown or bridge does insurance cover?
Many plans pay a percentage after a deductible, subject to a yearly maximum and sometimes a waiting period. We look at your benefits and put the estimate in writing. See our insurance and payment options page or call (503) 822-0096.
Ready to book your child’s visit?
Tell us a little about your family and we’ll reach out to find a time that works. New patients — kids, teens and adults — are welcome, and we accept almost all dental insurance and the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).