Restorative Dentistry
Dental Crowns & Bridges
Custom crowns to rebuild a damaged tooth, and fixed bridges to replace what's missing — crafted to blend with your natural smile, here in Tamarac.
When a tooth is cracked, worn down, or weakened by a large old filling, a crown restores its strength and shape. When a tooth is missing, a bridge fills the gap with a replacement that's anchored securely in place. Both are everyday restorative work at our practice — and both are designed to look like they were always part of your smile.
In Our Office
Same-day crowns, milled here
We have our own milling machine at Dr. Dulay & Associates P.A., which means many single crowns can be designed, made, and placed in one visit, in-office — no temporary, no second appointment, no waiting on an outside lab. For the right case, you can walk in with a damaged tooth and leave the same day with a finished, natural-looking crown.
Same-day applies to single crowns in E.max and zirconia. Bridges, gold, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and Maryland bridges are crafted in a dental lab and completed over a couple of visits — we'll tell you up front which path your case takes.
Which One You Need
Two solutions, one visit to start
A crown caps and protects a tooth that's still there. A bridge replaces one or more teeth that aren't. Here's when each tends to make sense.
Dental Crown
Rebuild a damaged tooth
A crown covers the whole visible tooth, restoring strength, shape, and appearance. It's often recommended when:
- A tooth is cracked, fractured, or badly worn
- A large filling has failed or left little tooth structure
- A tooth has had root canal treatment and needs protection
- A tooth is misshapen or discolored and needs a structural fix
- A dental implant needs its final restoration
Dental Bridge
Replace a missing tooth
A bridge "bridges" the gap left by missing teeth, anchored to the teeth or implants on either side. It may be a good fit when:
- You're missing one or more teeth in a row
- You want a fixed solution you don't remove at night
- The neighboring teeth are healthy enough to support it
- You want to keep remaining teeth from drifting into the gap
- You're restoring both function and the look of your smile
A Conservative Option
Maryland bridges
When a single tooth is missing — often toward the front — a Maryland bridge can be a more conservative choice. Instead of crowning the neighboring teeth, it uses a replacement tooth with thin "wings" that bond to the back of the teeth on either side, preserving more of your natural tooth structure. It isn't right for every gap, but for the right case it's a gentler way to fill it. We'll let you know if you're a good candidate.
What to Expect
A clear, comfortable process
First
Exam & honest plan
We look at the tooth, take any images we need, and talk through whether a crown, a bridge, or another option is the right call — and what it will cost — before anything begins.
Then
Prepare & shape
The tooth is gently prepared and a precise digital or physical impression is taken so your restoration fits exactly. For same-day crowns there's no temporary needed; for lab-crafted work, you'll usually leave with a comfortable temporary in place.
Next
Crafted to match
Your crown or bridge is made to match the color, shape, and proportions of your surrounding teeth, so it blends in rather than stands out.
Finally
Fit & finish
We check the fit and your bite, make any adjustments, and secure the restoration. You leave with a tooth that feels solid and looks natural.
Materials & Cost
The right material for your tooth
Different teeth do different jobs, so we match the material to the spot in your mouth — balancing how natural it looks with how much force it has to handle. We'll recommend the best fit for your case and explain why.
Crown Materials
- E.max
- A premium all-ceramic known for a lifelike, translucent look — a favorite for teeth that show. Can be milled same-day in our office.
- Zirconia
- Exceptionally strong and tooth-colored, ideal for back teeth and heavy bites. Also available same-day.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal
- A time-tested option pairing a metal base with a porcelain surface for strength and a natural finish. Lab-crafted.
- Gold
- Extremely durable and gentle on opposing teeth — a long-lasting choice, often for molars. Lab-crafted.
Bridge Materials
- Zirconia
- Strong and natural-looking, well suited to the demands of a fixed bridge that has to stand up to daily chewing.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal
- A reliable, proven choice that combines a sturdy core with a tooth-colored surface.
Good to Know
- Crafted in a lab
- Bridges are made by a dental lab and completed over a couple of visits, so they aren't same-day.
We're out-of-network with all insurance carriers. That means we work for you, not a plan — and we'll verify your benefits and walk through your out-of-pocket cost before any work begins. For treatment you'd rather spread out, we offer financing through Sunbit and Cherry, so cost doesn't have to stand between you and a healthy, comfortable smile.
A note from Dr. Dulay
"A crown or bridge isn't just about filling a gap or covering a tooth. It's about giving you back the confidence to eat, speak, and smile without thinking twice — and doing it so well that no one else can tell."
Dr. Rajvinder Dulay
Not sure which option is right for you?
Start a Virtual ConsultCommon Questions
Crowns & bridges, answered
What's the difference between a crown and a bridge?
A crown caps and protects a single tooth that's still in place but damaged or weakened. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a replacement to the healthy teeth or implants on either side of the gap. Many patients need one or the other; some need both as part of a larger plan.
How long do crowns and bridges last?
With good care, crowns and bridges commonly last many years, and often well over a decade. How long yours lasts depends on the material, the bite, and day-to-day habits like cleaning and avoiding using your teeth as tools. We'll talk through what to expect for your specific case.
Does getting a crown or bridge hurt?
The procedure itself is done with the area fully numbed, so you shouldn't feel pain during treatment. Some patients notice mild sensitivity for a few days afterward, which typically settles on its own. Keeping you comfortable is a priority at every visit.
Can I get a crown in one day?
Often, yes. We have a milling machine in our office, so many single crowns in E.max or zirconia can be designed, made, and placed in a single visit — no temporary and no second appointment. Some cases still need a lab, and bridges, gold, and porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations are always made over a couple of visits. We'll tell you which applies to you.
How many visits does it take?
Many single crowns can be completed the same day thanks to our in-house milling. A traditional crown or a bridge is usually done over a couple of visits — one to prepare the tooth and take impressions, and one to fit the final restoration. We'll give you a clear timeline for your situation at your first visit.
What is a Maryland bridge?
A Maryland bridge is a more conservative way to replace a single missing tooth, often near the front. Instead of crowning the neighboring teeth, it bonds a replacement tooth to the back of the adjacent teeth using thin wings, preserving more of your natural tooth structure. It isn't right for every gap, and we'll let you know if you're a good candidate.
Will my insurance cover crowns or bridges?
We're out-of-network with all carriers, which lets us focus on your care rather than a plan's rules. Many plans still provide some benefit toward restorative work. We'll verify your benefits and walk through your out-of-pocket cost before any work begins, and we offer financing through Sunbit and Cherry if you'd like to spread payments out.
How do I take care of a crown or bridge?
Treat them much like your natural teeth: brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, and keep up with regular checkups. Bridges have a small area underneath that benefits from a floss threader or water flosser, and we'll show you exactly how to keep yours clean.
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Related care
Ready When You Are
Let's restore your smile
Whether you need a single crown or a bridge to fill a gap, we'll give you an honest plan and a clear cost — no pressure.