Dental Crowns & Bridges in Highlands Ranch, CO

What Are Dental Crowns and Bridges?

A dental crown is a cap placed over a tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. It covers the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gum line and is custom-made to match your surrounding teeth. Crowns are part of our broader restorative dentistry services and are one of the most common ways to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be removed.

A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It works by anchoring an artificial tooth — called a pontic — to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. Those neighboring teeth are fitted with crowns to hold the bridge securely in place. The result is a fixed, non-removable restoration that looks and functions like your natural teeth.

When Is a Crown the Right Choice?

A crown is typically recommended when a tooth is too damaged for a filling to reliably repair it. Common situations include a large cavity, a cracked or fractured tooth, a tooth that has broken at the gum line, or a tooth that has just undergone a root canal and needs protection. Crowns are also used to cover a dental implant or to improve the appearance of a severely discolored or misshapen tooth.

When Is a Bridge the Right Choice?

A bridge is a good option when you have one or two adjacent missing teeth and the neighboring teeth are healthy enough to serve as anchors. It's a fixed solution — meaning it stays in place and does not come in and out like a partial denture. If a tooth has already been extracted or was lost due to injury or decay, a bridge can restore your bite and prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting out of position.

Benefits of Crowns & Bridges at Mountain West Family Dentistry

Mountain West is an independent, doctor-led practice — which means your treatment plan is built around what's right for you, not around a corporate quota. Dr. Rahul Patel, DMD and Dr. Eric Chatterley, DDS take the time to explain your options in plain language so you can make a confident, informed decision.

For patients who feel anxious about dental work, our team's gentle, unhurried approach makes a real difference. We use iTero digital impressions to make the process more comfortable — no traditional impression trays required. And if you've been putting off treatment because you weren't sure what to expect or what it would cost, we'll give you straight answers before anything begins.

Crowns and bridges are designed to blend naturally with your existing teeth, restore normal chewing function, and protect the underlying tooth structure for years to come.

What to Expect During Your Crown or Bridge Procedure

Most crown and bridge treatments are completed over two appointments, and we'll make sure you know exactly what's coming at each step.

Consultation and exam: Your dentist will evaluate the tooth, take digital X-rays, and discuss whether a crown, bridge, or another option is the best fit for your situation.

Tooth preparation: The tooth is gently shaped to make room for the crown. Local anesthesia is used throughout, so you should feel comfortable — not pain. If you're nervous about this part, let us know. We're used to working with patients who haven't had the best experiences elsewhere, and we'll go at your pace.

Digital impressions: Using our iTero scanner, we capture a precise 3D image of your teeth — no messy impression material. These images are sent to the dental lab to create your custom restoration.

Temporary crown: In most cases, a temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth while your permanent crown is being made.

Final placement: When your permanent crown or bridge is ready, you'll return for a second appointment. Your dentist will check the fit, make any minor adjustments, and cement it into place.

Crowns vs. Dental Implants: Which Is Right for You?

How Crowns and Implants Compare

If you have a missing tooth, both a bridge and a dental implant can restore your smile — but they work differently and suit different situations.

A bridge is anchored to the teeth on either side of the gap. It does not require surgery, tends to have a shorter treatment timeline, and is often covered at a higher percentage by insurance. However, the adjacent teeth must be prepared (shaped down) to support the bridge.

A dental implant replaces the tooth root with a titanium post placed directly into the jawbone, topped with a crown. It does not affect neighboring teeth, helps preserve jawbone density, and is designed to function like a natural tooth root. The process takes longer and typically involves a surgical component.

If you're a candidate for an implant, it may offer long-term advantages worth considering. Visit our dental implants page for a full overview, and we'll help you weigh both options at your consultation.

What Happens If a Damaged Tooth Goes Untreated?

Why Timely Restoration Matters

A cracked or decayed tooth does not stay stable on its own. Left untreated, the damage tends to progress — and so do the consequences.

Bacteria can reach the inner pulp of the tooth, leading to infection or abscess that may require a root canal or extraction to resolve. A broken tooth can fracture further, sometimes to the point where saving it is no longer possible. Once a tooth is lost, the teeth on either side begin to drift toward the gap, which can affect your bite and make future restoration more complex and more expensive.

The cost and complexity of treatment generally increase the longer a damaged tooth goes unaddressed. Catching the problem at the crown stage is almost always simpler — and less costly — than dealing with the consequences of waiting.

Insurance, Financing & Scheduling

We work with Ameritas, Cigna, Delta Dental, and Humana to help patients get the most from their benefits. Crowns and bridges are typically classified as major restorative services, and many plans cover a portion of the cost. Our team will review your coverage with you before treatment begins so there are no surprises. For more detail on coverage and payment options, visit our insurance and financing page.

New patients are always welcome. If your schedule makes it hard to get to a dentist during standard business hours, our early-morning availability — starting at 7:00 AM Wednesday through Friday — is designed with working adults and busy families in mind.