Dental Crowns & Bridges in Palo Alto, CA

What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its strength, shape, and appearance. Crowns are one of the most reliable ways to protect teeth that can’t be repaired with a filling alone—while blending beautifully with your natural smile.

You might need a crown if you’ve experienced:

• A large cavity that’s too big for a filling

• A cracked or broken tooth

• A tooth that’s had a root canal

• A worn-down or misshapen tooth

• A discolored tooth you’d like to improve cosmetically

When Is a Dental Crown Needed?

Dental crowns are incredibly versatile and used in many everyday situations. You may need a crown if a tooth is:

• Cracked or broken from grinding, biting something hard, or an accident

• Worn down from years of use or jaw-clenching

• Heavily filled, leaving the remaining structure too weak to stand alone

• Discolored or misshapen, affecting your smile’s appearance

• Recently treated with a root canal, which can leave the tooth brittle

• Topped with a dental implant, requiring a crown to complete the restoration

If you’ve ever dealt with tooth pain when chewing, noticed a tooth that looks different, or had an old filling fail—these are common signs that a crown may be the right solution.

What to Expect from a Crown Appointment

Getting a dental crown is a straightforward process—and we’re here to make it as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Here’s what you can expect during your crown treatment at our Palo Alto office:

1. Tooth Preparation

We’ll gently shape the tooth to remove any damage or decay and create space for the crown to fit securely.

2. Digital Impressions

Instead of messy impression trays, we use 3D scanning technology to take precise digital images of your teeth. This means a faster, more comfortable experience—and highly accurate results.

3. Temporary Crown Placement

While your final crown is being crafted, we’ll place a temporary crown to protect your tooth and maintain your bite

4. Custom Crown Creation

Using our in-house 3D dental printing, we design and mill your permanent crown with precision. In many cases, this can reduce wait times and minimize the number of appointments needed.

5. Final Crown Placement

Once your crown is ready, we’ll check the fit, make any necessary adjustments, and bond it securely in place. You’ll leave with a smile that looks natural and feels just right.

Throughout the process, Dr. Qian and our team prioritize your comfort and keep you informed every step of the way.

What Are Dental Bridges?

A dental bridge is a custom restoration that fills the space left by one or more missing teeth—literally “bridging the gap” in your smile. Bridges not only improve the way your smile looks but also help you chew, speak, and maintain proper alignment between your remaining teeth.

We provide dental bridges in Palo Alto to help patients restore function, prevent shifting teeth, and regain confidence in everyday moments.

Bridges typically anchor to the healthy teeth on either side of the gap—called abutment teeth—or to dental implants. The replacement tooth (called a pontic) sits in between, restoring both appearance and stability.

When Is a Bridge the Right Option?

A dental bridge may be the right choice if you’re missing one or more teeth in a row and want a fixed, reliable solution. Missing teeth can impact your ability to chew and speak clearly, and even affect your facial structure over time. A bridge fills that gap—both functionally and visually.

Bridges are ideal for patients who:

• Have lost one or more teeth

• Want a secure, non-removable alternative to partial dentures

• Are not ready for a dental implant, or prefer a faster, less invasive option

Need to maintain the shape of their face and prevent the shifting of nearby teeth

What to Expect from the Bridge Process

Here’s what you can expect at our Palo Alto office:

1. Comprehensive Exam & Consultation

We begin with a full evaluation, including digital X-rays, to assess your oral health and determine the best type of bridge for your needs.

2. Tooth Preparation

If you’re receiving a traditional bridge, the neighboring teeth will be gently shaped to support the crowns that hold the bridge in place.

3. Digital Impressions

Using comfortable, mess-free scanning, we capture detailed images of your teeth to ensure a precise, natural-looking fit.

4. Temporary Bridge

You’ll receive a temporary bridge to protect your smile and maintain function while your final bridge is being crafted.

5. Custom Bridge Placement

Once your permanent bridge is ready, we’ll make sure the fit and bite are perfect before bonding it securely in place. Our goal is long-term comfort, function, and aesthetics.

Throughout your visit, you’ll never feel rushed—we take the time to get it right.

Crowns vs. Bridges—What’s the Difference?

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand which one might be right for your smile:

Some patients may benefit from both—for example, a bridge supported by crowns placed on the neighboring teeth.

Still unsure which is right for you? We’re here to help.

Why Choose Dr. Mary Qian for Restorative Dentistry in Palo Alto?

When it comes to restoring your smile, details matter—and so does trust. Patients across Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Los Altos, and beyond choose Dr. Mary Qian for her thoughtful approach to restorative care that never feels rushed or cookie-cutter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do dental crowns and bridges last?

With proper care, dental crowns and bridges can last 10–15 years or longer. Their longevity depends on factors like the material used, your oral hygiene habits, and regular dental checkups. Dr. Qian uses high-quality materials and precise techniques to ensure lasting results.

Will the restoration look natural?

Yes—your crown or bridge will be designed to blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth. Dr. Qian carefully matches the shape, size, and shade of your restoration to your surrounding smile. Most people won’t even notice you’ve had dental work done.

Are crowns and bridges covered by insurance?

Many dental insurance plans do cover crowns and bridges, especially when they’re needed for restorative purposes (like repairing a damaged or missing tooth). Our team is happy to help you understand your benefits and will file claims on your behalf—even though we’re out of network.

What’s the difference between a bridge and an implant?

A dental implant replaces the root of a missing tooth and is topped with a crown, while a bridge uses neighboring teeth (or implants) to support a false tooth between them. Both are great options—Dr. Qian will help you decide which fits your smile, goals, and lifestyle best.