Crowns & Bridges in San Juan Capistrano

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Quick intro (why/when)

Dental crowns are custom caps that protect weak, cracked, or heavily filled teeth—and restore implants. Bridges replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth to neighboring teeth for a fixed, non-removable result.

Related care:

A black and white tooth graphic.

When we recommend a crown

  • Large fracture or decay where a filling won’t hold

  • After a root canal to seal and strengthen the tooth

  • Cracks or heavy wear that need full-coverage support

  • To restore a dental implant with a lifelike crown

Deep dive on materials: Dental Crown Types—Porcelain vs. Zirconia vs. Gold

Crown materials (how we choose together)

Porcelain (all-ceramic) for top esthetics; zirconia for high strength (great for molars/bruxers); gold alloys for unmatched longevity where metal won’t show. We’ll match material to the tooth’s location, bite forces, and your esthetic goals. (Crowns are designed to restore shape/strength and appearance.)

Note: the tooth under any crown can still get decay, so daily flossing/brushing and regular cleanings matter.

Bridges (fixed tooth replacement)

A fixed bridge “bridges” the gap where a tooth is missing: two crowns on the neighbors with a middle pontic tooth, permanently cemented. Types include traditional 3-unit bridges, cantilever (select cases), and resin-bonded/Maryland bridges (often for front teeth; more conservative but generally higher failure than traditional).

Considering options for a missing molar? Read: Dental Implant vs Bridge for a Missing Molar—Cost, Timeline & Maintenance

Cracked tooth: crown, root canal, or extraction?

We diagnose with bite tests, imaging, and cold testing. Many cracks are stabilized with a crown; deeper cracks may need root canal + crown; non-restorable cracks require extraction and replacement (implant or bridge). Early treatment improves outcomes.


Learn more: Cracked Tooth—Crown, Root Canal, or Extraction?

Timeline—what your visits look like

Crowns:

  1. Prep & digital scan → place a temporary

  2. Lab crafts your crown (usually 1–2 weeks)

  3. Seat & adjust for comfort and color match

Bridges:

  1. Prep two anchor teeth & scan → temporary bridge

  2. Final bridge seat in ~1–2 weeks with bite/fit checks

(Implants follow a staged plan: placement → bone bonding → abutment/crown.)

Care & longevity

  • Brush 2×/day, floss daily (use floss threaders/water flosser under bridges)

  • Avoid chewing ice and very hard candies; ask about a night guard if you grind

  • Keep 6-month checkups to protect margins and supporting teeth


    (Bridges are fixed; removable care is not needed.)

Costs & insurance

Fees vary by tooth, material, lab work, and whether other care (root canal, core build-up, implant parts) is needed. We’ll provide insurance-aware estimates and side-by-side options at your consult.

South OC locations we serve

San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, and San Clemente.

Next steps: Schedule an Appointment

Related guides

FAQs: Crowns & Bridges in San Juan Capistrano

  • Yes—porcelain and layered zirconia can be matched to neighboring teeth for a seamless smile. (See our crown materials guide above.)

  • No. A fixed bridge is cemented in place and only removable by a dentist.

  • With great home care and regular visits, many last years to decades; longevity varies by material, bite forces, and hygiene.

  • The tooth underneath can still decay if plaque builds at the edges; daily flossing and cleanings are key.

new patients welcome

new patients welcome

What patients are saying

  • Dr Kelly is awesome. Friendly, knowledgeable, and thorough with her examination. Impressed me with her read of my X-rays, which identified things I had forgotten (ie past tooth injuries) or never suspected. She takes her time and does all the work herself. You’re in good hands here.

    Jon E.

  • Dr. Kaban and the team were so welcoming and treated me with so care. They diligently walked me through my entire treatment and made me feel so comfortable. I'm so grateful to have found them!

    Daria J.

  • Dr. Kelly is incredible! A recommendation from a friend led me to this practice several years ago after visiting three other OC dentists in a year due to pain in my back molar. I was nervous about this dental visit, but Dr. Kelly … More

    Kristina R.

  • Always a pleasure, excellent service. I’ve had bad luck with dentist in the past and hate going but she always makes me feel comfortable and very conscious of my needs and fears.

    Amber H.

  • Dr. Kaban and her team are amazing! I’m usually not very comfortable at the dentist, but she made me feel at ease and really listened whenever I felt nervous. I highly recommend Kaban Dental Group to anyone!

    Erika M.