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Crowns and bridges · Miami Gardens, FL
Dental crowns & bridges with metal-free options
Protect a cracked or weakened tooth, restore one after a root canal, or replace a missing tooth with a fixed bridge — using natural-looking, biocompatible materials.
- Metal-free ceramic options
- Crowns after root canals
- Medicaid & most insurance
Natural look
Color-matched to neighboring teeth.
Protection
Holds cracked or weakened teeth together.
Metal-free
Ceramic and porcelain where appropriate.
Function
Chew comfortably on both sides again.
On this page
01 — Crowns
When a tooth needs a crown
A dental crown is a custom cap that covers the entire visible part of a tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape and strength when a filling alone isn’t enough — so the tooth can go back to full chewing function without looking like dental work.
At a glance
| Visits | Usually two: preparation with a temporary crown, then the permanent crown |
| Anesthesia | Local; the tooth is numbed |
| Lifespan | Often 10–15+ years with good care |
| Materials | All-ceramic (zirconia, lithium disilicate) and porcelain; other options case by case |
| Insurance | PPO plans often cover crowns as a major service; Medicaid coverage for adults is limited — we verify |
- A tooth is cracked, or a large piece has broken off
- A large old filling is failing or the tooth around it is breaking
- After a root canal, especially on back teeth
- A tooth is badly worn from grinding
- To cover a dental implant
- To improve the shape or color of a tooth when other options won’t hold up
Bridges: replacing a missing tooth
A fixed dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by joining a replacement tooth to crowns on the teeth on either side. It’s cemented in place, so you never take it out. Bridges are faster than implants and don’t require surgery, but the neighboring teeth must be reshaped to hold the crowns. We’ll compare a dental bridge with an implant for your situation.
Cracked tooth or old filling breaking down?
Don’t wait for it to split. Book an exam and we’ll show you the tooth on screen and explain whether a crown, onlay or filling is the right fix.
Crown and bridge materials
| Material | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-ceramic (e.g. zirconia, lithium disilicate) | Front and back teeth | Metal-free, strong and natural-looking — our usual choice |
| Porcelain | Visible teeth | Excellent esthetics; metal-free |
| Porcelain fused to metal | Specific situations | Available, but we generally prefer metal-free options |
| Gold / metal alloys | Heavy grinders, back teeth | Very durable; discussed case by case |
As a biological practice, we favor metal-free ceramic and porcelain crowns and bridges when they’re a good fit for your bite. They look natural, don’t show a dark line at the gum and avoid mixing metals in your mouth.
Caring for crowns and bridges
Crowns can’t decay, but the tooth underneath can — especially at the edge near the gum. Brush twice a day, floss daily (use a floss threader or water flosser under bridges) and keep your regular cleanings. Avoid chewing ice or hard objects, and ask about a night guard if you grind.
Cost and insurance
Most dental plans cover part of dental crowns and bridges when it’s needed for dental health. We’ll send a pre-estimate when helpful and give you your out-of-pocket cost before we begin. Insurance & financing.
Types of dental bridges
- Traditional bridge — crowns on the teeth on both sides hold the replacement tooth. The most common type.
- Cantilever bridge — supported on one side only, used in specific situations.
- Maryland (bonded) bridge — a replacement tooth with thin wings bonded to the backs of neighboring teeth, often for front teeth; minimal reshaping.
- Implant-supported bridge — implants hold the bridge, so natural teeth aren’t involved. Learn about implants.
Metal-free crowns and metal sensitivities
If you have a known metal allergy or simply prefer to avoid metal, all-ceramic crowns and bridges are an excellent option for most teeth. Modern zirconia is very strong, and lithium disilicate offers beautiful esthetics on visible teeth. Tell us about any sensitivities and we’ll choose materials accordingly.
Taking care of a temporary crown
Between visits you’ll wear a temporary crown. Chew on the other side, avoid sticky and very hard foods, and slide floss out sideways instead of pulling it up. If the temporary comes off, keep it and call us — we’ll put it back.
Crowns, bridges and insurance
Most PPO plans classify crowns and bridges as major services and cover a portion after your deductible. Florida Medicaid coverage of crowns for adults is limited and may require approval; children’s coverage is broader. We accept Florida Medicaid dental plans. Coverage depends on your age and plan, so we verify your benefits before treatment and tell you what, if anything, you’ll owe.
We see patients from across North Miami-Dade and South Broward, including Miami Gardens, Opa-locka, Miami Lakes, Carol City, Norland, North Miami, North Miami Beach, Aventura and Hialeah. Our office is on NW 7th Avenue near NW 183rd Street (Miami Gardens Drive).
02 — Step by step
Getting a crown, step by step
Exam
We check the tooth with X-rays and photos and explain why a crown is recommended.
Prepare
The tooth is numbed, shaped and an impression is taken. You leave with a temporary crown.
Lab work
Your permanent crown is custom-made and color-matched.
Seat
We check the fit and bite, then bond the crown in place.
03 — Meet the team
Your restorative dentists
Three experienced dentists under one roof in Miami Gardens. Meet our Miami Gardens dentists.
Dr. Peter Epstein, DMD
Boston University-trained dentist practicing in South Florida since 1980. Provides the full range of care, with a special focus on cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign and computer-guided implants.
Dr. B (Shanna Bernkrant, DMD)
Lead dentist. Boston University-trained, Advanced General Dentistry residency. Biological dentistry, safe amalgam removal and ozone therapy.
LL
Dr. Leilani Lorenzo, DMD
Nova Southeastern University-trained dentist with an interest in cosmetic dentistry and implants. Speaks English, Spanish and Portuguese.
04 — Patient reviews
“Great Doctor & Great Staff. I highly recommend this dental practitioner & her team. You won’t be disappointed.”
— Sir B., Google review
If I could give 100 stars I would. … They walked me through every step as they worked on me. Very friendly and knowledgeable. My fear of the dentist has completely diminished.
— Adriana L.
Had a wonderful experience. Wait time to time seen was shorter than expected. Treatment was administered with caring professionalism. Would highly recommend to family and friends.
— Stanford F.
Reviews are shared from our Google Business Profile. Individual results vary.
05 — FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long do crowns last?
Many dental crowns last 10 to 15 years or more with good care and regular checkups.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is numbed, so the procedure itself should be comfortable. Some patients have mild sensitivity for a few days.
Crown or filling — how do you decide?
If a large part of the tooth is missing or cracked, a filling may not hold, and the tooth could break. A crown protects the whole tooth.
Bridge or implant?
A bridge is faster and avoids surgery; an implant doesn’t touch neighboring teeth and helps preserve bone. We’ll compare both for you.
What if my crown falls off?
Keep it and call us. We can often recement it the same day. Emergency care.
Do you offer metal-free crowns?
Yes. We favor all-ceramic and porcelain crowns and bridges where they suit your bite.
How much does a dental crown cost?
It depends on the tooth, the material and whether you need a build-up or root canal first. We give you a written estimate with your insurance applied before we start.
Can I get a crown if I’m allergic to metal?
Yes. All-ceramic crowns (such as zirconia or lithium disilicate) contain no metal and suit most teeth.
How long does a bridge last?
Often 10 years or more with good home care and regular cleanings. Cleaning under the bridge daily is the key to longevity.
Can I eat normally with a crown?
Yes, once the permanent crown is in. Avoid chewing ice or very hard objects, which can chip natural teeth and crowns alike.
Does Medicaid cover crowns?
Coverage for adults is limited and plan-dependent; children’s coverage is broader. We accept Medicaid and will verify what your plan covers.
06 — Keep exploring
Related care
Dental Implants
Fixed replacement for missing teeth.
Root Canal Treatment
Relieve pain and save the tooth.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Bonding, veneers and smile makeovers.
Emergency Dentist
Same-day visits, free emergency consult.
Sources & further reading: Cleveland Clinic: Dental crowns · Cleveland Clinic: Dental bridges
Book your visit with Dr. B
Call (305) 705-2748 or request a time online. We’re at 18360 NW 7th Ave, Miami Gardens, FL 33169 — open Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Get directions.