The process of receiving a crown or bridge typically involves 2-3 appointments over a few weeks. At your first appointment, your dentist will begin by preparing your teeth so the crown or bridge. For a crown, this involves reshaping your teeth with a hand tool and removing some of the structure for a proper fit.
Next, your dentist will then make an impression of your teeth to send to a dental lab where your restoration will be fabricated from porcelain. You will likely be fitted with a temporary crown or bridge until your restoration comes back from the lab. This will protect your teeth and allow you to eat, bite, and chew normally.
When your final restoration device is complete, you will return for your fitting. The temporary will be removed, and the new crown or bridge will be cemented in place. Your dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment to check your restoration. However, once placed, your smile will be as good as new.