Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges

If you have one or more missing teeth, your dentist might suggest getting artificial replacements. One option is removable dentures, which you can take out and clean. However, some people find that dentures can move around or even fall out, which can be frustrating.

Another option is to use crowns attached to dental implants or bridges, which feel and function more like your natural teeth. But how do you decide between crowns and bridges? We’re here to help you understand both choices so you can find the best fit for your needs.  

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A bridge is a dental treatment that helps replace a missing tooth by using multiple crowns connected together. At its simplest, a bridge has two crowns on either side of a fake tooth called a pontic. The number of teeth covered by a bridge is referred to as the number of units, with the most common being a three-unit bridge, which uses two teeth to support one replacement tooth.

Bridges can be made from the same materials as crowns. Since a bridge connects to your natural teeth, you will need to adjust your oral hygiene routine to keep the supporting teeth healthy.

Getting a bridge is a relatively quick process, usually taking just a few weeks to complete. Once it is ready, the bridge is permanently cemented onto the anchor teeth. So, it cannot be removed by you.  

A bridge is a good alternative to a dental implant for replacing a missing tooth.

How Do Tooth Bridges Work?

While crowns are used to fix damaged teeth, a bridge is specifically designed to replace one or more missing teeth. Your dentist will place caps on the filed-down teeth or dental implants at both ends of the gap where the tooth is missing to create a bridge. The replacement teeth, known as pontics, fill the space between these caps.

Just like with crowns, you can choose from different materials for your bridge. Your dentist can help you decide which material is best for you based on your needs. When making this choice, you will want to talk about several factors to your dentist. These factors usually include how visible the tooth will be, the cost, the strength of the materials, and how natural it looks.  

Benefits of a Bridge

A bridge is a fast solution for replacing one or two missing teeth. It doesn’t involve any surgery, and most dental insurance plans cover it.

Getting a bridge usually takes two visits to the dentist. In the first visit, the two teeth next to the gap are prepared, similar to how they would be for crowns. You might wear a temporary bridge or two separate temporary crowns while the dental lab makes your bridge. During the second visit, the final bridge is fitted and securely attached to your teeth.

Overall, bridges are a convenient option for restoring your smile.

“Dentistry is not expensive….neglect is!”

What Is Dental Crown?

A “dental crown” is something many people have heard of. Some people also call it a “cap.” In dentistry, the term "crown" actually has two meanings. First, it refers to the part of the tooth that is visible above the gums and bone. This part does not include the roots of the tooth. In a healthy tooth, the crown is covered with enamel, which is the hard outer layer that protects it.

How Do Dental Crowns Work?

A crown is like a cap that completely covers a damaged tooth. It not only strengthens the tooth but can also improve its look, shape, or alignment. Crowns can also be placed on top of dental implants to give them a natural tooth-like appearance and function.

• Crowns can be made from different materials.  
• Porcelain or ceramic crowns can be matched to the color of your natural teeth, making them a great choice for front teeth.  

Other materials include gold and metal alloys, which are usually stronger and might be recommended for back teeth.  

Sometimes, a combination of porcelain and a metal shell is used because it is both strong and attractive.

Your dentist might suggest a crown for several reasons, such as:

• To replace a large filling when there is not enough tooth left
• To fix a fractured tooth
• To protect a weak tooth from breaking
• To hold a bridge in place
• To hide a tooth that is discolored or poorly shaped
• To cover a dental implant
• To cover a tooth that has had a root canal treatment

Crowns are a versatile solution to help restore your smile and keep your teeth healthy.

Why Do Your Teeth Need Dental Crowns?

Teeth need crowns when they are too weak to handle normal chewing on their own. Here are some common reasons why a tooth might need a crown:

Large Decay

If a tooth has a big cavity that has damaged its outer layer (enamel) and inner structure (dentin), it may be too weak to hold a filling. In this case, the dentist can remove the decay, rebuild the tooth, and then place a crown on top to restore its function.

Large Fillings

If a tooth already has a large filling that covers more than half of it, the remaining tooth may not be strong enough for everyday use. A crown can help protect the tooth and improve its chances of lasting longer.