Dental Bridges vs Crowns
Which is Right for Your Smile?
While both dental bridges and crowns restore gaps or damaged teeth, key differences exist in purpose and process. Bridges utilize adjacent teeth to anchor replacement teeth through a connected restoration. Crowns fully encapsulate individual damaged teeth for reinforcement and aesthetics. Bridges focus on filling multi-tooth gaps from loss while avoiding implant surgery. Crowns rebuild and strengthen single compromised teeth. With advanced training, Dousman Family Dentistry provides long-lasting, natural-looking outcomes with both bridge and crown restorations. Consult our dentists on which option better serves your functional and cosmetic goals.
What are Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are prosthetic restorations used to replace one or more missing teeth. They work by anchoring artificial teeth to crowns fitted over adjacent natural teeth, essentially "bridging" the gap left by tooth loss. Bridges utilize the anchored crowns for support and consist of replacement teeth fused between them to fill in the space aesthetically and functionally. Crafted from porcelain, gold, alloys or a combination, bridges can be fixed permanently or removable. Dental bridges provide an alternative to implants for replacing lost teeth in a way that appears and functions naturally.
What are Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are restorations that fully encase damaged or worn teeth. They fit over the visible portion of the tooth, restoring structure, function and aesthetics. Crowns can be used cosmetically to enhance healthy teeth or structurally to strengthen extensively decayed or fractured teeth. The sturdy caps anchor onto damaged teeth, providing reinforcement and preventing further breakage. Crowns are custom-fabricated to match natural teeth and can be made from a range of strong, biocompatible materials. They provide individual tooth restoration and protection when fillings cannot repair enough tooth structure.
Is a Dental Bridge or Crown Right for Me?
While veneers and crowns may seem to have similar purposes, they are not interchangeable. Our dentists determine the appropriate dental treatment based on your specific situation. Dental crowns are typically recommended for those with extensively damaged teeth, those with large fillings or those who have undergone a root canal, as crowns provide enhanced protection for compromised tooth enamel. On the other hand, porcelain veneers are primarily used for cosmetic purposes. If your tooth is mostly intact and requires minor shape correction or improved appearance, your dentist is likely to suggest porcelain veneers. At Dousman Family Dentistry, we are here to assist you in making the best choice for your dental care!
Dental Bridges vs Crowns: Key Differences
Dental bridges and crowns serve different purposes. Dental bridges restore gaps caused by missing teeth, while crowns address significant structural issues. The key differences between dental bridges and crowns are:
- Dental bridges involve connecting replacement teeth, crowns require substantial tooth reduction
- Dental bridges fill gaps and improve bite, crowns rebuild, replace and reinforce damaged teeth
- The dental bridge procedure typically spans multiple dental visits, while crowns can be completed in a single session with CEREC technology
- Dental bridges discreetly restore missing teeth, crowns completely cover and transform the appearance of visible teeth
- Dental bridges often come with a lower average cost compared to crowns
Risks of Dental Bridges and Crowns
Navigating dental choices requires careful consideration. Before suggesting dental bridges or crown services, our dentists conduct thorough evaluations of patients.
Not for everyone: Dentists refrain from suggesting dental bridges for individuals with poor gum health or teeth grinding.
Irreversibility: Dental bridges are irreversible, and while crowns may save teeth, they can heighten discomfort and sensitivity. Allergic reactions to materials are possible.
Wear and tear: Dental bridges may decay and, if cracked, require replacement. Crowns are susceptible to chipping, and a substantial chip may necessitate replacing the entire crown. Cement wear-down can make the crown feel loose or lead to it falling off.
With proper care and regular dental check-ups, both dental bridges and crowns can provide enduring solutions for a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing smile!
