If you’re struggling to decide between dental bridges and dental crowns to restore your smile, you’re not alone. It can be confusing to navigate the various options for replacing missing or damaged teeth.

That’s why we’ve done extensive research to compare dental bridges and dental crowns, so you can make an informed decision about which treatment is right for you. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the key differences, benefits, and drawbacks of each option in plain English, helping you choose the best solution for your unique needs and making you smile with confidence again.

Key Takeaways

• Dental bridges and crowns are fixed prosthetic devices that restore damaged or missing teeth, but they have key differences. Bridges replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent healthy teeth or implants, while crowns are individual caps that fit over damaged or decayed teeth to restore their shape, size, and strength.
• Both bridges and crowns offer numerous benefits, such as improving appearance, oral functions, and long-term dental health. They help maintain facial shape, prevent remaining teeth from shifting, and reduce the risk of gum disease and other complications associated with missing teeth. With proper care, they can last many years.
• Potential drawbacks of bridges include weakening of supporting teeth over time and plaque buildup if not cleaned properly. Porcelain crowns may chip unless fused to a metal base. Both restorations can cause temporary pain or sensitivity after placement, and the procedure requires local anesthesia, which may cause minor discomfort.
• Dental bridges are generally recommended when one or more teeth are missing in a row, while crowns are typically used to restore a single damaged or decayed tooth. The choice between the two depends on factors like the location of missing teeth and the health of surrounding teeth and gums.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are like little caps that fit snugly over your teeth. We use them when a tooth is damaged or decayed, to protect it and make it strong again. Crowns can be made from different materials like gold, metal alloys, porcelain, acrylic, or ceramic.

They help maintain the size, shape, and appearance of your natural teeth.

If you’re missing a tooth, we can place a crown on top of a dental implant to fill the gap. The implant process takes some time though – usually around 3-6 months for everything to heal properly.

But don’t worry, we’ll be with you every step of the way! There are four different types of dental crowns, and we’ll help you choose the best one for your unique smile.

What Are Dental Bridges?

After exploring dental crowns, let’s take a closer look at their close relative – dental bridges. Bridges are a fantastic solution when you’re missing one or more teeth. They literally “bridge” the gap created by missing teeth, restoring your smile’s appearance and function.

Dental bridges consist of two main components: the crowns that attach to the teeth or implants on either side of the gap, and the artificial teeth (called pontics) that fill in the space.

We can craft bridges from various materials like gold, porcelain, or ceramic to seamlessly blend with your natural teeth. There are several types of bridges, such as traditional, cantilever, Maryland, and implant-supported.

The type that’s best for you depends on factors like the location of the missing teeth and the health of the surrounding teeth and gums. Implant-supported bridges are an especially sturdy option, but they do require a few months for the implants to fuse with your jawbone.

No matter which type you choose, we’ll work with you to create a custom bridge that looks great and feels comfortable, so you can smile, speak, and eat with confidence again.

Key Differences Between Dental Bridges and Dental Crowns

While both dental bridges and crowns are fixed prosthetic devices that restore damaged or missing teeth, they have some key differences. Bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth called pontics to adjacent healthy teeth or dental implants.

On the other hand, crowns are individual caps that fit over damaged, decayed, or weak teeth to restore their shape, size, strength, and appearance.

Another distinction is that bridges span the space where teeth are missing and rely on support from surrounding teeth or implants, while crowns are standalone restorations that don’t require support from other teeth.

Bridges also require more extensive preparation of adjacent teeth to accommodate the supporting crowns on either end of the pontic. Despite these differences, both bridges and crowns are excellent options for restoring your smile and improving your oral health, which we’ll explore further in the next section on their benefits.

Benefits of Dental Bridges and Dental Crowns

Dental bridges and crowns offer numerous advantages for restoring your smile. These fixed prostheses provide a natural-looking solution to replace missing or damaged teeth, allowing you to chew and speak with confidence again.

Bridges span the gap created by one or more missing teeth, while crowns cap and protect a damaged tooth. Both help maintain the shape of your face and prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.

In addition to improving your appearance and oral functions, bridges and crowns support long-term dental health. By replacing missing teeth, they help distribute the forces in your bite properly, reducing the risk of gum disease, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and other complications that can arise from missing teeth.

With proper care, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, your new dental work can last many years. So what are the potential drawbacks of these restorative options? Let’s explore that next.

Potential Drawbacks of Dental Bridges and Dental Crowns

While dental bridges and crowns offer many benefits, they do come with some potential drawbacks to consider. One issue is that the abutment teeth supporting a dental bridge can weaken over time, especially if they become damaged or decayed.

This may cause the bridge to fail prematurely. Additionally, if bridges aren’t cleaned properly, plaque can build up around them, leading to gum inflammation and other oral health problems.

As for dental crowns, those made entirely of porcelain are prone to chipping unless they’re fused to a metal base for added strength. Both bridges and crowns can also cause temporary pain or sensitivity after placement, which usually subsides as you adjust to them.

It’s important to note that getting these restorations requires numbing the area with local anesthesia, so expect some minor discomfort during the procedure itself. However, we at Pure Smile Dentistry always prioritize your comfort and use the latest techniques to minimize any unpleasantness.

When to Choose Dental Bridges Over Dental Crowns

We generally recommend dental bridges when you have one or more missing teeth in a row. Bridges are an excellent solution for filling the gap left by consecutive missing teeth, preventing your remaining teeth from shifting out of position.

This helps maintain your bite alignment and overall oral health.

Crowns, on the other hand, are typically used to restore a single damaged or decayed tooth. If your tooth is cracked, worn down, or has a large filling that weakens its structure, a crown can provide the necessary support and protection.

However, if you’re dealing with multiple missing teeth in a row, a dental bridge is usually the better choice. Let’s explore the potential drawbacks of dental bridges and crowns to help you make an informed decision.

Conclusion and Call to Action

At Pure Smile Dentistry, we offer a range of dental services to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Whether you need a dental crown to restore a damaged tooth or a dental bridge to replace missing teeth, our skilled dentists Dr.

Grace Lee and Dr. Stephanie Lee have the expertise to provide the best treatment for your unique needs. We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure comfortable, long-lasting results.

Contact us today at 215-362-4720 or visit our website at https://puresmiledentistry.com to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a radiant, confident smile.

FAQs

1. What’s the difference between dental bridges and dental crowns?

Dental bridges and crowns are both used to replace missing chompers, but they work in different ways. A crown is like a cap that goes over a damaged tooth, while a bridge is a false tooth that’s held in place by the teeth on either side of the gap.

2. How do dentists put in dental bridges?

First, the doctor will prepare the teeth next to the space. Then they’ll take dental impressions to make a model of your bite. The bridge is made in a lab, and when it’s ready, the dentist will check the fit, make any needed adjustments, and cement it in place.

3. What are the different types of dental bridges?

There are a few kinds, like traditional bridges that have a crown on each side with a fake tooth in between. Cantilever bridges are used when there are teeth on only one side of the gap. Maryland bridges use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of the supporting teeth.

4. How long do dental crowns last?

Crowns are tough cookies, usually lasting between 5-15 years. But it depends on the wear and tear they experience and your oral hygiene habits. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular dental check-ups can help your crown reign for many years!

5. Are there any alternatives to bridges and crowns?

You betcha! Dental implants are a popular choice these days. They’re metal posts or frames surgically placed into the jawbone beneath your gums. Once in place, they allow the dentist to mount replacement teeth onto them. Implants are like getting a brand new tooth!

6. How can I take care of my dental bridge or crown?

Treat them like your natural teeth! Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily, and use interdental brushes or water flossers to clean those hard-to-reach spots. Don’t forget to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. With proper care, your bridge or crown will keep your smile shining bright!