What is the Difference Between Dental Crowns and Bridges?
When restoring damaged or missing teeth, dental crowns and bridges are two standard options that dentists use to enhance oral function and aesthetics. While crowns and bridges serve as prosthetic devices, they differ in their applications and purposes.
Dental Crowns: Protecting and Restoring Individual Teeth
A dental crown, or a dental cap, is a fixed prosthetic device that covers and protects an individual’s damaged or weakened tooth. It is custom-made to match the size, shape, and colour of the natural tooth it replaces. Dental crowns are typically recommended in the following situations:
- A crown can restore strength, functionality, and appearance when a tooth is severely decayed or structurally compromised.
- Teeth that have suffered significant fractures or breaks can be reinforced and protected with crowns, preventing further damage.
- After undergoing root canal treatment, a tooth may become brittle and prone to fractures. A crown is often placed to strengthen and protect the tooth.
Dental Bridges: Filling the Gap of Missing Teeth
As the name suggests, a dental bridge is a dental prosthesis that bridges the gap created by one or more missing teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth, known as pontics, anchored by dental crowns on the adjacent healthy teeth or dental implants. Dental bridges are typically recommended in the following situations:
Missing Teeth:
Dental bridges are an effective solution for replacing one or more missing teeth. They restore the functionality of the missing teeth, prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting, and improve overall oral function.
Jawbone Preservation:
By filling the gap left by missing teeth, dental bridges help prevent bone loss in the jaw, which can occur when teeth are not replaced. It helps maintain the structure and integrity of the facial bones.
Enhanced Aesthetics:
Dental bridges not only restore oral function but also improve the appearance of your smile. They are designed to match the colour and shape of your natural teeth, providing a seamless and natural-looking result.
Efficient and Non-Invasive:
Dental bridges are more efficient in functionality than a removable denture also dental bridges can provide a fixed teeth replacement solution in cases where dental implant is contraindicated due to systemic or local factors.
Differences Between Dental Crowns and Bridges:
Dental crowns primarily protect and restore individual damaged teeth, while dental bridges replace missing teeth and fill the gap between healthy teeth.
Dental crowns are designed to restore and protect one individual tooth, while dental bridges typically involve two or more teeth. A bridge requires at least two healthy teeth on either side of the gap to serve as abutments for the pontics.
Dental crowns are generally placed over a single tooth, requiring the removal of some enamel to accommodate the crown. Dental bridges involve preparing the adjacent teeth by removing some enamel to support the bridge’s crowns.
Dental crowns are fixed prosthetics and cannot be removed once they are cemented in place. Dental bridges, on the other hand, are fixed prosthetics that are cemented or bonded to adjacent teeth or implants, providing a stable and non-removable solution.
Which Option Is Better for You?
Determining whether dental crowns or bridges are better for your specific dental needs requires a thorough evaluation by a dental professional. They will consider several factors, including:
Condition of the Teeth: Dental crowns may be the appropriate choice if you have one or more damaged or weakened teeth that require individual restoration. However, if you have one or more missing teeth and healthy adjacent teeth, a dental bridge may be recommended to restore the missing teeth and maintain the alignment of the remaining teeth.
Oral Health: The overall health of your mouth, including the condition of your gums and remaining teeth, is crucial. Your dentist will assess your oral health and determine if the supporting teeth are strong and healthy enough to support a dental bridge.
Longevity and Durability: Dental crowns and bridges are designed to be durable and long-lasting. However, the longevity of each option may vary depending on factors such as oral hygiene practices, habits (such as teeth grinding), and overall oral health. Your dentist will consider these factors and recommend the option with the best long-term prognosis.
Ultimately, the choice between dental crowns and bridges should be made in consultation with a dental professional. They will assess your specific dental needs, consider the pros and cons of each option, and provide personalized recommendations tailored to your oral health goals and overall well-being.