A crown and a bridge are both prosthetic devices that can help you restore your smile when you have one or more missing teeth. However, they differ in some important ways.
A dental crown is used to repair a tooth that has been damaged but still functions well. It can also be placed over a root canal-treated tooth to protect the area from re-infection and provide support.
Crowns are available in a variety of materials to match the rest of your natural teeth.
Both crowns and bridges can last for up to 15 years or more with good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist. The type of restoration you choose can depend on a number of factors, including the size, shape, and color of your remaining teeth and gums, as well as your individual budget.
The most common option is a traditional bridge, which involves placing crowns on the two adjacent healthy teeth (called abutment teeth). A replacement tooth or “pontic” that fills in the space between these anchors is then attached to them.
These caps can be made from porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or ceramics. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s best to discuss your options with your dentist, who will recommend a material that is best for you.
A bridge is usually more expensive than a crown, but the restoration may last longer. You’ll need to take better care of your teeth and gums if you have a bridge, as they are more prone to breakage.
Having a bridge can also make it easier to clean around the area and avoid developing periodontal disease. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash regularly can all help prevent periodontal disease from worsening or causing more serious problems for your teeth.
Another advantage of a bridge is that it uses your remaining teeth as anchors, which can prolong the life of your treatment and ensure the strength of your new restoration.
A bridge can also be used to replace multiple missing teeth at once, which is ideal for those who don’t have permanent dental implants. This can help avoid the need for dentures, which can be uncomfortable and unattractive.
In addition, a bridge can be anchored to the existing teeth on either side of the gap in your smile, making it less likely to shift and affect other teeth.
Once you’ve decided which restoration is right for you, your dentist can get to work. Your first appointment will involve reshaping the abutment teeth and taking impressions of them for your bridge. Next, the impressions will be sent to a dental laboratory for your bridge to be made.
During the second visit, your bridge will be placed and cemented into place. The dentist will also show you how to clean the bridge and your surrounding teeth.
A bridge is a great alternative to a full set of dental implants and can be a cost-effective way to treat missing teeth. A bridge is typically a covered benefit through most insurance companies, and can be an excellent choice for anyone with a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth.