Crowns vs Bridges: Which One is Right for You?

Do you have one or more missing teeth?

Then your dental professional may advise that you get artificial replacements for the missing teeth. These artificial replacements include removable and non-permanent solutions such as dentures or more permanent solutions like dental crowns and bridges.

Dentures are easy to remove, clean, and slide right back. However, they may slip and fall out, which is why most individuals are torn between crowns vs bridges. But between bridges and crown implants, which is the best option for you? This article will explore the differences between the two solutions, and their advantages.

Read on below to understand more about dental crowns and bridges.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a fake tooth created from ceramic or porcelain material. The biggest benefit of dental crowns is that you can get them custom-made depending on your needs. Before the dentist installs the dental crown, they can ensure it’s created to match the natural colors of your existing teeth.

Sometimes, gold alloys are used in certain types of crowns to improve strength and durability. Dentists prefer dental crowns to help restore broken, chipped, and fractured teeth. During the crown installation process, the tooth will be filled down then reshaped into a smaller size.

If you have any decay on the tooth, the dentist will remove it from its surface then restore the structure to make sure it supports the crown. Then, they will place the crown on your tooth surface and cement it into position. The crown acts as a cap for your tooth, improving its durability and strength.

Benefits of Crowns

If you’re considering getting one or more dental crowns, it’s advisable to know the benefits that come with this option. Dental crowns are great for damaged teeth that require some reinforcements to make them stronger and functional again.

Below are some benefits of getting dental crowns:

• It completely covers your tooth, hence strengthening it
• They prevent your teeth from further damage, whether from an accident or tooth decay
• It helps restore your teeth after undergoing root canal treatment
• It restores your damaged teeth to their normal size and shape
• It’s permanent, and unlike dentures, it will stay in place
• Dental crowns improve your aesthetics and make your smile look better
• Crowns are made from porcelain which is a stain-resistant material, hence preventing your teeth from staining
• They help you eat and speak without a problem

Today, dental crowns are one of the most common restorative options for most patients. They completely cover your tooth, ensuring it’s protected and strengthened for chewing food. Ensure you talk to your dentist to find the best possible treatment option for your teeth and do some research to know what to expect.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

If you have any missing teeth, your dentist will likely recommend a dental bridge. Bridges are prosthetic appliances that are used to treat people with missing teeth. The bridge is made of porcelain material and fused with metal.

This combination helps you improve your teeth’ chewing ability and enhances the look of the teeth. A dental bridge consists of false teeth firmly placed between two crowns. Your dentist will start by preparing the teeth on each side of the gap to facilitate the easy installation and placement of the dental bridge.

Sometimes, dentists use dental implants to replace missing teeth instead of the existing ones. After installing the bridge, it will function exactly like your natural teeth.

Benefits of Bridges

Dental bridges are an excellent replacement for missing teeth. They are the better alternative to partial dentures. Additionally, they serve both aesthetic and practical purposes and enable you to speak and eat better while restoring your mount’s overall appearance

Below are some essential benefits of dental bridges:

• It helps you efficiently chew your food
• Because missing teeth may hinder proper pronunciation, bridges help you properly speak to other people
• They restore your overall confidence
• They prevent the teeth adjacent to the gap from moving and growing into the space
• Prevent secondary complications as a result of problems with your bite
• Help you maintain normal facial structure
• Restores your mouth and smile’s natural look
• Prevents bone loss from the jaw at the missing tooth’s site

Getting dental bridges is essential, especially if you have missing teeth. However, you need to have overall good health with no severe health complications to qualify for dental bridges. Talk to your dentist and they will advise you on the factors to consider before installing dental bridges.

Crowns vs Bridges: What is the Difference?

There are many differences between crowns and bridges. A dental crown will cover your entire decaying or damaged tooth or cap your dental implant that’s installed to replace a missing tooth. A dental implant is a metal fixture surgically placed below the gums and fastened to the jawbone.

On the other hand, a dental bridge is solely used to replace a missing tooth. The bridge will have two dental crowns, one on either end of the gap and a bridge of the replacement tooth resting on the space where the missing tooth should be. The dental crowns on either end of the bridge are fused to the adjacent existing teeth.

However, the process must be done by a professional dentist to ensure the bridges and dental crowns fit perfectly. The dentist can also attach the crowns of the bridge to your dental implants if you have any.

While these two are teeth restoration options, it’s advisable to see a dentist before settling on one. Whichever is the best option for you, it’s critical to maintain your oral health and hygiene. Teeth gaps may lead to gum diseases; hence, ensure you visit your dentist as soon as possible.

Crowns vs Bridges: Which Is the Best for You

You may need teeth restoration treatment if you have extensive decay, damaged, discolored, and fractured teeth. This means choosing between crowns vs bridges. However, the best way to know the right option for your damage is to visit our dental offices. 

We have the expertise and experience to help our patients overcome their dental problems with ease. If you’re in Riverdale, contact us today and book an appointment.