Dental crowns and bridges are two common restorative dental procedures designed to enhance the function and appearance of your teeth. Though they serve similar purposes, they are distinct in their applications and benefits. Understanding the differences between dental crowns and bridges can help you make informed decisions about your dental health.

Dental Crowns

Definition and Purpose: A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged or decayed tooth. Its primary purpose is to restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are often used to protect weak teeth, restore broken teeth, cover and support teeth with large fillings, hold dental bridges in place, or cover dental implants.

Materials: 

Crowns can be made from various materials, including:

  • Porcelain or Ceramic: These crowns are ideal for front teeth due to their natural appearance.
  • Metal: These are more durable and are typically used for molars.
  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): These provide a balance of aesthetics and strength.
  • Zirconia: Known for their durability and natural appearance.

Procedure:

  • Preparation: The dentist will reshape the affected tooth to make room for the crown.
  • Impression: An impression of the tooth is taken to create a custom crown.
  • Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is placed while the permanent one is being made.
  • Permanent Crown: Once ready, the permanent crown is cemented into place.

Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between two teeth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) anchored by dental crowns on adjacent teeth (abutment teeth).

Types of Bridges

  • Traditional Bridges: These involve creating a crown for the tooth or implant on either side of the missing tooth, with a pontic in between.
  • Cantilever Bridges: Used when there are adjacent teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth.
  • Maryland Bridges: These use a framework of metal or porcelain that is bonded to the back of the adjacent teeth.
  • Implant-Supported Bridges: These are used when more than one tooth is missing and are supported by dental implants rather than natural teeth.

Procedure

  1. Preparation: The abutment teeth are prepared by removing a portion of enamel to allow for crowns.
  2. Impression: An impression is taken to create the bridge.
  3. Temporary Bridge: A temporary bridge is placed while the permanent one is being fabricated.
  4. Permanent Bridge: The permanent bridge is fitted and cemented into place.

Key Differences

  • Application:

    • Crowns are used to cover and restore individual damaged teeth.
    • Bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap with artificial teeth.

  • Function:

    • Crowns strengthen and protect damaged teeth, restore function, and improve appearance.
    • Bridges restore the function and appearance of multiple missing teeth and prevent the remaining teeth from shifting.

  • Attachment:

    • Crowns are placed directly on the prepared tooth.
    • Bridges require the preparation of adjacent teeth to anchor the prosthetic.

  • Longevity:

    • Both crowns and bridges are durable solutions, but their longevity can vary based on materials, oral hygiene, and the individual’s dental health.

Conclusion

Both dental crowns and bridges offer significant benefits in restoring dental health and aesthetics. Crowns are ideal for protecting and restoring individual damaged teeth, while bridges are perfect for filling gaps left by missing teeth. Consulting with your dentist will help determine the best solution for your specific dental needs, ensuring a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile.