Cosmetic dentistry can help you replace a broken or missing tooth. However, here is a decision for you to consider: Crowns or bridges? Bridges and crowns all share some significant features. This is a permanent dental solution that can only be removed by a dentist, unlike dentures. It’s up to you which of these two options is best for you based on your own circumstances. How do bridges and crowns differ from one another? Find out which one is the best for you by reading on.
Dental Crowns vs. Dental Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are the two common options for restoring a broken smile. But which is the best option for you? Learn more about dental crowns and bridges.
What are dental crowns?
Porcelain or ceramic crowns can cover a decayed or damaged tooth. Dental crowns can help protect a weak or broken tooth, especially if it has been damaged. Crowns can also be used to conceal stained or misshaped teeth. When teeth are broken by an impact, they might bleed internally, staining the enamel and turning it grey or even black over time.
In order to fit a crown over the top of an existing tooth, a portion of the tooth’s enamel and some of its dentin must be removed. Dental cement will be applied to hold the crown in place. This procedure usually requires two visits to the dentist, but a dental crown can last for the rest of your life once it is completed.
What are dental bridges?
False teeth suspended between crowns are used to replace a missing tooth. At least one artificial tooth is not anchored to a tooth or the jaw in bridges, unlike crowns and implants. In most cases, bridges are made up of a row of three or more teeth that are bonded together.
End caps, attached to natural teeth or dental implants, hold the bridge’s “pontics,” or center teeth, in place while it fills in the gap in your smile. The ends of a dental bridge must be applied by filing down the enamel of their matching teeth, just like a crown. So, bridges were the only choice to replace a missing tooth permanently. While dental implants are an option now, bridges are still less expensive up front, although they are more likely to need replacement later. Check this information to learn more about dental bridges.
Bridges or Crowns?
Both crowns and bridges are excellent options for filling in the gaps left by missing teeth, but there are some drawbacks to both of these procedures. Bridges are usually applied when the gap is wide, and the anchor teeth can sustain the bridge. The adjacent teeth on the gap must be cut down to fit a portion of the bridge to be properly secured.
Bridges aren’t always the best choice for healthy anchor teeth. Bridges can be removed if the anchor teeth (abutment teeth) are broken, decaying, or infected. Furthermore, if the bridge is to fill a gap of more than four teeth, the bridge connected to the anchor teeth may put too much pressure on them, causing them or the bridge to crack. Check the other services at Pavilion Dentistry.
Bottom Line
In addition to affecting your appearance, missing a tooth or teeth can have long-term consequences, including an increased risk of infection, losing other teeth, and weakening the gum line. Dental bridges and crowns can help you regain a full smile while protecting your mouth from gum disease and tooth loss.
If you are in any of the conditions listed above and are unsure about the difference between a dental bridge and a crown, you should consult an expert restorative dentist right away. There is no dental problem that they can’t solve for you because of their extensive training and experience.