Anyone that has missing or broken teeth may benefit from learning the difference between bridges and crowns. Both of these procedures are offered by licensed dentists and can be used to give an individual more confidence in their appearance, as well as potential help with daily activities such as eating and speaking.
While the end goal may be the same for bridges and crowns, there can be very different ways of achieving it. Take a few minutes to learn more about crowns, bridges, and the difference between them so you can have the conversation with your dentist.
An Overview of Dental Crowns
Individuals that have teeth which are partially damaged in some way may benefit from receiving a dental crown. In most cases, crowns are suggested for patients who are suffering from chipped or broken teeth, or for those who have had a root canal. When it is implemented, the crown can fit like a cap sitting over a tooth to protect it and make it more aesthetically pleasing.
Dental crowns can be made from different materials such as porcelain zirconia (porcelain fused to zirconia or metal/gold base) or resin. The dentist will work closely with a lab to ensure that a new crown seamlessly matches the color of the surrounding teeth for a more authentic appearance.
It is worth noting that patients with a significant amount of tooth decay will require some preparatory work first before a tooth can be fitted with a crown. Without this step, the decay could worsen and lead to additional dental problems. Often a core build up is needed to support a crown.
Patients who receive a dental crown often report feelings of increased confidence in their smile now that their teeth are relatively the same color, shape, and size.
All About Dental Bridges
If the dentist recommends that a patient look into getting a bridge, it is typically due to the loss of one or multiple teeth. The purpose of a bridge is to insert a prosthetic that makes it appear as though a patient is not missing teeth in that space. The bridge is attached to neighboring teeth, keeping it in place.
The top 3 most common reasons dentists and patients utilize dental bridges are:
- Aesthetics. Missing teeth can undermine a person’s confidence, which may lead them to shy away from smiling or talking in front of others. A bridge can help restore a person’s confidence by filling in the empty gaps so that they can smile without worrying if missing teeth are the first thing another person notices about them.
- Improved chewing. Depending on the location of the missing teeth, it could impact what foods a patient eats and how they eat them. For example, missing several teeth may make shearing off food a challenge, forcing the patient to instead cut up to smaller bites or slices. With a bridge in place, it can help a person eat more normally.
- Improved speaking. The sounds we make are based on the formation of our teeth and tongue. With the restoration that a bridge can provide, it may allow a person to more properly annunciate and form the sounds needed to communicate effectively with others.
For patients with quite a few teeth missing, a dental bridge may be useful in more serious ways, such as maintaining a normal facial structure and preventing additional bone loss in the jaw.
What Is the Difference Between Bridges and Crowns?
The fact that both of these procedures can help with eating, speaking, and aesthetics, makes them similar enough that some people are left wondering, “What is the difference between bridges and crowns?”
The main difference between the two is what they address. Crowns tend to be more appropriate for patients that have partially damaged teeth while bridges are designed to fill in gaps where teeth are missing. However, there are limitations to the span of the bridge.
However, there are additional differences between bridges and crowns, such as:
- The number of teeth affected. Crowns can be placed on individual teeth. If there are two or three teeth that are chipped or broken in different places inside the mouth, crowns may be the best option. A dental bridge may be the better option when multiple teeth in a row are missing.
- Their permanency. When getting a crown, it is common for a temporary crown to be placed while the final crown is being customized to match a patient’s surrounding teeth. Then the temporary crown is removed, and the final goes in its place. While crowns are considered stronger and more long-term restorations, there are instances in which they may become cracked and need a replacement. On the other hand, a dental bridge is meant to stay in place either by an implant that is surgically fastened to the jawbone, or by the use of dental cement, anchoring it to nearby teeth.
Patients should note that whether they receive crowns or bridges, it is critical for them to practice proper oral hygiene daily. This includes brushing teeth twice a day and flossing as directed by your dentist. The better care a person takes of their dental implements the longer they will last. As a bonus, that good hygiene will help keep the patient’s natural teeth healthier too.
How to Know if Bridges or Crowns Are Better for You
The best way to learn more about what is the difference between bridges in crowns is to educate yourself on these topics and then speak with a licensed dentist who performs both procedures. The dentist will take x-rays and perform a professional teeth cleaning which will give them a better idea of the current status of your oral health.
After examining the x-rays and surveying the results of the teeth cleaning, a dentist can make a recommendation for the patient. Look for a dentist who will take the time to explain to you which treatment option they are recommending and why. They should also be open to letting you ask questions of your own that you may have.
By understanding the difference between bridges and crowns, patients should be able to know more about what to expect if they believe they may need one or both of these procedures.
