Dental Crowns vs Bridges: Comparing Different Restorative Options

Thinking about restoring your smile? Deciding between dental crowns and bridges can be a bit of a puzzle. These popular restorative options have unique benefits and drawbacks, catering to different needs and situations.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns, often called caps, are custom-made covers placed over a tooth. They’re intended to restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and look. Crowns are commonly used in the following:

1. Protecting a Weak Tooth: A crown helps prevent decayed teeth or big fillings from shattering.
2. Restoring a Broken Tooth: Crowns are ideal for restoring a tooth that is already broken or severely worn down.
3. Covering a Dental Implant: Crowns protect dental implants, providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing substitute for a lost tooth.
4. Enhancing Appearance: A crown can improve the appearance of a discoloured or misshapen tooth.

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges, as the name implies, bridge the gap left by one or more missing teeth. A bridge has 2 or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap: these two teeth are referred to as the abutment teeth and a fake tooth or teeth in between. Pontics, or fake teeth, can be made of gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination.

Bridges are typically used in the following situations:

1. Replacing Missing Teeth: A bridge can fill the space if missing one or more teeth.
2. Restoring Function: Bridges help restore your ability to chew and speak properly.
3. Maintaining Facial Structure: Missing teeth can cause your facial structure to change. A bridge helps to keep your face in shape.
4. Preventing Teeth from Shifting: Sometimes, the adjacent teeth to the missing tooth can step into the gap left behind and cause misalignment. A bridge helps keep your remaining teeth in place.

Comparing Crowns and Bridges

Now that you understand what crowns and bridges are, let’s compare them based on several key factors:

1. Purpose:
   • Crowns are mainly placed to rebuild and cover teeth affected by decay, breakage or trauma.
   • Bridges are used to connect a couple of missing teeth.
2. Procedure:
   • Crowns: The procedure for a crown involves shaping the existing tooth, taking an impression, and fitting a custom-made crown over it. It typically requires two dental visits.
   • Bridges: The procedure for a bridge involves preparing the abutment teeth, taking an impression, and placing the bridge. This also usually requires two visits.
3. Longevity:
   • With proper care, both crowns and bridges can last many years. They have a life expectancy of 5 to 15 years, though this is not fixed because it can be affected by issues like oral hygiene, materials used in the fillings, and a person’s bite.
4. Cost:
   • The fees charged for crowns and bridges vary slightly depending on the material used, the difficulty of the procedure, and the affected teeth.
5. Maintenance:
   • Crowns: Maintaining a crown involves regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, similar to caring for natural teeth.
   • Bridges: Maintenance for a bridge also involves good oral hygiene, but it may require additional care to clean under the pontic (artificial tooth) using special floss or an interdental brush.

Choosing the Right Option for You

Choosing between a crown and a bridge depends on your dental needs. Here are some scenarios to help you decide:

• A crown is likely the best option if you have a severely damaged tooth with an intact root.
• A bridge might be ideal if you have one or more missing teeth and want to restore function and appearance.

Consult with your dentist to determine the best course of action. They will consider factors such as your teeth’ condition, oral health, and personal preferences.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

1. Improved Appearance: Crowns can substantially improve the appearance of your teeth, resulting in a more appealing smile.
2. Strength and Durability: Crowns are strong and durable, providing long-lasting protection for your teeth.
3. Functionality: Crowns restore the function of damaged teeth, allowing you to chew and speak properly.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

1. Restored Smile: Bridges restore your smile by filling in gaps caused by missing teeth.
2. Improved Oral Function: Bridges allow you to chew and speak more effectively.
3. Prevent Shifting: Bridges keep your remaining teeth in place by closing gaps.

Your smile is one of your most valuable assets; taking care of it is essential for your overall health and confidence. Whether you’re considering a dental crown or bridge, the first step is to schedule a consultation with your dentist.

Dental Crowns and Bridges in Gordon

Don’t wait—restore your smile and improve your quality of life today. Contact your Gordon dentist today to learn more about dental crowns and bridges.

At Northern Dental Gordon, we are not just here to treat your dental problems; we want to make your visit a positive and worthwhile experience and help you maintain oral health for years.

Call us at (02) 9498 8290 or book an appointment online.

We are located at Suite 3, 2 St Johns Ave in Gordon.