Crowns vs. Bridges: Which is right for me?

Both dental crowns and dental bridges are forms of non-invasive tooth repair that either complete a partial tooth or replace a missing one.

A dental crown (also interchangeably called a “tooth cap”) is a fitted tooth covering cemented on top of an existing tooth. Restore Dental creates a dental crown after taking impressions of your existing bite and milling a custom tooth cap that fits over the tooth. Dental crowns are used for more severe tooth damage.

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth or row of teeth that spans a gap left by missing teeth. A bridge sits atop the gums but is fixed permanently to the nearest natural teeth. A bridge is not a partial denture because it is fully anchored and non-removable. As a result, bridges feel more natural and function better than dentures.

Similarities and Differences

Dental crowns and dental bridges are both non-invasive means of tooth repair. Both solutions provide fully functional, fixed teeth, and they can be made of different materials to suit the needs and preferences of the patient. Both solutions also depend on the existence and health of other natural teeth, since crowns sit on top of a natural tooth and bridges sit between two natural teeth. Dental crowns and dental bridges have these things in common, but they are still quite different since they address different needs.

Dental crowns are a more common treatment, since they protect teeth that may be damaged but are still present. They cover teeth that cannot be protected with sealants or fillings, and dentists sometimes seal a tooth with a crown after a root canal to prevent infection.

On the other hand, dental bridges provide new teeth where the natural teeth are totally missing. Bridges are a popular option, but their success depends on the health of the adjacent teeth holding them. This is why a dentist’s expertise is crucial to figuring out what solutions will be viable.

Do I Need a Dental Crown or a Bridge?

The web is a great starting place to learn more about what dental treatments are available for damaged or missing teeth, but you shouldn’t shop for dental treatments by trying to figure out what you need on your own. Whether you need a crown or a bridge can only be properly assessed by a dentist.

Expert dentists at Restore Dental help patients in the Highlands Ranch and south Denver areas repair, protect, and perfect their smiles. Our restorative dentistry is one of the leading edges of our practice, as we combine top-notch expertise with cutting-edge technology to make healthy, bright smiles from scratch. 

Wondering if a dental crown or a bridge is a good option for you? Call Restore Dental today at (720) 863-7855 to book a consultation! We look forward to meeting you and getting you connected to some of the best dental care in Colorado.

Still not sure? See what are patients are saying about us online!