Perhaps, two of the most popular dental procedures are the crown and the bridge. Dental crowns and bridges are used to help individuals with damaged teeth repair them and have a better smile because of it. However, what’s the difference between a dental crown and a bridge? Furthermore, what circumstances call for which procedure and why? By answering these questions, we can determine excatly what the true difference between these two is and which one is best for you.
What Are Dental Crowns?
According to WebMD,“A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth — to cover the tooth to restore its shape and size, strength, and improve its appearance. The crowns, when cemented into place, fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.”
This is a perfect solution for those looking to repair a broken or damaged tooth or for those that are hoping to cover cosmetic damage such as discoloration or disfigurement. It can also be used in conjunction with a bridge to lock the bridge in place
What Are Dental Bridges?
According to Healthline, “A dental bridge is a false tooth (called a pontic) that is held in place by the abutment teeth on either side of the gap. Although pontics can be made from a variety of materials such as gold, typically they’re made from porcelain to blend in with your natural teeth aesthetically.”
With this said, a dental bridge is perfect for individuals looking for dental repair without getting a dental implant.
How Are They Different?
The big difference between a dental bridge and a dental crown is what they are most commonly used for. Typically, a crown is used to repair a tooth that is still intact by capping it and letting it recover underneath while a bridge is most commonly used to replace a missing tooth by using the adjacent teeth as leverage. In the end, it all depends on what you need to be done—and why. If you would like to know more about dental crowns and bridges, call us today and we will gladly walk you through the process in no time.
