Crown and Bridge
A dental crown is a custom-made cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its strength, shape, and appearance. It’s typically used when a tooth is cracked, worn, or has had a large filling or root canal.
A dental bridge, on the other hand, is used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring an artificial tooth to the natural teeth or crowns on either side of the gap. While crowns protect existing teeth, bridges fill spaces left by missing ones, helping restore function, alignment, and a complete, confident smile.
Benefits of a Crown
- Strengthens and protects your natural tooth
- Restores full function (bite and chewing)
- Natural appearance (blends with surrounding teeth)
- Long-lasting with proper care
Benefits of a Bridge
- Fills gaps and restores your smile
- Prevents shifting of nearby teeth
- Improves chewing and speaking
- Fixed (non-removable) option compared to dentures
When Is One Used Over the Other?
If you’re deciding between options, it often comes down to whether the tooth is still present and strong enough to be restored or already missing. When a tooth can be saved, a crown is typically recommended to protect and reinforce it, helping maintain natural function and appearance.
If the tooth is no longer there, a bridge can effectively fill the gap by using nearby teeth for support. However, dental implants are another excellent option, offering a long-lasting, natural-feeling solution that doesn’t rely on surrounding teeth for stability or support.