What Is the Difference Between a Bridge and a Crown

My patients commonly wonder, “What is the difference between a bridge and a crown”. I know this can be confusing, so I put together this guide to help. 

I’ll cover the differences between dental crowns and bridges, their uses, and benefits to help you make an informed decision for your dental health needs. 

 

What Are Crowns and Bridges?

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a cap used as a covering over a stained or damaged tooth. It can be used when a filling isn’t enough to restore a damaged tooth. 

A dental crown may also save a tooth from needing to be extracted. Porcelain, ceramic, and metal are common materials used to make crowns. 

Crowns are typically used to:

• Protect a damaged tooth
• Restore strength, shape, and size to a damaged tooth
• Prevent the progression of decay
• Make a damaged, cracked, discoloured, or chipped tooth look healthy again
• Allow you to eat and chew normally again 
• Prevent a damaged tooth from needing to be extracted

 

What Is a Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth. They span the gap that missing teeth leave behind. Dental bridges consist of a false tooth or teeth, called pontics. These false teeth get cemented to the teeth on each side of the gap, known as abutment teeth.

They are anchored by crowns or dental implants and can transform the appearance and function of your smile. 

Various types of dental bridges may be used depending on your oral health, how many teeth are missing, and the location of the missing teeth. 

Types of dental bridges include:

 

Traditional Bridges: 

Traditional bridges are a common type of dental bridge. They consist of two crowns placed on either side of the gap. The crowns serve as an anchor for the dental bridge.

 

Cantilever Bridges: 

This type of dental bridge is used when there is only one adjacent tooth available to support the bridge. 

 

Implant Supported Bridges: 

For implant-supported bridges, dental implants are surgically placed in the jawbone to support the prosthetic teeth

 

 

Key Differences Between Crowns and Bridges

Both crowns and bridges restore functionality and appearance. They are custom-made to closely resemble the look, feel, and function of natural teeth. Although they are both effective long-term restoration options, there are differences between crowns and bridges.  

Here is the simplest way I tell my patients to compare crowns to bridges:

•  A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth to help fortify the natural tooth against further damage, prevent the progression of decay, and restore its appearance. Crowns can also serve as the anchoring point for a dental bridge.  
• A dental bridge is a false tooth/teeth that gets anchored to the adjacent natural teeth to fill gaps, restore function, and prevent bone loss

Here are additional ways to distinguish between dental crowns and bridges. 

 

Functionality

Crowns and bridges both restore functionality but they serve different purposes. A crown serves as a cap over a damaged or decayed tooth or as an anchor point for a dental bridge. 

Alternatively, dental bridges are used to restore one or more missing teeth. A dental bridge is one or more false teeth that get anchored to adjacent teeth by crowns on each side. 

Crowns are often used to:

• Restore function to a tooth with cracks, chips, or decay
• Help prevent further decay progression by acting as a protective barrier over the damaged tooth
• Preserve weakened teeth
• Act as a support for a dental bridge to hold it in position

Bridges may be used rather than crowns to: 

• Replace one or more missing teeth
• Address jaw alignment issues
• Prevent bone loss from missing teeth
• Prevent bite issues from one or more missing teeth

 

Procedure and Placement

The dental crown procedure generally takes two visits and involves:

• Reshaping the damaged tooth and removal of any decay
• Impression of the tooth to ensure a seamless, comfortable fit of your new crown
• Fitting of a temporary crown to protect your natural tooth as you wait for the permanent crown
• Creation of a custom crown that matches the appearance and colour of your natural surrounding teeth
• The crown is placed on the prepared tooth and the fit is checked
• The permanent crown is cemented in place 

The dental bridge procedure involves:

• Preparation of the teeth on each side of the gap to get them ready for custom crowns or surgery to place dental implants
• X-rays and impressions to prepare the custom dental crowns
• Placement of a temporary bridge
• Creating a false tooth or teeth, also known as a pontics
• Placement of dental crowns or dental implants on adjacent teeth
• Fitting the custom-made bridge to be attached to the anchoring points 

 

Cost

The cost of crowns and bridges varies widely depending on your oral health, the complexity of the case, your health insurance coverage, and your chosen material. 

Dental bridges are generally more expensive than crowns due to the additional work required.  

 

Maintenance

Maintenance for dental crowns and bridges is similar, involving a good oral hygiene routine and regular dental checkups. However, dental bridges often require a special tool that enables cleaning around and underneath the dental bridge. 

You May Also Like: The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups

 

Benefits of Crowns and Bridges

Improved Oral Health

Crowns and bridges can both restore functionality and protect teeth, leading to improved oral health. 

To learn more about how crowns and bridges can benefit oral health, watch my video here: Dental Crowns and Bridges. 

 

Improved Function

Dental crowns and bridges both provide an effective way to improve function. By restoring the size, condition, and shape of damaged teeth, crowns and bridges can improve speaking and chewing. 

 

Enhanced Aesthetics Boosting Confidence

Dental crowns and bridges can address staining, decay, and cracked or misshapen teeth, transforming your smile’s appearance. 

I love seeing the dramatic increase in self-confidence when my patients see their new smile for the first time! Crowns and bridges can both provide incredible improvement in the overall appearance of your smile. 

Bridges also serve to maintain face shape by replacing missing teeth. This adds essential structure to the mouth and face, further supporting a beautiful smile. 

 

Protection for Damaged Teeth

One of the biggest benefits of dental crowns is their ability to protect damaged or weakened teeth against further decay. By acting as a cap over a weakened natural tooth, dental crowns act as a barrier against decay and the pressure from chewing.

Bridges are immensely important for protecting teeth. By filling the gap left behind if one or more teeth are missing, bridges prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting. Teeth shifting can lead to bite issues, misalignment, decrease in function, and bone loss. 

 

Durability

Crowns and bridges can both last for many years with a good oral hygiene routine, regular dental checkups, and proper maintenance. Their durability makes crowns and bridges an effective long-term solution for restoring missing or damaged teeth. 

However, bridges and crowns do need to be replaced if wear and tear damages them or changes how they fit. 

 

 

Which Option Is Right for You?

Choosing between a dental bridge or crown depends on your budget, aesthetic goals, oral health, your dentist’s recommendations, and your preferences. 

Here are some key considerations to keep in mind to help you make an informed decision. 

 

Dental Health Needs

Your oral health and dental needs are one of the biggest factors when choosing between a crown and a bridge. If you have a single damaged tooth, a dental crown may be your best option. 

If you have one or more missing teeth with healthy teeth on either side, you may be a good candidate for a dental bridge. 

 

Budget and Insurance Coverage

The cost of dental crowns and bridges varies widely, making budget an important consideration. Check with your private insurance coverage to see if your plan covers either procedure. 

Genesis Dental accepts all private health insurance and our team would be happy to answer any questions you have. 

For more information on dental health insurance in Australia, we also have a resource page here: Private Health – Genesis Dental. 

 

Aesthetic Concerns

A dental crown is an effective way to improve the appearance of a damaged, stained, or cracked tooth. A dental bridge can be used to restore your smile if you are missing one or more teeth.

 

Durability

Dental crowns and bridges both offer high durability, especially if you follow a good oral hygiene routine and attend regular dental checkups. 

 

Maintenance

Dental crowns and bridges require a good oral hygiene routine and regular dental visits as part of maintenance. Dental bridges may also require a special cleaning tool to clean the tricky crevices around and under the bridge. 

 

Consulting a Dentist

The only way to know for certain if a crown or bridge is best for you is with a professional dental evaluation. I enjoy helping patients find the best solution for their dental needs and preferences. 

General checkups are an excellent time to bring up your concerns and discuss missing or damaged tooth restoration options. At Genesis Dental, we offer high-quality dental crowns and bridges and would be happy to see if they are an appropriate option for your oral health needs. 

 

Why Choose Genesis Dental for Crowns and Bridges?

I am proud to be part of an incredible team of dentists at Genesis Dental, including Dr. Ben Luu, Dr. Ashleigh Furfaro, and Dr. Amanda Lau.

We started our clinic in 2015 with the goal of becoming the most trusted dentist in Canning Vale. 

Learn More About our team here or schedule your consultation to meet our caring staff. 

 

Expert Care

Our outstanding team has years of experience and is fully supported by trained dental assistants.

Our entire team undergoes ongoing training and education to make sure we stay up to date on the latest advancements in the dental industry. 

 

Local Convenience

Our clinic is conveniently located in Canning Vale, providing exceptional dental care for families throughout the Perth area.  

 

Patient-Focused Approach

Whether we are doing a cleaning or prepping a tooth for a dental crown, the patient is our number one priority in any scenario. We are committed to making every appointment as comfortable and easy as possible. 

 

Still Wondering “What Is the Difference Between a Bridge and a Crown?” – Our Team Is Here to Help

Dental crowns and dental bridges are effective treatments for restoring function and appearance to damaged teeth. Dental crowns are best suited to restoring damaged teeth while dental bridges replace missing teeth. 

Restore your smile with confidence! Contact Genesis Dental today to schedule a consultation and discover if a crown or bridge is the right solution for you. Let us help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Call us now or book online to start your journey toward a stunning smile and excellent oral health.