If you have a damaged tooth or are missing a tooth, your dentist may recommend a dental crown or dental bridge to restore your smile. But these restorations serve different purposes. A crown is generally used to repair and protect a tooth that is still present, while a bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth.
Understanding the difference between a dental crown and a bridge can make it easier to understand your treatment options and have a productive conversation with your dentist.
At Kanellis Family Dentistry in Sparks, NV, Dr. Kanellis provides comprehensive restorative dentistry, including dental crowns, bridges, and dental implants. We also offer same-day dental crowns fabricated in-house using digital technology.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a restoration that covers the visible portion of a damaged or weakened tooth.
Think of a crown as a protective cap that fits over the remaining structure of a tooth. A crown can help restore the tooth's shape, strength, function, and appearance when a filling or bonding may not provide enough support.
Crowns may be recommended for teeth affected by:
- Significant decay
- Cracks or fractures
- Large fillings
- Substantial damage
- Certain types of wear
- A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy
- A damaged existing crown
- Certain cosmetic concerns
At Kanellis Family Dentistry, crowns are available in tooth-colored materials, including all-ceramic, zirconia, and BruxZir® options.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is designed to replace a missing tooth or, in some cases, multiple missing teeth.
A traditional bridge uses the teeth adjacent to the empty space as support. A replacement tooth, called a pontic, fills the gap between the supporting teeth. In addition to traditional bridges, implant-supported bridges may be an option in certain situations.
A dental bridge can restore more than appearance. Replacing a missing tooth can also help restore chewing function and prevent your remaining teeth from shifting into the open space.
Dental Crown vs. Dental Bridge: What's the Difference?
The simplest way to understand the difference is:
A crown restores a tooth that is still present.
A bridge replaces a missing tooth or teeth.
For example, if you have a severely damaged molar that can still be saved, your dentist may recommend a crown to protect it. If you have lost a tooth and now have an empty space between two healthy teeth, a bridge may be one option for replacing it. The right restoration depends on your smile, and your team at Kanellis Family Dentistry will provide customized guidance to determine what's best for you.
When Is a Dental Crown Usually Recommended?
A crown may be appropriate when enough healthy tooth structure remains to support a restoration, but the tooth needs more protection than a filling or bonding can provide.
A Cracked or Broken Tooth
A significantly cracked or broken tooth may need a crown to restore its structure and protect the remaining tooth. The appropriate treatment depends on the location and severity of the crack. Some fractures may require other treatment, while certain severely damaged teeth may not be restorable.
A Tooth With Extensive Decay
When decay has affected a large portion of a tooth, there may not be enough healthy structure remaining for a simple filling. A dental crown can cover and reinforce the remaining tooth after the decay has been treated.
After Root Canal Treatment
A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy may need additional protection because a substantial amount of tooth structure may have been removed or compromised.
Your dentist will evaluate the tooth and determine whether a crown is appropriate.
A Large Existing Filling
A tooth with a large filling may eventually become weakened or fractured. In some cases, replacing the filling with a crown can provide additional structural support.
When Is a Dental Bridge Usually Recommended?
A bridge may be considered when you're missing one or more teeth and need a fixed restoration.
For a traditional bridge, the neighboring teeth need to provide support for the restoration. Those teeth are evaluated to determine whether they are strong and healthy enough to serve as anchors.
At Kanellis Family Dentistry, traditional bridges and implant-supported options are available.
What If I'm Missing a Tooth?
A bridge isn't the only way to replace a missing tooth.
Depending on your oral health, jawbone, surrounding teeth, and preferences, your dentist may discuss options such as:
- A traditional dental bridge
- An implant-supported bridge
- A single dental implant with a crown
- A removable partial denture
Each option has different benefits and considerations.
For example, a dental implant replaces the missing tooth's root with a titanium post placed in the jawbone and can support an individual crown. A traditional bridge instead uses adjacent teeth for support. Dr. Kanellis can help you compare these options based on your unique needs.
Can a Crown Be Used With a Bridge?
Yes; dental crowns and bridges often work together. With a traditional bridge, crowns may be used on the neighboring teeth to support the bridge. This means that when you receive a bridge, you may be getting a restoration that incorporates both crowns and a replacement tooth.
What Is the Difference Between a Crown and a Filling?
It's common to wonder why a dentist recommends a crown instead of simply placing another filling. A filling is generally used to repair a smaller area of decay or damage. A crown covers the visible portion of the tooth and provides more extensive coverage.
If a tooth has lost a significant amount of structure, a filling may not provide enough support. In that situation, a crown may offer better protection. Dr. Kanellis will consider the amount of healthy tooth structure remaining when determining which restoration is appropriate.
How Long Does a Dental Crown or Bridge Last?
Crowns and bridges are designed to be durable, but they aren't permanent and can eventually require replacement.
Their lifespan depends on factors such as:
- Oral hygiene
- Gum health
- Bite forces
- Clenching or grinding
- The materials used
- The condition of supporting teeth
- Regular dental care
- Diet and lifestyle habits
Brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth, attending routine dental visits, and addressing problems early can all help protect your restoration.
If you grind or clench your teeth, ask your dentist whether a custom nightguard may help protect your teeth and restorations.
What Are Same-Day Dental Crowns?
One of the conveniences available at Kanellis Family Dentistry is same-day dental crown treatment.
Rather than sending the crown to an outside laboratory and requiring a separate appointment for placement, the practice uses Glidewell IO technology to fabricate many crowns in-house. This can allow eligible patients to receive their crown during a single visit.
Same-day treatment isn't necessarily appropriate for every patient or every restoration, but it can make the crown process more convenient when you're a candidate.
How Do You Know Whether You Need a Crown or Bridge?
The answer depends on why you're seeking treatment in the first place.
Your dentist will evaluate:
- Whether the tooth is present or missing
- How much healthy tooth structure remains
- The condition of neighboring teeth
- Your gum health
- Your bite
- The location of the tooth
- Your overall oral health
- Your preferences and treatment goals
If you're missing a tooth, your dentist may also discuss dental implants as an alternative to a traditional bridge. The goal isn't simply to choose between a crown and bridge. It's to determine which restoration will best restore the health, function, appearance, and long-term stability of your smile.
What Happens During a Restorative Consultation?
Your dentist will first examine the area and may take digital X-rays or other diagnostic images as needed. You'll have the opportunity to explain what's bothering you, whether you're experiencing pain or sensitivity, and what you'd like your smile to look and feel like. Dr. Kanellis can then explain the available treatment options, including the advantages and considerations of each.
At Kanellis Family Dentistry, the practice emphasizes giving patients clear information about their options without pressuring them into treatment they don't need or want.
Don't Ignore a Damaged or Missing Tooth
It can be tempting to put off treatment when a damaged tooth isn't currently causing pain.
However, a cracked, weakened, or decayed tooth can become more difficult to restore if the problem progresses. Likewise, leaving a missing tooth unreplaced can affect your bite and allow neighboring teeth to shift.
If you notice a cracked tooth, significant sensitivity, a damaged restoration, or a missing tooth, schedule an evaluation rather than waiting for the problem to become an emergency.
Restore Your Smile in Sparks, NV
Whether you need to repair a damaged tooth or replace a missing one, there are several ways to restore your smile. At Kanellis Family Dentistry in Sparks, NV, Dr. Kanellis offers comprehensive restorative dentistry, including tooth-colored crowns, traditional and implant-supported bridges, and dental implants. Our practice also offers same-day dental crowns using in-office digital technology, often saving patients time spent in the dentist's chair and scheduling follow-up appointments.
If you're wondering whether you need a dental crown, bridge, implant, or another restoration, schedule a consultation with Kanellis Family Dentistry. Dr. Kanellis and his team can evaluate your smile and help you understand which restorative option is right for you.
