Dental crown and bridges are two of the most popular ways to restore missing teeth. With a dental bridge, one or more false teeth are used to support a natural tooth on either side of the gap. With a dental crown, a natural tooth has an artificial cap placed over it in order to fill in the gap and make it look as if nothing was wrong.
The purpose of both options is to replace one or more teeth with an artificial structure that restores function and aesthetics while also minimizing the visibility of the gap. The right crown and bridge option for you will depend on your needs and budget. Keep reading for details about both types of restorations in addition to general information about when, where, why, and how you might use them!
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap that fits over the top of an individual tooth. The primary function of a crown is to restore teeth by covering them with strong, artificial material. It can be used to replace one or more teeth, support a bridge, or cover a dental implant. In most cases, dentists will make an impression on your natural teeth and then create a model.
This model will be used to mill the crown out of porcelain or acrylic material in order to match the size and shape of your tooth precisely. Once you have chosen the type of material you would like for your crown, your dentist will place it over your tooth and attach it with cement or metal clasps.
What is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a fixed appliance that spans the space of one or more missing teeth. A false tooth, called a pontic, is anchored to the two abutment teeth on either side of the gap and it fills in the empty space typically caused by missing teeth.
Purpose of Dental Bridge
The purpose of a dental bridge is to replace one or more teeth with an artificial structure that restores function and aesthetics while also minimizing the visibility of the gap. Dental bridges are typically used for patients who have lost one or more back teeth, but they may also be used for front teeth if there is not enough natural tooth structure available for a crown.
The patient can expect to pay upwards of $2000 for a dental bridge made by a dentist, but there are other options if you need something cheaper. In-office dental labs offer deals on single or multiple units and offer affordable prices with quality products. If you’re interested in restoring your smile with a dental bridge, talk to your dentist about what type will work best for your needs!
What You Should Know About Dental Crowns and Bridges
There are many great reasons to consider dental crowns and bridges. They can be a good option if you’re looking for something that’s long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing, or that won’t affect your speech. There are some differences between the two, however.
Dental bridges can use natural teeth on either side of the gap as anchors, while dental crowns require the teeth on either side of the gap to be removed and replaced with an artificial structure. For those who want to keep their natural teeth, dental bridges may be best because they avoid damaging your natural ones. Tooth crowns will require you to remove healthy tooth structures for a restoration that may not last as long as you might like.
Crowns are usually more expensive than dental bridges due to how much work goes into placing them and because dentists must create an artificial tooth for your existing one. Bridge price depends on how many false teeth are used in addition to other factors such as whether it’s done in a specialist’s office or outpatient facility.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Depending on your needs and budget, there are two main options for replacing missing teeth:
-Dental bridges A dental bridge is good if you need to replace just one or two missing teeth. A dental crown is better if you’re missing more than two teeth. If you need to replace multiple teeth and want a less invasive procedure, dentures may be a good option for you.
Additionally, the cost of a dental bridge can vary depending on what type you need and the materials used, but it will likely be less expensive than a dental crown. Which option is best for you will depend on your situation.
How to Care for Your New Crown or Bridge
One of the most common questions people have about dental crown and bridges is what will happen to the adjacent teeth. The tooth or teeth that are sandwiching your new crown or bridge should be evaluated so that any problems can be addressed. This way, if you need a filling, cap, or root canal therapy, it can be done before your procedure.
Caring for your new crown or bridge is key to keeping it looking as good as possible for as long as possible. The best advice for brushing and flossing with a dental bridge is to brush carefully in the direction of the bristles with a soft-bristled toothbrush and to use dental floss below the gum line of both natural teeth on either side of the gap.
Final Words
Dental crown and bridges are two of the most popular ways to restore missing teeth. With a dental bridge, one or more false teeth are used to support a natural tooth on either side of the gap. With a dental crown and bridges, a natural tooth has an artificial cap placed over it in order to fill in the gap and make it look as if nothing was wrong.
The purpose of both options is to replace one or more teeth with an artificial structure that restores function and aesthetics while also minimizing the visibility of the gap. The right crown and bridge option for you will depend on your needs and budget.
References:
1-Temporary Resin Crowns and Bridges
Available online on 12 May 2022, By Ray S.Krug
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0011-8532(22)01073-4
2-Integrated construction and simulation of tool paths for milling dental crowns and bridges
Available online 22 May 2013, By M.Gaspar
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cad.2013.04.007
