Bridges vs. Crowns: What’s the Difference?

Dentists use all kinds of different tools to improve your oral health, including prosthetic devices like crowns and bridges. If you don’t know the difference, that’s OK. We can help guide you in deciding the best option for your smile when the time comes. That’s what we’re here for. 

Saeed Mokhayeri, DDS, and Hengameh Safarcherati, DDS of Arya Dental in Fullerton, California are experts in restorative dentistry, which includes bridges and crowns. Dental treatment induces a sense of dread for many patients, and our team is prepared. 

What’s a crown?

A crown is a cap that’s cemented over top of a tooth that’s been damaged or is misaligned. It’s considered a prosthetic device, and it isn’t removable. A crown also strengthens the tooth underneath. A crown may be used:

• When a large filling is replaced
• To protect a weak tooth
• To cover a tooth that’s had root canal
• To cover a misshapen or discolored tooth
• To attach a bridge

Our team uses a two-part process for a crown. First, he files down your tooth, removing some of the enamel. This gives the crown a good fit with the adjacent teeth. Then he takes a mold of the tooth. You get a temporary crown until you visit us again. At the next appointment, he places the permanent crown. 

What’s a bridge?

A dental bridge is exactly what it sounds like. If you’re missing teeth, a bridge literally bridges the gap. A bridge is also a prosthetic device, and its job is to join an artificial tooth permanently by attaching it to adjacent teeth or implants. It does this by creating the bridge with two crowns and a replacement tooth in between them. By replacing missing teeth, you prevent your bite from becoming misaligned. A bridge is used to:

• Restore chewing ability
• Improve speech
• Restore your smile
• Maintain your face shape
• Prevent other teeth from moving

Our team affixes your permanent bridge in two appointments. First, the adjacent teeth are prepared by removing some of their enamel to accommodate their crowns. He then takes impressions of your teeth and places a temporary bridge. When you return for the second visit, he secures the permanent bridge. It may take a few visits to get the bridge feeling comfortable, but our team checks and adjusts your new bridge as much as they need to so the fit is right.

Which one is better?

It’s not so much which one is better as which one is appropriate for you. If you have an existing tooth that needs repairing or that has been repaired, a crown protects that tooth. The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) claims that having a crown implanted is the most common restorative treatment in the United States, with over 2 million crowns made every year. We always want to make sure you keep the teeth you have in great shape. A crown helps us do that.

If, however, you have a missing tooth, you’re not alone. The ACP also notes that more than 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. By filling in a gap where a tooth once was, you can prevent future pain and additional dental treatments.

Call us today if you’re experiencing any tooth pain or if you want to discuss getting a crown or bridge. You can make an appointment by calling 714-646-9546 or use our convenient online scheduling tool. We look forward to restoring your brilliant smile.