Dental Crown or Bridge: Which Restoration is Right for You?

If you damage one or more of your teeth you should visit our office right away to talk about possible solutions. Several dental restorations are available, and you might be wondering which one is best for you. You might also have questions regarding the differences between a dental crown and a dental bridge. The Grove Dental team is here to explain.

What Are Crowns and Bridges?

Dental crowns and most bridges are fixed prosthetic devices. Our dentists cement them onto existing teeth or implants, and if replacements are required, only a dentist can remove them. This characteristic distinguishes them from dentures and other removable options like dentures, which must be removed and cleaned daily.

A dental crown covers or caps a damaged tooth to provide it with additional strength. We may also place one to improve the alignment or appearance of the damaged tooth. Finally, dentists may place a dental crown on an implant to provide the implant with a more functional shape and structure.

In contrast, we recommend a bridge if you're missing one or more teeth. Gaps left by missing teeth eventually cause a bad bite, since the remaining teeth rotate or shift into empty spaces. The imbalance can also lead to gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

What Can a Crown or Bridge Fix?

We generally recommend bridges when you lose one or more tooth in its entirety. In contrast, we usually recommend a dental crown for one of the following reasons:

• Restoring a cracked or fractured tooth
• Replacing a large filling
• Covering an implant
• Strengthening a tooth that has had a root canal

What Are the Benefits of Crowns and Bridges?

The main advantage to getting any restoration is that it helps maintain good oral health. A fractured tooth can eventually break completely, necessitating further treatments. Restorations help prevent that. Additionally, restorations restore good aesthetics to your smile.

How Long Will A Crown and Bridge Last?

The exact lifespan of any restoration will depend on how well you take care of it. You should continue to brush and floss daily, and check in with #GroveDental twice a year. You should also avoid biting down on anything hard that could potentially damage the restoration. With proper maintenance, your crown or bridge can last for quite some time.

To Sum It All Up

One restoration is not necessarily better than another. For more information about dental crowns or bridges or to discuss which restoration option is best for your, contact us today!