The Difference Between a Bridge and a Crown – Missing teeth are usually replaced by artificial replacements made by professionals. These artificial replacements can be removed, slid around, or shifted like dentures. Crowns and bridges are attached to dental implants to help them function like regular teeth. But between a crown and a bridge, which alternative suits you best? In this article, the difference between a bridge and a crown is explained to help you make an easy decision.
What’s the Difference Between a Dental Bridge and a Crown?
A dental crown is used to cover a damaged or decaying tooth or can be placed on a dental implant to replace a missing tooth. Dental implants are fixtures that are worn on the jawbone below the gums. They are affixed to your teeth through osseointegration. These implants improve the way you use your teeth while eating and speaking. The procedure takes about 6–12 weeks of recovery time.
Bridges are specifically used as a replacement for missing teeth. The dentist fixed two crowns on both ends with a bridge attached to the gum where there was a missing tooth. A crown at both ends is affixed to the existing teeth or your dental implants by a professional to function properly.
How do Crowns work?
A crown is used on a damaged, weak, or decaying tooth to help maintain its size, strength, appearance, and shape. A crown is placed on top of a dental implant to replace your fallen tooth. A crown is made from a single or many materials, like gold alloys or other mental alloys. These alloys are used because of their durability and lower cost, but have a different appearance from your teeth.
However, there are crowns that are similar in appearance to your teeth, such as porcelain, acrylic, and ceramic crowns. Acrylic and ceramic are more durable compared to porcelain, which is mostly affected by chipping and damage but also increases the strength of your teeth while giving them an attractive look.
How do Bridges Work?
While crowns are used to repair damaged teeth, a bridge is used to replace them. The bridge is fixed on the edge of filed-down teeth or dental implants. Replaced teeth are referred to as pontics, which cover the area where the tooth is missing.
The bridge also comes in different materials, and it will be the responsibility of your dentist to fix the appropriate one depending on your condition. However, the cost, strength, and other properties will be discussed before the procedure.
How are Crowns Made?
Your dentist will have to consider your bite to get the appropriate crown for your damaged or decayed tooth. This will be done to get the best shape for your teeth. The bite model will be examined in a lab to create your individual crown. Some dental offices have the equipment to forge a crown to suit your specific needs.
How are Bridges Made?
The affected outer part of the tooth will be chipped in size to fit your bridge properly. Unless in the case of an implant, the bridge is affixed to the implants. Your teeth will also be examined to pick a suitable size for your bridge. Some dental facilities have the tools to create your bridge in the office or send a model to a dental lab. A temporary crown or bridge will be used to cover the missing tooth until your permanent bridge is ready.