You’ve probably heard of crowns or bridges but you may not know which solution is best for you. While they are both fixed dental prosthetic devices, crowns and bridges serve different roles in dental support. One of these helps your teeth function normally after tooth loss, and the other helps your teeth work normally after erosion.

Crowns

Dental crowns completely cover the remaining tooth.

Crowns are used to provide structure to a problematic tooth. For instance, a crown can be used to cover a weak tooth or one that has undergone a root canal. Crowns are also commonly used to replace fillings when the tooth around an existing filling becomes eroded, and crowns can also be placed to cover a dental implant. Aside from strengthening and protecting your teeth, crowns also aid in cosmetic appeal by giving the tooth a more natural, healthy appearance. Crowns are usually made of ceramic or porcelain, but they can also be made from gold and metal alloys. Alloys are typically stronger than porcelain and ceramic; these are sometimes used on back teeth since these aren’t as noticeable as the alloy would be in the front of the mouth. During instances in which a crown is required on a visible tooth, an alloy base overlaid with porcelain can be used for cosmetic purposes.

Bridges

Bridges are used to fill gaps caused by missing teeth. Since tooth loss can lead to misalignment of the remaining teeth, gum disease, and disorders of the temporomandibular joint, bridges can provide the structure needed to keep teeth healthy. Bridges are cemented to the natural teeth, also called anchor teeth or abutments. Then, a pontic, or replacement tooth, is placed on the crowns that cover the abutments. As with crowns, there are several different styles of bridges. For example, ceramic or porcelain bridges can be custom-made to match the color of your natural teeth.

A 3-tooth dental bridge.

How They’re Made

Both crowns and bridges are custom-made to fit your teeth. First, your tooth or teeth must be reduced in size to accommodate the crown or bridge. Then, your dentist will make an impression of your tooth/teeth so that a mold can be created. The impression is sent to a dental lab, which will then make your bridge or crown. While you are waiting for your permanent bridge or crown, your dentist will apply a temporary fixture. When your permanent one is ready, your dentist will remove the temporary crown or bridge and apply the new one. Both are designed to last a lifetime, although they can sometimes become loose and fall out. Proper dental care is the best way to take care of your bridge or crown and prevent future problems.

As you can see, the terms ‘bridge’ and ‘crown’ aren’t interchangeable, although they are both used to provide structure and protection to your teeth. While one is designed to protect the teeth you already have, the other is made to fill a gap caused by tooth loss. Both are created in similar processes, with a variety of options.