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What Are Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges?

Dental crowns and bridges are fixed dental restorations used to restore or replace teeth.

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped restoration placed over a damaged or weakened tooth. It can help restore the tooth’s shape, strength, function, and appearance.

A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It generally consists of an artificial tooth supported by crowns or other suitable structures attached to the neighboring teeth or implants.

Both treatments are planned according to the condition of your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health.

A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that covers a damaged or weakened tooth.

A dentist may recommend a crown when a tooth has lost significant structure because of:

  • Extensive tooth decay
  • A large filling
  • Tooth fracture
  • Wear or damage
  • Root canal treatment
  • Certain cosmetic or restorative requirements

A crown can help protect the remaining tooth structure while restoring its function and appearance.

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration designed to replace a missing tooth or several missing teeth.

A traditional bridge generally uses the teeth next to the gap as supports, with an artificial tooth positioned between them.

Depending on the patient’s condition, other types of bridges or implant-supported options may also be considered.

The appropriate treatment depends on factors such as:

  • Number of missing teeth
  • Condition of neighboring teeth
  • Gum health
  • Bone support
  • Bite
  • Overall oral health

Dental crowns and bridges are custom-designed to fit your mouth.

How Does a Dental Crown Work?

A crown is placed over a prepared tooth to restore its shape and function.

The underlying tooth is evaluated and prepared by the dentist before the crown is fitted.

How Does a Dental Bridge Work?

A bridge fills the space created by a missing tooth.

The artificial tooth, known as a pontic, is supported by crowns or other structures depending on the type of bridge selected.

The objective is to restore the missing tooth area and help improve chewing and appearance.

Types of Dental Crowns

Different crown materials are available, and your dentist may recommend one depending on your individual requirements.

Ceramic Crowns

Ceramic crowns can provide a natural-looking appearance and are often considered when aesthetics are important.

They can be particularly useful for visible teeth where matching the appearance of natural teeth is a priority.

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain-based restorations can provide a tooth-like appearance and may be selected for certain front or visible teeth.

Metal Crowns

Metal crowns are known for their strength and durability.

They may be considered for teeth that require substantial strength, although their metallic appearance makes them less suitable for some visible areas.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns

These crowns combine a metal structure with a tooth-colored outer layer.

They can provide a combination of strength and aesthetics, depending on the specific case.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia is a strong ceramic material used in modern dentistry.

Zirconia crowns may be considered when both strength and appearance are important.

The most suitable crown material depends on your tooth, location of the tooth, bite, aesthetic requirements, and dentist’s assessment.

Types of Dental Bridges

There are several types of dental bridges.

Traditional Dental Bridge

A traditional bridge uses crowns placed on supporting teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth.

Cantilever Bridge

A cantilever bridge may be supported by a tooth on only one side of the missing tooth area.

Its suitability depends heavily on the location of the missing tooth and the forces placed on the restoration.

Maryland Bridge

A Maryland bridge uses a framework or wings attached to supporting teeth rather than requiring full crowns in the same way as a traditional bridge.

It may be considered for selected cases, particularly in certain areas of the mouth.

Implant-Supported Bridge

An implant-supported bridge is supported by dental implants rather than relying entirely on neighboring natural teeth.

Whether this option is suitable depends on bone support, gum health, overall oral health, and other individual factors.

Your dentist may recommend a crown when a tooth is:

  • Severely damaged
  • Heavily restored with a large filling
  • Cracked or fractured
  • Structurally weakened
  • Treated with a root canal
  • Worn down
  • Requiring restoration of its shape and function

A crown isn’t automatically necessary for every damaged tooth. Your dentist will assess how much healthy tooth structure remains and determine the appropriate treatment.

A dental bridge may be considered when you have one or more missing teeth.

Replacing a missing tooth can help restore:

  • Chewing function
  • Appearance
  • The space between neighboring teeth
  • Overall dental function

Leaving a missing tooth untreated may allow neighboring teeth to shift into the space over time.

Your dentist can evaluate whether a bridge, implant, removable prosthesis, or another option is appropriate.

Getting a dental crown usually involves several steps.

Step 1: Dental Examination

The dentist examines the tooth and surrounding tissues.

X-rays or other diagnostic procedures may be recommended when necessary.

Step 2: Tooth Preparation

If a crown is appropriate, the tooth is carefully prepared so the restoration can fit correctly.

Step 3: Impression or Digital Scan

An impression or digital scan may be taken to create a restoration that matches the shape and size required.

Step 4: Temporary Restoration

Depending on the treatment process, a temporary crown may be placed while the permanent restoration is being prepared.

Step 5: Crown Placement

Once the final crown is ready, the dentist checks its fit, appearance, and bite before permanently securing it.

Dental Bridge Procedure

The bridge procedure depends on the type of bridge being used.

For a conventional bridge, the supporting teeth may need to be prepared.

The dentist then takes impressions or digital scans to create the custom bridge.

Once the restoration is ready, the dentist checks:

  • Fit
  • Bite
  • Appearance
  • Contact with neighboring teeth

The bridge is then secured in position using an appropriate dental cement or attachment system.

The lifespan of a crown or bridge varies from person to person.

Factors that can affect longevity include:

  • Oral hygiene
  • Gum health
  • Bite forces
  • Teeth grinding or clenching
  • Material used
  • Location of the restoration
  • Quality of the supporting teeth
  • Regular dental check-ups

With appropriate care, many dental crowns and bridges can remain functional for many years. However, they are not necessarily lifetime restorations and may eventually require replacement.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns can provide several restorative benefits.

Restores Damaged Teeth

A crown can help restore the shape and function of a tooth that has lost substantial structure.

Provides Protection

A crown can cover and protect a weakened tooth from further structural damage.

Improves Appearance

Tooth-colored crowns can be designed to blend with surrounding teeth.

Restores Chewing Function

A properly fitted crown can help restore normal tooth function.

Supports Root Canal-Treated Teeth

In some cases, a crown may be recommended after root canal treatment to restore and protect the remaining tooth structure.

Benefits of Dental Bridges

Dental bridges can offer several benefits when appropriately planned.

  • Replace missing teeth
  • Restore chewing ability
  • Help improve the appearance of your smile
  • Fill gaps between teeth
  • Help maintain the existing arrangement of teeth
  • Provide a fixed alternative to some removable tooth-replacement options

The suitability of a bridge depends on your individual dental condition.

1. What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made restoration that covers a damaged or weakened tooth to help restore its shape, function, and appearance.

2. What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth by connecting an artificial tooth to supporting structures.

3. How long does a dental crown last?

The lifespan varies depending on oral hygiene, biting forces, material, supporting tooth condition, and other factors. With proper care, many crowns can last for several years.

4. Are dental bridges permanent?

Dental bridges are fixed restorations, but they are not necessarily permanent for life. Their longevity depends on oral hygiene, supporting teeth, gum health, bite forces, and other factors.

5. Can I eat normally after getting a crown?

Your dentist will provide specific instructions after placement. Once the restoration has been properly set and any recommended precautions have passed, normal chewing is generally possible.

6. How do I clean under a dental bridge?

Normal brushing and cleaning between the teeth are important. Special flossing tools or interdental cleaners may be recommended to clean beneath the artificial tooth.