When it comes to regenerative dentistry, two of the most common solutions for damaged or missing teeth are crowns and bridges. Both of them play essential roles in dental health, but they serve discrete purposes and are used in different situations. Understanding the differences between these two options for saving a broken or decayed tooth can help you make informed and wise decisions about your oral care. Let’s delve into what crowns and bridges are, their purposes, and how they differ from each other.
A dental crown is a cap that is placed over a damaged tooth. Its main purpose is to repair the tooth's shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, and resin. Crowns are needed in various types of cases. When a tooth is too damaged or decayed to hold a filling, a crown gives a more durable solution. Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment are often weaker and more vulnerable to fractures. Crowns help protect and strengthen these teeth. Crowns can also improve the appearance of misshapen or severely discolored teeth. In some cases, crowns act as a cover to adjacent teeth, anchoring the bridge in place.
A dental bridge, on the other hand, is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It consists of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap and a false tooth (or teeth) in between. These false teeth are called pontics and can be made from gold, alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials. The supporting teeth are called abutments. Bridges are specifically designed to fill gaps created by one or more missing teeth. This helps restore your smile, as well as the ability to chew and speak properly. Bridges help maintain the proper alignment of your teeth by preventing the teeth shift into the empty space, leading to a misaligned bite. Bridges also help maintain the shape of your face as missing teeth can cause your facial structure to change over time.
