Dental Crown Vs. Fixed Bridge: What is Right for You

When restoring the appearance of your teeth, dental crowns, and fixed bridges are two popular options that can effectively restore oral function and enhance the aesthetics of your smile. However, understanding the differences between these dental treatments and determining which is right for you can be crucial in achieving optimal dental health.

How Do They Differ?

There are a few differences between dental bridges and Crowns:

1. Design

Dental crowns are custom-made coverings that are placed over damaged or weakened teeth. They are designed to encase the tooth, providing protection, strength, and an improved appearance. Teeth crowns come in porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of materials.

They are commonly recommended for teeth that have undergone extensive decay, root canal treatment, or have been fractured. Dental crowns can also improve the tooth’s shape, size, or color. These restorations are crafted to blend seamlessly with the natural teeth, providing durability and functionality while enhancing the smile’s overall aesthetic.

Dental bridges are prosthetic devices used to replace one or more missing teeth. They consist of artificial teeth fused between two dental crowns, referred to as abutments, which serve as anchors for the bridge. The teeth are designed to fill the space, restoring the ability to bite, chew, and speak properly.

Dental bridges not only improve oral function but also help maintain the alignment of the remaining teeth. Dental bridges can be an effective and durable solution for individuals who have lost teeth due to injury, decay, or extraction, allowing them to regain confidence in their smile and oral health.

2. Purpose

Dental crowns and fixed bridges are dental restorations that serve different purposes and are used in specific situations to address different dental needs.

You can get dental crowns near you for a variety of scenarios:

• Tooth decay : When a tooth filling is insufficient to address the decay, a dental crown may be ideal. The crown restores the tooth’s shape, size, and strength, preventing further decay and preserving its functionality.
• Fractured or cracked teeth : Teeth that have suffered fractures or cracks due to trauma or excessive wear can be restored with dental crowns. The crown provides reinforcement, protects the tooth from further damage, and restores its integrity.
• Cosmetic enhancement : Dental crowns can improve the appearance of misshapen, discolored, or poorly aligned teeth, providing a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing smile.

Fixed Bridges are used in specific situations:

• Restoring chewing function : Fixed bridges allow patients to chew and bite properly by filling the gap created by missing teeth, improving their ability to eat a wide range of foods.
• Maintaining dental alignment : When teeth are missing, the surrounding teeth may shift or tilt, leading to bite misalignment. Fixed bridges help prevent this by stabilizing the adjacent teeth and maintaining the overall alignment of the dental arch.
• Aesthetics : Fixed bridges are custom-made to match the surrounding natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural-looking smile.

3. Cost and Durability

Several factors come into play when comparing the cost and durability of dental crowns and fixed bridges.

• Cost

The cost of dental crowns and fixed bridges varies because of the material used and the case’s complexity. Dental bridges tend to be more expensive than dental crowns due to the additional work involved in replacing missing teeth. It’s advisable to consult with a cosmetic dentist near you for accurate cost estimates.

• Durability

Both dental crowns and fixed bridges are durable and long-lasting with proper care and maintenance. Dental crowns are known for their strength and durability, especially from materials like porcelain-fused-to-metal or zirconia. They can withstand normal biting and chewing forces and have a 10-15 years or more lifespan. However, the lifespan of a dental crown can be affected by factors such as oral hygiene, bruxism (teeth grinding), and any underlying dental issues.

Fixed bridges, on the other hand, can also provide long-lasting results. The durability of a fixed bridge depends on various factors, including the materials used, the patient’s oral hygiene practices, and the supporting teeth’ overall health. Proper care means a well-maintained fixed bridge can last around 10-15 years or even longer.

Which One is Most Ideal?

Dental crowns in St. Paul are the ideal choice if a tooth is damaged, weakened, or requires cosmetic enhancement. Crowns provide strength, protection, and an improved appearance to individual teeth. On the other hand, dental bridges are suitable if you have one or more missing teeth.

Visit Little Canada Dental to evaluate and determine which treatment is ideal.