CROWNS AND BRIDGES

When a tooth goes missing, dentists often recommend filling the gap with an artificial replacement. While removable options like dentures exist, they can move around or come loose, which many people find frustrating. That’s why fixed solutions—such as crowns placed on dental implants or traditional dental bridges—are popular choices. Both options mimic the look and function of real teeth, but they aren’t identical. So how do you know which one suits you best? In the following overview, we’ll compare their key features, pros, and cons to help you choose the option that will keep your smile looking and feeling natural.

What’s the Difference Between Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges?

A dental crown is a protective cap placed over a damaged, weakened, or decayed tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Crowns are ideal when:

  • A tooth is cracked or severely worn down

  • A large cavity can’t be fixed with a filling

  • A tooth needs protection after a root canal

  • You want to improve the look of a misshapen or discolored tooth

Think of a crown as a strong shield for an existing tooth.

A dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. It uses the surrounding teeth (called abutments) as support. A false tooth (pontic) sits in the empty space, anchored by crowns placed on the neighboring teeth.

Bridges are ideal when:

  • You are missing a tooth and want a fixed, non-removable option

  • You prefer not to use a dental implant

  • You want to restore chewing ability and prevent teeth from shifting

Think of a bridge as a way to “bridge the gap” left by missing teeth.

HOW IS IT DONE ?

DENTAL CROWN STEPS:

Prepare the Tooth

The dentist reshapes the damaged tooth and removes decay.

Take a Scan or Impression

A custom crown is designed; a temporary crown is placed.

Place the Permanent Crown

The final crown is fitted, adjusted, and cemented in place.

DENTAL BRIDGE STEPS:

Prepare the Supporting Teeth

The teeth next to the missing space are shaped for crowns.

Take a Scan or Impression

A custom bridge (two crowns + false tooth) is created; a temporary bridge is placed.

Place the Permanent Bridge

The dentist fits, adjusts, and cements the final bridge to restore the missing tooth.

FAQ

A crown covers and strengthens a damaged tooth, while a bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a false tooth to the neighboring teeth.

With good oral care, both crowns and bridges can last 10–15 years, sometimes longer. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour.

Most patients feel little to no pain. Dentists use numbing anesthetic during preparation, and any soreness afterward is usually mild and temporary.

Yes, both are considered fixed restorations, meaning they are cemented in place and not removable like dentures.

  • Crowns: Usually 1–2 visits

  • Bridges: Usually 2 visits
    Some dental offices offer same-day crowns.

Brush twice a day, floss daily (including under the bridge), avoid chewing ice or hard foods, and visit your dentist regularly.

contact@shiningdentistry.com

+91 9999353118

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