Hi there! Today we'll be taking a look at the differences between crowns and bridges, as we often get questions regarding these dental treatments. 

What is a crown? What is a bridge? 

A dental crown is a "cap", placed on top of an existing tooth to improve its strength, appearance, shape and/or alignment. Crowns are typically used to restore a tooth's function and appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root canal. When decay in a tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be removed, crowns are often used to restore and strengthen the damaged tooth and prevent the new filling from breaking off. Crowns are also  frequently used for cosmetic purposes and placed over discolored, chipped or stained teeth. 

A dental bridge is a natural-looking dental appliance used to replace missing teeth by "bridging" the gap between the teeth, and is made up of multiple connected crowns. The crowns on the ends are known as abutments, and cover the two teeth on either side of the missing tooth. The center of the bridge (pontic) is a false tooth that is designed to fit in with the rest of your smile. A dental bridge serves a variety of functions, including improving the appearance of your smile, restoring the ability to chew and speak, maintaining the shape of your face, and preventing your other teeth from moving out of position. 

Dental crowns and bridges are custom-made in a laboratory to fit your unique mouth and smile, and are usually fabricated with porcelain, zirconia, porcelain-fused-to-metal. When crafted from today's high-tech porcelains (dental ceramics), crowns and bridges are virtually indistinguishable from natural teeth, and can even be designed to improve upon a tooth's original appearance.  

Who should receive a crown?

If your tooth has extensive decay or has had multiple fillings, a crown is highly recommended to protect the filling from breaking off. A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment is more brittle, and should have a crown placed to prevent it from fracturing.   

Who might need a bridge?

A bridge can be a great option for people looking to replace missing teeth.  Bridges are a fixed and secure solution for teeth replacement, and aids in chewing food, maintaining the structure of the jawline and improving your overall smile. 

The abutment teeth have to be healthy enough to support a crown. Generally, a good candidate for a crown will likely also be a good candidate for bridgework.

How Long Will These Dental Solutions Last?

With proper care, your new crown or bridge can last up to 5 - 15 years or longer.  

Click here to learn more about crowns or bridges. 

Contact your Toronto, ON Dentist

Contact us (Toronto, ON dentist) to determine if a crown or bridge is a good solution for your situation.