Restorative dental treatments are the way to go If you have damaged or missing teeth. In this case, you have two approaches: dental crowns and bridges. Both options are very effective for enhancing your teeth’ functionality.
But here’s a quick question: how do you choose the right one between crowns and bridges? You’ll find all you need to know about this dentist service-related question as you read on.
What are dental crowns?
Crowns are tooth-shaped caps. Dentists often position them on weak or damaged teeth for restoration purposes. They restore the strength, look, size, and shape of the teeth.
Today, dental crowns near me are made from different materials. Some common types include:
- Porcelain crowns
- Metal crowns
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns
- Zirconia crowns
- E-Max
Warning signs you need dental crowns near me
Understand that crowns aren’t suitable at all times. Instead, we recommend going for them only if you experience the following signs:
- Cracked or broken tooth
- Large fillings, which weaken your teeth structure
- Recent root canal procedure
- Misshapen
You should go for dental crowns if you experience the aforementioned issues. If you have recently undergone a root canal, a crown can help you protect the treated tooth. You can also use dental crowns to enhance the look of a misshapen.
What are dental bridges?
Dental bridges are a type of restoration approach used by professional dentists. Experts use this restoration method to replace one or more missing teeth. It involves replacing the missing tooth with a false one, which is anchored to the natural teeth on any side of the gap.
When do you need dental bridges?
Going for dental bridges is recommended if you experience these signs:
- One or more missing teeth
- You don’t want a removable denture. Instead, all you need is a fixed solution.
For missing teeth, dental bridges are all you need to achieve a natural-looking and functional replacement. They maintain proper alignment.
Differences between dental crowns and bridges
To better understand the differences between crowns and bridges, we’ll factor in the following things:
- Purpose
- Tooth requirements
- Longevity
- Cost
Purpose
Understand that both bridges and crowns serve different purposes. Dental crowns are specifically designed to cover damaged teeth. Bridges, on the other hand, help to replace missing teeth.
Tooth requirements
Crowns and bridges have different tooth requirements. The former requires an existing tooth or implant (for a missing tooth). The latter, however, only requires healthy adjacent teeth for support.
Longevity
In terms of longevity, both options can last up to 15 years when you care for them properly.
Cost
In terms of cost, dental bridges are often costlier. This is so because they often require multiple teeth for restoration. The cost of dental crowns near me, however, depends on the type of materials you’re opting for.
Which is right for you?
To choose between crowns and bridges, you need to factor in your needs.
- For instance, do you have a damaged or weak tooth? If yes, we recommend opting for a crown. This strengthens the tooth, keeping it in place.
- If you have a missing tooth, both options are perfect. However, if you prefer a fixed solution, then what you need is a dental bridge.
Smile League Dental offers dental crowns and bridges. A dentist starts by assessing your oral health. This allows them to recommend tailored treatment. Learn more about how to restore your smile today by visiting Smile League Dental.
