Which Is Better: A Bridge or a Crown?

 When it comes to restoring your smile, two common dental solutions are bridges and crowns. Both can improve function, protect your teeth, and boost confidence. However, they serve different purposes. 

At Fayette Dental Group in Fayetteville, Georgia, our expert team, led by Charley Cheney, DMD, is here to help you discover which smile-restoring option is right for you. We’ll break it down by what each does, their pros and cons, and how to decide.

What’s the difference? 

Before choosing between a crown or a bridge, it’s important to understand what each treatment does. While both restore your smile and help protect your oral health, they’re used in different situations. 

Here’s what you need to know about both: 

Dental crown 

A crown is a custom-made cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth. It protects and strengthens an existing tooth while restoring shape, size, and appearance. Crowns are commonly made from porcelain, ceramic, or metal. 

Dental bridge 

Alternatively, a bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. Made up of artificial teeth anchored by crowns on the surrounding natural teeth, they fill in gaps, restore your bite, and prevent shifting. Bridges are often made from porcelain or ceramic for a more natural look. 

Dental crown: recommendations and benefits 

We typically recommend a crown when you still have the natural tooth, but it’s damaged or at risk. They act like a protective shield, restoring strength while maintaining a natural appearance. Here’s what you need to know: 

When you might need a crown 

You might need a crown if you have a tooth that’s cracked, chipped, or worn down. It’s also a good option if a large filling has weakened your tooth structure, if you’ve had a root canal and need added protection, or if you want to cover a severely discolored or misshapen tooth. 

Dental crown benefits 

A crown strengthens and protects a tooth, provides a natural look that blends with your smile, and helps prevent further damage or decay. 

Dental bridge: recommendations and benefits 

Now, if you’ve lost one or more teeth, a bridge may be a better choice. This option not only restores your smile but also helps prevent future dental issues like shifting teeth and bite misalignment. Consider the following: 

When you might need a bridge 

A bridge fills the gap left by a missing tooth without implants, improves bite function and chewing, and prevents your surrounding teeth from shifting. 

Dental bridge benefits 

Additionally, a bridge offers multiple benefits, including being a fixed, non-removable alternative to dentures if you’re missing one or more teeth. 

Both crowns and bridges are reliable and long-lasting solutions that can restore your smile. While crowns focus on saving and protecting a damaged tooth, bridges replace missing teeth and maintain proper bite alignment. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your current dental health and what you hope to achieve.

If you’re ready to learn more, don’t hesitate to call us at 770-683-2000 or use our online booking tool to request an appointment with Dr. Cheney today!