What Is The Difference Between a Crown and Bridge?
Our Guelph dentist has the breakdown.

Dental crowns and bridges have been used as highly successful restorative solutions in the field of dentistry for many years.

To better understand the fundamental differences between these two popular restorative options, let’s discuss crowns and bridges separately:

Dental crowns (or “caps”):

Dental crowns are basically artificial tooth caps designed to resemble natural tooth enamel, created to be placed or “capped” over a damaged tooth, or a tooth that has just received treatment such as a root canal procedure (RCT). This capping restores strength and provides support to the natural tooth while also restoring its appearance.

A dental crown restoration may be recommended by our dentist in a number of situations - such as in the scenario mentioned above to complete a RCT, to replace larger dental fillings when there is not enough remaining healthy tooth, or to assist in the attachment of a dental bridge. Dental crowns may also simply be used to provide a cosmetic result for patients, as well, as they can mask any imperfections the original natural tooth may have.

There are a variety of different dental crown materials used by dentists today, including porcelain or ceramic crowns that can be created to seamlessly match the shade of neighbouring teeth, or metal, ceramic and acrylic crowns, as well. Each of these materials offer a unique set of advantages.

Dental bridges:

Dental bridges essentially “bridge” the gap between teeth, and are recommended in situations where the patient is missing one or multiple neighbouring teeth. A dental bridge consists of one or several prosthetic replacement teeth referred to as “pontics”, that are purposed to span and restore the gap where teeth have been lost - with two artificial “abutment” teeth on either side that are attached to the patient’s natural teeth or crowns.

Bridges are often recommended to prevent the shifting of existing teeth to the gap created by the teeth lost - a problem that generally leads to a poor bite (malocclusion) and other complications.

Just like with dental crowns, dental bridges are available in a variety of different materials such as porcelain or ceramic bridges, that offer a very natural-looking cosmetic result.

When it comes to both crowns and bridges, our dentist in Guelph will be happy to educate you about the benefits of each material to help you make a decision that is right for you and your smile.

Ready for your dental restoration with crowns and/or bridges?

Our expert Dr. Dana Coman would be pleased to meet with you!

Schedule your crowns and/or bridges consultation with our team today, or feel free to call us about any general phone inquiries pertaining to our oral health services.