Do you have chipped, cracked, or missing teeth? Are you looking for the perfect treatment to restore your smile? You must have heard about dental bridges and dental crowns and how they can improve your smile. But who would be the winner if there were a dental bridges vs. dental crowns showdown?
Fret not, because you’ll get your answer in this blog post! When it comes to dental bridges vs. dental crowns, the distinction depends on several factors, such as your medical history, how much they cost, and how long the procedure takes to complete.
What is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are prosthetic appliances used to treat patients with missing teeth. They’re made of porcelain and are fused with metal to enhance the look of your teeth and improve your chewing ability.
Dental bridges comprise false teeth that are fixed between two crowns. The teeth on either side of the gap are first prepared so the dental bridge can easily be placed.
In some cases, dental implants the prosthetic rather than your existing teeth. Bridges function exactly like your natural teeth after being placed into the correct position.
What is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are basically false teeth, usually made of porcelain or ceramic. Gold alloys may be incorporated into certain types of dental crowns to enhance their durability. And one of the best things about dental crowns is that they can be custom-made according to the patient’s requirements, including color and texture.
Dentists prefer using dental crowns when a tooth is chipped, broken, or fractured. The tooth is filed down and reshaped before the dental crown placement. The tooth decay is then removed from the tooth’s surface, and the structure is cleared to support the crown. Subsequently, the crown is installed and securely bonded as a protective covering over the reshaped tooth, reinforcing its structural integrity.
Dental Bridges vs. Dental Crowns – Know the Key Differences
Unlike dentures, which can be removed to clean daily, dentists fix dental bridges and crowns to your teeth or implants, and only they can remove them. They function in the same way as your natural teeth in this regard.
- Tooth crowns, a.k.a caps, are used to cover a damaged tooth to improve the appearance of the tooth. Dental crowns can be installed on top of dental implants to mimic the appearance and function of a natural tooth. They can be color-matched to blend in seamlessly with your existing teeth.
- Dentists use dental bridges to fill the gap between missing teeth, and as the name suggests, it functions as a bridge between your teeth.
Choosing between crowns and bridges depends on whether you want to improve the appearance of one tooth without relying on extraction or replace one or several missing teeth with prosthetic teeth anchored to your existing teeth.
Dental Bridges vs. Dental Crowns — Benefits You Must Know
Dental bridges and crowns are an essential part of cosmetic dentistry and can provide numerous benefits to you. While discussing dental bridges vs. dental crowns, it is important to note their benefits, some of which are mentioned below.
Benefits of Dental Bridges
- Dental bridges promote balanced bite and reduce the risk of excess stress on surrounding teeth.
- They allow patients to eat with ease.
- Bridges help maintain the shape of the patient’s face.
- They also prevent adjacent teeth from moving.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
- Crowns reduce pain and sensitivity caused by a cracked tooth.
- They prevent a crack from progressing further and avoid the risk of tooth nerve damage.
- They improve the aesthetics of damaged teeth or those with large silver fillings.
- Crowns also improve occlusion (the bite) to prevent or ease pain from TMJ disorder.
Dental Bridges vs. Dental Crowns — Which is Better at Costing?
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges can cost you between $2,000 to $5,000. The actual cost of bridges depends upon several factors, such as:
The number of missing teeth
Materials used by your dentist
The complexity of the procedure
Dental Crowns
Usually, dental crowns cost anywhere from $1,000 and $3,500. The cost will be based on:
- Your location
- The materials used to make the crowns
- Other treatment procedures required before crown placement
Since dental bridges and crowns fall under cosmetic dentistry procedures, there are chances that your health insurance won’t cover them. However, if you’re covered under dental insurance, the insurers might cover at least part of the cost.
Make sure to check with your insurance representative before finalizing a treatment option.
LeSueur Family Dental provides dental financing and a family dental plan that can help you with the costs related to dental bridges and crowns.
Dental Crowns or Dental Bridges – Lifespan
The good news is that dental crowns and dental bridges will last you many years. But the length of time depends on several factors.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
The lifespan of a dental crown varies depending on its placement and care. While some crowns can last a lifetime, others may crack and require replacement. On average, a well-maintained crown can endure 10 to 30 years. Visit your dentist at least twice every year and adopt good oral hygiene practices to enhance the longevity of your crown and enjoy a lasting and beautiful smile.
How Long Do Dental Bridges Last?
Dental bridges can last over ten years if taken good care of. Again, practicing proper oral hygiene is critical to maintaining your bridge. Maintaining a consistent oral care routine can elongate the lifespan of your dental bridge, ensuring a long-lasting and functional solution for missing teeth.
Proper oral hygiene is required to keep your teeth healthy and prevent oral problems from developing. You should also avoid foods that can damage your dental crown or bridge, such as extremely sugary or sticky foods that cause decay or dislodgment.
Dental Bridges vs. Dental Crowns — Finding the Best Option for You
Deciding between dental bridges vs. dental crowns can be challenging, thanks to their numerous benefits.
The simple way to decide upon a suitable restoration treatment for your dental needs is to remember that crowns can be best for you if your tooth is damaged but still functional. However, a dental bridge will be better if you’ve got a missing tooth, multiple missing teeth, or a tooth that cannot be repaired.
Dental bridges and crowns are an integral part of cosmetic dentistry, having their own pros and cons. Consult with the best cosmetic dentist near you to know which suits you better, dental bridges or dental crowns. You can also contact Dr. Tycast at (507) 665-6812 or email office@lesueurfamilydental.com to get your personalized recommendations and treatment plan.
