What Are the Differences Between Dental Crowns and Bridges?, Altona Meadows
Dental crowns and bridges are both common restorative dental treatments, but they serve different purposes and are used in distinct situations. At Altona Meadows Dental Clinic, understanding the differences between these two treatments helps patients make informed decisions about their dental care.
Dental Crowns: Individual Tooth Restoration
Dental crowns, also known as caps, are used to restore and protect individual teeth that have been significantly damaged, weakened, or decayed. A dental crown covers the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line, effectively encasing it and restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are custom-made to match the colour, size, and shape of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless blend with your smile. They can be made from various materials, including porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, zirconia, or metal alloys, each offering unique benefits in terms of durability, aesthetics, and strength. Crowns are recommended in several situations, such as:
- Restoring severely decayed or damaged teeth: Crowns provide protection and strength to teeth that cannot be restored with fillings or other dental treatments.
- Covering a dental implant: Crowns are placed over dental implants to replace missing teeth, functioning like natural teeth.
The process of getting a dental crown typically involves two dental visits. During the first visit, the tooth is prepared by removing a portion of its outer structure to accommodate the crown. Impressions are then taken and sent to a dental laboratory where the crown is custom-made. A temporary crown is placed over the tooth to protect it while the permanent crown is being fabricated. During the second visit, the temporary crown is removed, and the permanent crown is bonded into place using dental cement.
Dental Bridges: Replacement of Missing Teeth
Dental bridges are used to replace one or more missing teeth by spanning the gap between adjacent teeth or dental implants. Unlike dentures, which are removable, bridges are fixed prosthetic devices that are cemented or bonded onto natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. The types of dental bridges include:
- Traditional bridges: These consist of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) anchored to adjacent natural teeth, which have been prepared to support the bridge.
- Cantilever bridges: These are used when there are teeth on only one side of the missing tooth or teeth.
- Implant-supported bridges: These bridges are supported by dental implants placed in the jawbone, offering stability and durability similar to natural teeth.
The process of getting a dental bridge typically involves several dental visits. During the initial visit, the abutment teeth (natural teeth or implants) are prepared by removing a portion of their enamel to allow room for the crown. Impressions of the prepared teeth are taken and sent to a dental laboratory where the bridge is custom-made to fit the gap and match the natural teeth. A temporary bridge may be placed to protect the exposed teeth and gums while the permanent bridge is being fabricated. During the final visit, the temporary bridge is removed, and the permanent bridge is cemented or bonded into place.