Do you find our website to be helpful?
Yes   No

The Difference Between Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges

A dental crown — a protective cap that gets affixed over a specific tooth — can serve a variety of purposes, from strengthening a tooth after a root canal to anchoring a dental bridge in place. Bridges are similarly versatile, helping to replace a single missing tooth or a whole set of teeth. Just knowing these are dental terms isn’t enough to keep you in the know about what your mouth may need.

Not only do Melissa Daza, DDS, Michelle Schwartz, DDS, and our team at Bucktown Wicker Park Dental offer crowns and bridges, but we also offer patient education. We want to help you feel knowledgeable about any dental treatments we recommend. 

So let’s take a look at crowns, bridges, and what you should know about each. 

The basics of dental crowns

Because they can be used to treat such a wide variety of issues, dental crowns are one of the most popular dental restorations. These crowns are small caps that go over individual teeth to protect them. Some crowns are made of metal, but Dr. Daza and Dr. Schwartz create our dental crowns from material that gives the tooth a natural appearance once the crown is in place. 

Adding a crown to cover a damaged tooth surface can restore your tooth to full strength while preventing further damage. If you have a cracked or chipped tooth or you recently received a root canal, for example, you’ll likely need a crown to protect your tooth.

The basics of dental bridges 

While you have a variety of options for replacing a missing tooth, dental implant surgery can be too expensive for some people to afford and dentures can feel awkward. 

Dental bridges provide an alternative. These replacement teeth are held in place using crowns put over the teeth on either side of the gap in your smile. 

Crowns vs. bridges

Dr. Schwartz and Dr. Daza will let you know when you might need a crown and/or a bridge. 

Generally, if the issue lies with a single tooth but it can be saved, a crown might be enough to correct the problem and prevent future issues. 

If your tooth has already fallen out, been extracted, or is seriously damaged or decayed and needs to be removed, you might need a bridge to replace it. A bridge can provide you with a usable tooth and a natural-looking smile. 

Whether you’ve got a damaged tooth or a gap in your smile, Dr. Daza and Dr. Schwartz are here to help. Call our office to schedule your appointment today. 

You Might Also Enjoy...

I Need Dentures: What Can I Expect Once I Have Them?

I Need Dentures: What Can I Expect Once I Have Them?

If you've lost many teeth and are getting dentures for the first time, you need to be prepared for the process of molding and fitting them. You’ll also need to know what to expect once they’re done, so read on to learn the process.
Why Do Teeth Lose Their Whiteness?

Why Do Teeth Lose Their Whiteness?

Over time, your teeth can dull down from the daily effects of living. It’s your choice to brighten your smile up to several shades brighter than their natural whitest. Choose dental office teeth whitening when your smile has lost its whiteness.
Can Invisalign® Correct My Underbite?

Can Invisalign® Correct My Underbite?

Underbites give bulldogs their classic jutted jaw, but it’s not a look most humans want. If your lower jaw sticks out farther than your upper jaw, you have an underbite. Here’s how to correct it.
How Veneers Work to Give You a Brighter Smile

How Veneers Work to Give You a Brighter Smile

Embarrassed by stained teeth? You’ve probably considered teeth whitening treatments, but veneers may provide a longer-lasting solution. Read on to learn more about how veneers give you a dazzling smile.
Can Invisalign® Help Treat Sleep Apnea?

Can Invisalign® Help Treat Sleep Apnea?

Invisalign® is for people who want to fix their teeth on the down low, not for people with a sleep disorder, right? Wrong. Read on to learn how the industry’s most popular orthodontic treatment can actually help with sleep apnea.