Crowns vs. Bridges: Which One Is Right for You?

We all dream of perfect teeth. Unfortunately, most people aren’t born with them. And as you age or experience trauma, you may lose or break a tooth in the process. 

But having a great smile (and dental health) can improve overall appearance, and most importantly, your self-confidence. That’s why there are many tooth restorations available that replace missing or broken teeth. The most common are crowns and bridges. But how do they work? And how do you choose the right one? We’ve got the answer. 

What is a crown?

A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a broken tooth during the procedure. Crowns have many advantages including strengthening the teeth, repairing decay and restoring the teeth to their natural shape and size. 

What is a bridge? 

Bridges are prosthetic replacements fixed to adjacent teeth that are used to “bridge” the distance between them. There are many benefits to bridges, including alleviating stress on your bite, preventing other teeth from shifting out of place, restoring the ability to properly chew and speak, and much more.  

Which one is right for me? 

The biggest difference is one involves missing teeth and the other does not. A bridge is placed in an empty space where one or more teeth are missing. A crown, on the other hand, goes on a broken tooth like a cap.

So, if you’re missing one or more teeth, a bridge might be the best solution for you. If you just have a broken tooth, a crown might do the trick. 

As always, setting up an initial consultation will help us determine if you need a crown or a bridge. 

Reach out to schedule a free consultation!

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