As a common person, you might be confused about the terms dental crown vs bridge
Even when your dentist told you that you might have a dental crown or bridge placed, you may wonder what the difference between them is, as well as what will be the deciding factor between them.
Both crowns and bridges are considered fixed prosthetic appliances because they are both non-removable dental treatments cemented permanently into your mouth. Both crown and bridge treatments are tailor-made in order to match the look of your teeth. However, there are distinct differences that will make choosing between the two a much simpler decision.
The following guide prepared by Pakenham Shine Dental will help you understand how dental crown differs from tooth bridge in application, use, durability, and installation.
What Is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are special caps that are designed to cover a tooth that has been affected in its structure. They basically act as protective helmets for any tooth that is structurally weak and yet remains in the jawbone of a patient.
Some of the situations that make our dental experts at Pakenham Clinic suggest a crown include when:
- There is a large cavity in a tooth that is too big to repair using a traditional filling
- There has been a crack or a fracture in a tooth but it hasn’t fallen out of the mouth
- A tooth has become weaker as a result of a root canal treatment
- A tooth has become severely worn out due to grinding
- There is an implanted tooth and you need one to appear above the gum line
- You need a crown to improve the appearance of your tooth
Crowns can be made of several materials. The porcelain or zirconia crowns are the most common in our Pakenham clinic since they are aesthetically pleasing and strong. The porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns offer more strength than porcelain crowns especially in back teeth.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge fills the gaps caused by missing teeth through an actual physical bridge-like structure. This structure comprises of two crowns on the teeth present on both sides of the gap (known as abutment teeth), which hold the artificial teeth, known as pontics, in between.
Generally speaking, a dental bridge in Pakenham is considered ideal in situations where:
- The adjoining teeth are missing.
- There are already problems with the adjacent teeth, and hence, crowns are required anyway.
- A dental implant is not a suitable option due to some health issues or personal choice.
- An alternative solution, such as a partial denture, is not desired.
There are various designs available for bridges, and your dentist can suggest the most appropriate one depending on the number of missing teeth, the condition of the surrounding teeth, and occlusion.
Dental Crown vs Bridge: The Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Dental Crown | Dental Bridge |
| Purpose | Restore a damaged existing tooth | Replace one or more missing teeth |
| Tooth present? | Yes — tooth root still in jaw | No – tooth has been lost |
| Number of teeth involved | Usually one tooth | Three or more units (2 crowns + pontic/s) |
| Bone preservation | Root remains, bone preserved | Gap causes gradual bone loss over time |
| Typical lifespan | 10–20 years with good care | 10–15 years with good care |
| Special hygiene required? | Standard brushing and flossing | Requires flossing under the bridge (floss threaders or water flosser) |
| Cost (approximate, AU) | From $1,100–$2,000 per tooth | From $1,800–$5,000 for a three-unit bridge |
When Would a Dentist Choose a Crown Over a Bridge?
The critical issue is whether the tooth remains. Should the natural tooth or, at the very least, the tooth’s root remain intact, the crown will most likely be the initial recommendation since it gives your dentist the opportunity to use what you have left. Leaving your natural root in the bone eliminates the inevitable bone loss associated with the absence of your natural tooth and the alteration of other teeth.
The crown is also the go-to restoration for a tooth after undergoing root canal treatment in Pakenham. After removing the tooth’s nerve and sealing the tooth, the tooth becomes highly susceptible to cracking since it has now become much weaker.
When Would a Dentist Choose a Bridge Over a Crown?
In cases where a tooth is completely missing due to extraction, damage, or extreme decay, bridges emerge as one of the major tooth replacement alternatives. While a crown relies on a natural tooth for attachment, a bridge depends on the teeth adjacent to the space left by the missing tooth.
A tooth bridge in Pakenham proves to be effective in cases where the adjacent teeth have already been restored with crowns or fillings, since they have to be altered anyway to act as anchors. In addition, a bridge takes less time to install compared to implants, with no surgery involved.
However, the only downside of a tooth bridge in Pakenham is that the adjacent teeth have to be permanently altered to receive the support crowns.
What About Dental Implants?
As a replacement for a missing tooth, dental implants have become the most popular choice since they not only replace the visible part but also the root. This means that no damage is done to the jawbone and other teeth around it. On the flip side, getting dental implants requires a surgery process as well as more time in treatment, which means it cannot be performed on everyone.
Your dentist at Pakenham Shine Dental will consider all three alternatives, i.e., crowns, bridges, and implants, based on your personal experience to help you make an informed decision regarding your dental treatment.
How Long Does Dental Crown vs Bridge Treatment Take?
Crown and bridge work can normally be done during two visits to our clinic in Pakenham:
First Visit: The tooth/teeth are shaped, an impression or scan made, and a provisional crown or bridge placed. The restoration will be made, and this process can take up to two weeks.
Second Visit: The provisional restoration will be removed, and the permanent crown or bridge will be checked for fit and shade and then bonded in place.
There are some clinics where same-day crowns can be done using milling machines that are available in-house. You can discuss this with our Pakenham staff to see if this procedure is available for you.
Caring for Your Crown or Bridge:
- Both these dental restorations are very strong and are expected to serve for several years. However, it does not mean that they are eternal. In order to preserve the restoration:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss your teeth each day — in case of the bridge restoration, special equipment is needed for cleaning between the teeth, where there is a pontic and food debris accumulates
- Do not bite and tear anything with your teeth, especially ice cubes
- If you experience bruxism, a night mouth guard should be worn, as this process contributes to the early destruction of crowns and bridges
- Visit us regularly at Pakenham Shine Dental every six months
| Thinking about getting a dental crown vs bridge services in Pakenham? Our team at Pakenham Shine Dental will analyze your needs and advise accordingly. Come visit us at Hunt Way, Pakenham, or simply book an appointment at pakenhamshinedental.au |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the primary difference between a crown and a bridge?
A crown is a restoration applied to a damaged tooth that is present in the mouth. In contrast, a bridge fills the gap left by a completely missing tooth using the presence of two anchoring crowns on either side of the gap to fill in the missing tooth. The difference lies in the presence of the natural tooth root.
Q2: Which is more expensive – a crown or a bridge?
The average cost of a dental crown in Australia ranges from $1,100-$2,000. For a three-tooth bridge, the cost may range from $1,800 to $5,000. Consultation with a dentist will allow you to receive a personal quote for your particular situation.
Q3:How long does a dental crown or bridge last?
Dental crowns with proper oral hygiene should last 10-20 years. Bridges usually last 10-15 years. Proper hygiene and professional maintenance may increase their lifespan, while misuse and traumatic impact may shorten it significantly.
Q4: Can I expect my crown or bridge to be natural looking?
Yes. Today’s porcelain and zirconia crowns and bridges can be custom-fitted to precisely match the natural color and transparency of your surrounding natural teeth. In the vast majority of cases, most friends and family will not be able to distinguish between a properly done crown and your natural teeth.
Q5:Do I require a crown or a bridge following a root canal?
In the majority of cases, a crown is advised after root canal therapy is completed. After the root canal process is done, you remove the nerve and blood supply from the tooth, leaving it susceptible to fracture due to its brittle nature.
