Key Takeaways
- Dental bridges and dental crowns are both restorative dental solutions, but they serve different purposes: crowns restore damaged teeth, while bridges replace missing teeth.
- A dental bridge is designed to fill one or more gaps by anchoring artificial teeth to neighboring healthy teeth for support.
- A dental crown, or cap, is placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its strength, shape, and function without removing it.
- Treatment for both options involves tooth preparation, impressions or scans, temporary restorations, and final placement with a custom-fitted design.
- Dental bridges typically last 5–15 years and cost more on average than crowns, which usually last 10–15 years depending on materials and oral care habits.
Many individuals will need restorative dental care at some point in their lives, and if you are at this point, you may be starting to research two of the most common permanent dental fixtures: dental bridges vs. dental crowns. Bridges and crowns are two restorative solutions to protect your smile, but they serve different purposes and there are some key differences between the two. If you are looking for help with restorative dental care or need to set yourself up for success with a regular dental cleaning, look no further than the team at Dental Brothers. Get started with an appointment today.
Dental Bridge vs. Crown: What Is the Difference?
Damaged or missing teeth should never be left exposed, as they can cause further damage and infections. If you require a root canal or restorative dentistry in Mesa, you might need a dental solution to protect your exposed teeth and gums, and both crowns and bridges are restorative solutions that have long lifespans to protect your smile for years to come. The main difference between a dental bridge and a dental crown is what they are used for: a dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth, while a dental crown is used to protect and restore a damaged tooth without the need for extraction.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a dental solution that is used to fill in a missing space created by one or more lost teeth. A bridge is generally made up of one or more false teeth with one crown on each end of the bridge, which will be placed over existing support teeth on either end of the gap in your smile. These healthy teeth will function as anchors to hold the bridge in place.
What Are Dental Bridges Best For?
A dental bridge will be used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring the equipment to existing teeth.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown, sometimes referred to as a dental cap, is used to restore damaged teeth without removing or implanting any teeth. If a tooth is damaged due to decay, infection, or root damage, a crown can be placed over existing damage and cemented in place to prevent further damage and to protect the natural tooth.
What Are Dental Crowns Best For?
A dental crown is best for covering and restoring a damaged tooth without extraction.
Dental Bridge vs. Dental Crown: Procedure
Dental Bridge Procedure
The placement for a dental bridge depends on the type of bridge that is being placed, but in general, you can expect to begin with an evaluation where your dentist will take x-rays and discuss materials and options. Once you are aligned on the materials and type of bridge, your dentist in Mesa will schedule an appointment to place a temporary bridge. In this appointment, your abutment teeth will be prepared for crown placement, which includes gently shaping and removing enamel so the cap can be placed. A mold or scan will be taken of the area so a custom bridge can be crafted, and in the meantime, a temporary bridge will be placed. Once the custom bridge is prepared, your dentist will place it, check the fit and bite, and permanently cement it into place. Local anesthesia makes this a painless procedure, but patients may feel some sensitivity for a few days after the procedure.
Dental Crown Procedure
Before a dental crown is placed, a dentist will file or shave the damaged tooth to create enough space for a crown, or cap, to sit snugly on top of your tooth. In most cases, a dentist will then mold or scan your tooth so they can make a custom-fit crown, and they will place a temporary resin crown in place to protect the tooth while the custom crown is crafted. Once the crown is prepared, it will be fitted to your tooth and cemented into place. A crown placement is generally painless, as most dentists offer local anesthesia, but in the following days, gum soreness or tooth sensitivity can be expected.
Dental Bridge vs. Dental Crown: Cost
Average Dental Bridge Cost
On average, a dental bridge ranges in cost from $2,000 to $5,000. This range varies greatly depending on the materials used for the bridge, how many teeth the bridge is covering, the dental provider you choose, and the insurance coverage available.
Average Dental Crown Cost
On average, a dental crown typically ranges in cost from $800 to $2,500. Similar to dental bridges, these costs vary depending on the material chosen for the crown, the dental provider, and what insurance coverage you have.
Dental Bridge vs. Dental Crown: Lifespan
Average Dental Bridge Lifespan
An average dental bridge typically lasts between 5 and 15 years. This lifespan depends on oral hygiene, regular cleanings, and careful dental habits. Patients who take care of their mouth with regular preventative dental cleanings and excellent oral care habits may have a dental bridge lasting upwards of two decades.
Average Dental Crown Lifespan
A dental crown typically lasts for 10 to 15 years, though excellent oral hygiene and routine dental visits can extend this lifespan. This lifespan also depends on the material used for the dental crown, with gold and metal crowns lasting 20+ years, while ceramic and porcelain typically last between 10 and 15 years.
Dental Bridge vs. Crown FAQs
Is a Dental Bridge Better Than a Crown?
Dental crowns and dental bridges serve different purposes, so neither one is better than the other. A crown is the best option for patients looking to protect, strengthen, or restore a single damaged tooth. A bridge is the best option to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring false teeth to healthy, natural teeth on either side of the affected area.
Are Crowns and Bridges Covered by Insurance?
Dental insurance typically covers crowns and bridges as major restorative dental care. While dental insurance typically covers preventative care at 100%, for major restorative procedures, insurance may cover around 50% to 80% of the costs of a crown or bridge procedure. It is also important to note that insurance will only cover medically necessary procedures, like repairing decay or protecting a broken tooth, and not just a cosmetic procedure.
Are There Alternatives To Dental Bridges and Crowns?
There are a few viable alternatives to traditional dental bridges and crowns, depending on your dental situation. If you need to replace a single tooth or multiple teeth, dental implants are a great solution. For multiple gaps in the teeth, a removable partial denture can be a solution, as well as a resin-retained bridge. Both of these options are minimally invasive. To avoid a full crown, an inlay or veneer can be a great solution that also offers aesthetic appeal, as your teeth will blend seamlessly next to your natural teeth.