Did you know that, on average, adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have only 24 teeth rather than a full set of 32?
Tooth loss is a common problem, but luckily, there are many options when it comes to fixing the unattractive appearance of missing teeth. Some of these options include a dental bridge or a dental crown.
What is the difference between a dental crown vs. bridge? If you are missing teeth, how do you know which option might be best for you? If you’re asking yourself these questions, you’ve clicked on the right article to find your answers.
First, let’s take a closer look at what a dental bridge is and how it compares to dental crowns.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are ideal for those who have lost one or more teeth. You may have lost your teeth due to gum disease, tooth decay, or an injury, but whatever the case, a dental bridge can help you.
There are different types of dental bridges you should know about.
For example, if you need to replace several teeth, the bridge necessary for this would include several crowns or fake teeth stuck together. Your dentist would then attach these crowns to your nearby real teeth that will function as an anchor for your fake teeth. Your dentist will use a special cement to attach the bridge to your real teeth.
Dental bridges can be made out of various materials, including gold. However, most people prefer to choose bridges that are most similar to their real teeth. When choosing tooth-colored bridges, no one would ever be able to tell that you have fake teeth.
If you don’t have any real teeth available to anchor your bridge, your dentist may need to add a dental implant or two into your mouth to act as anchors instead. This kind of bridge is especially sturdy since the implants are drilled into your jawbone.
However, since this bridge is more invasive than a traditional bridge, the procedure will take much longer as you will need time to heal.
You may also be wondering about the dental bridge cost. The cost will mainly depend on how many teeth you need to replace as well as how complicated your unique procedure might be.
Traditional bridges usually cost no more than $5,000. On the other hand, bridges with implants can cost as much as $15,000.
So, how do dental crowns compare to dental bridges?
What Is a Dental Crown?
While a dental crown can be similar to a dental bridge, it is unique in many different ways. For example, a dental crown is not necessarily a fake tooth but rather a fake cap for your real tooth.
The big difference between crowns and bridges is that you still need to have a remaining tooth for a crown to be placed over the top of it.
For dental bridges, you only need adjacent teeth to act as anchors for the bridge. Dental crowns are best for those who have dead or damaged teeth and who do not want to have those teeth removed. Rather than covering several teeth at once, a crown is usually used for only one tooth at a time.
As with dental bridges, dental crowns may be made of various materials. However, they usually are made of porcelain or ceramic, which can best match the color of the rest of your teeth. Dental crowns are also very durable.
When you get a dental crown, your dentist will need to sand down your damaged tooth into a small nub. This is necessary because otherwise, the crown will not be able to fit over your tooth.
This part of the procedure involves the removal of much of your tooth’s enamel. To ensure that you don’t feel any pain, your dentist will give you an anesthetic.
Beyond improving your smile, a crown can also act as a protective barrier. For example, if your tooth is heavily decayed or otherwise vulnerable, a crown can protect it from further damage.
Crowns can last a long time if you take care of them, often as long as ten years or more. However, they can be quite expensive, and the dental crown cost can range more than $1,000 per tooth.
Which Is Right for You?
If you still don’t know whether a crown or a bridge might be right for you, try to consider the dental problems you’re dealing with. For example, do you have many missing teeth, or are you more concerned about damaged teeth? If you are missing a tooth or multiple teeth, a dental bridge may be the best option.
Dental bridges can replace several teeth at once. Even if you don’t have any nearby teeth to anchor the bridge to, your dentist can add implants to make the bridge possible.
However, if you only have a few damaged teeth, you may want to opt for a crown instead.
With crowns, you won’t need to worry about removing your teeth. Instead, your doctor will file down your damaged teeth to fit the crowns over the top. Crowns can also protect your teeth from more damage which can be especially beneficial if you have sensitive teeth.
The cost for both of them can depend on the extent of your dental problems. If you want to replace several teeth at once, a bridge may be more affordable.
What You Need to Know About Bridges and Crowns
If you were wondering what a dental bridge or crown was, you should now know everything about them. Both can be highly beneficial depending on what kind of dental problems you’re dealing with. Your dentist will tell you more, so don’t hesitate to book an appointment.
To learn more and get your dental bridge or crown, don’t hesitate to contact us here. Newbury Dental Group provides a variety of dental services to patients in Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, and neighboring areas in Southern California.