When a tooth is damaged, decayed beyond repair, or missing entirely, your dentist will typically discuss two of the most common restorative options available: a dental crown or a dental bridge. Both are well-established treatments that can restore function and appearance, but they work differently, suit different situations, and involve different considerations in terms of preparation, cost, and long-term care.
Understanding the difference between a crown and a bridge before your appointment helps you have a more informed conversation with your dentist and feel more confident about the direction of your treatment.
This post explains what crowns and bridges are, when each one is typically recommended, and what Ottawa patients should consider when weighing their options.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. The crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth above the gumline and is cemented permanently in place.
Crowns are used in a variety of situations. A tooth that has been severely decayed, cracked, or fractured may be protected and restored with a crown. A tooth that has had a root canal treatment is often covered with a crown to strengthen it and prevent further damage. Crowns are also used to cover dental implants and as the anchoring components of a dental bridge.
Crowns are made from several different materials including porcelain, zirconia, ceramic, and metal alloys. The material recommended for your crown will depend on the location of the tooth, how visible it is when you smile, and the forces it needs to withstand during chewing.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a restorative option used to replace one or more missing teeth. As the name suggests, it bridges the gap left by a missing tooth by anchoring an artificial tooth, called a pontic, to the teeth on either side of the space. Those anchoring teeth, called abutment teeth, are prepared by removing a portion of their enamel so that crowns can be placed over them to support the bridge.
A traditional dental bridge therefore involves three connected units: a crown on the tooth to the left of the gap, an artificial tooth in the middle, and a crown on the tooth to the right. The entire structure is cemented in place and functions as a fixed restoration.
Bridges can also be supported by dental implants rather than natural teeth in some situations, which avoids the need to alter adjacent healthy teeth. Your dentist can discuss whether an implant-supported bridge may be appropriate for your situation.
Crown vs Bridge: Key Differences
The most fundamental difference between a crown and a bridge is what they are designed to do. A crown restores a tooth that is still present but damaged or compromised. A bridge replaces a tooth that is no longer there.
This distinction shapes almost everything else about the two treatments, including which teeth are involved, how the procedure is performed, what the recovery involves, and what the long-term maintenance looks like.
When Is a Dental Crown Recommended?
A dental crown is typically recommended when a tooth is present but needs significant restoration or protection. Common situations where a crown may be recommended include:
- A tooth with a large cavity that cannot be adequately restored with a filling
- A cracked or fractured tooth that needs to be held together and protected
- A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment and needs to be strengthened
- A severely worn tooth due to grinding or acid erosion
- A tooth with an existing large filling that has failed or needs replacement
- A misshapen or discoloured tooth that a patient wants to improve cosmetically
The goal of a crown is to preserve the natural tooth root and supporting structures while restoring full function and appearance above the gumline.
When Is a Dental Bridge Recommended?
A dental bridge is typically recommended when a tooth is missing and the teeth on either side of the gap are healthy enough to serve as abutments. Common situations where a bridge may be considered include:
- One or more missing teeth in a row where adjacent teeth are suitable anchors
- A patient who is not a candidate for a dental implant due to insufficient bone density or other health factors
- A patient who prefers a fixed restoration over a removable partial denture
- A situation where implant treatment timelines or costs are not feasible
A bridge restores the appearance and function of the missing tooth and helps prevent the remaining teeth from shifting into the gap over time.
What Are the Advantages of a Dental Crown?
When a crown is the appropriate treatment, its advantages are clear. It preserves the natural tooth and root, which helps maintain the bone structure in that area of the jaw. A well-fitted crown restores full chewing function and can be virtually indistinguishable from a natural tooth in terms of appearance.
Crowns are durable and, with proper care, can last for many years before needing replacement. They do not require alteration of adjacent teeth, since only the treated tooth is involved.
What Are the Advantages of a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth with a fixed restoration that does not need to be removed for cleaning. It can be completed in fewer appointments than an implant and does not require surgery. For patients who are not candidates for implants or who prefer a non-surgical option, a bridge provides a reliable and functional solution.
A bridge also restores the appearance of a complete smile and helps distribute biting forces more evenly across the teeth.
What Are the Considerations for Each Option?
Every treatment has tradeoffs, and both crowns and bridges are worth understanding fully before proceeding.
With a dental crown, the main consideration is that the tooth being crowned requires preparation, meaning a portion of its natural structure is removed to accommodate the crown. This is a permanent alteration. If the crown ever needs to be replaced, the tooth will always require a crown going forward.
With a dental bridge, the primary consideration is that the abutment teeth on either side of the gap must be permanently altered even if they are otherwise healthy. This is a significant factor in the treatment decision. Additionally, because the bridge sits over the gumline rather than replacing the tooth root, the bone beneath the missing tooth can gradually diminish over time, which does not happen with a dental implant.
Bridges also require careful cleaning technique, particularly under the pontic, using floss threaders or interdental brushes to keep the area beneath the bridge free of plaque buildup.
How Do Crowns and Bridges Compare to Dental Implants?
For patients with missing teeth, dental implants are often considered the gold standard restorative option because they replace the tooth root as well as the visible crown. An implant does not require alteration of adjacent teeth and helps preserve the jawbone in the area of the missing tooth.
However, implants involve surgery, a longer treatment timeline, and a higher upfront cost. They are also not suitable for every patient. A bridge may be a more appropriate option depending on a patient’s bone density, overall health, timeline, and financial situation.
The right choice depends entirely on your individual circumstances, and a thorough discussion with your dentist is the best way to determine which option makes the most sense for your teeth, your health, and your goals.
What to Expect During Treatment
For a dental crown, treatment typically involves two appointments. At the first appointment, the tooth is prepared, impressions or digital scans are taken, and a temporary crown is placed. At the second appointment, the permanent crown is fitted and cemented.
For a dental bridge, the process is similar. The abutment teeth are prepared at the first appointment, impressions are taken, and temporary restorations are placed. The permanent bridge is fitted and cemented at the second appointment.
In both cases, some sensitivity in the treated area is normal for a short period after the procedure. Your dentist will give you specific aftercare guidance based on your treatment.
How Long Do Crowns and Bridges Last?
With proper care, dental crowns and bridges can last for many years. The lifespan of either restoration depends on the materials used, the quality of the fit, your oral hygiene habits, and whether you grind your teeth or place excessive force on the restoration.
Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to monitor the condition of existing crowns and bridges and identify any concerns early before they require more involved treatment.
FAQ
What is the difference between a dental crown and a dental bridge?
A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth that is still present. A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth by anchoring an artificial tooth to the teeth on either side of the gap. A crown restores an existing tooth while a bridge fills a space where a tooth is gone.
When would a dentist recommend a crown instead of a bridge?
A crown is recommended when a tooth is still present but needs significant restoration or protection, such as after root canal treatment, severe decay, or a significant crack. A bridge is recommended when a tooth is missing and the adjacent teeth are suitable to support the restoration.
Does getting a bridge mean altering healthy teeth?
In a traditional bridge supported by natural teeth, yes. The teeth on either side of the gap need to be prepared by removing some enamel to accommodate the crowns that anchor the bridge. This is a permanent alteration, even if those teeth are otherwise healthy. An implant-supported bridge avoids this by using implants rather than natural teeth as anchors.
How long do dental crowns and bridges last?
With proper care and regular dental visits, crowns and bridges can last for many years. The exact lifespan depends on the materials used, oral hygiene habits, and whether habits such as grinding or clenching place additional stress on the restoration.
Are crowns and bridges covered by insurance?
Some dental insurance plans include coverage for crowns and bridges as major restorative procedures, often at a percentage of the cost. The Canadian Dental Care Plan may cover certain restorative treatments depending on your eligibility tier. Checking your specific plan details will give you the most accurate picture of your coverage.
Is a dental implant better than a bridge for a missing tooth?
For many patients, a dental implant is considered the preferred long-term option for replacing a missing tooth because it replaces the root, preserves the bone, and does not require altering adjacent teeth. However, implants involve surgery and a longer timeline, and are not suitable for every patient. Your dentist can help you weigh the options based on your specific situation.
How do I clean under a dental bridge?
Cleaning under a dental bridge requires getting beneath the pontic, the artificial tooth, to remove plaque from the gumline. Floss threaders, interdental brushes, or a water flosser can all be used to clean this area effectively. Your dental hygienist can demonstrate the best technique for your specific bridge.
Can a cracked tooth always be saved with a crown?
In many cases, yes. A crown can protect and restore a cracked tooth if the crack has not extended into the root or compromised the structure of the tooth beyond repair. Whether a crown is appropriate depends on the severity and location of the crack, which your dentist will assess during an examination.
If you have a damaged tooth or a gap in your smile and are wondering whether a crown or bridge is the right solution, Florence Dentistry can help. Contact our downtown Ottawa dental clinic to book an assessment and discuss your restorative options.
