Sacramento area dentist offers restorations such as dental crowns and bridges
Drs. Ricardo Andrade and Denisse Montalvo provide dental crowns and bridges to help patients who need to repair one or more teeth in their smile. Whether a patient has experienced permanent tooth loss or damage to a natural tooth from trauma or decay, these restorations are commonly used to help restore the smile’s appearance and functionality. Let’s look at these two restorations and how they are both different and similar.
What is a dental crown?
Our team describes the dental crown as a custom-made cap created to fit over the damaged or decayed tooth. The crown covers the visible portions of the tooth, providing strength and protection while also improving the overall appearance of the tooth. It is typically used to help restore teeth that have been weakened by large fillings, root canal treatments, or cracks. Crowns can also cover discolored or misshapen teeth, improving the aesthetics of a patient’s smile.
What is a dental bridge?
A dental bridge is used to replace one or several extracted or missing teeth. It consists of two or more crowns on either side of the gap and a false tooth in between, known as a pontic. The crowns adhere to the adjacent healthy teeth to support the pontic, creating a “bridge” over the gap. Bridges are made from different materials, including porcelain, metal, or a combination of both.
How are they similar?
Both dental crowns and bridges are custom-made in a dental laboratory to fit each patient’s specific needs. They are also both designed to match the natural and unique color and shape of the surrounding teeth, allowing them to be virtually indistinguishable from the rest of the teeth. Additionally, both restorations are long-lasting and can significantly improve a patient’s ability to speak, eat, and smile with confidence.
How are crowns and bridges different?
The main difference between dental bridges and dental crowns is their purpose. Dental crowns restore decayed or damaged teeth, while dental bridges replace missing teeth. Crowns also cover the entire tooth, while bridges only cover a portion of the tooth.
Another difference is the procedure for each restoration. Dental crowns typically require two appointments, while dental bridges may require three or more appointments depending on the complexity of the case.
Which one do I need for my smile?
When you consult with our dental professionals at Dynamic Dental, you will learn about the treatment options available to you and get the assistance you need in choosing the one most appropriate for your specific situation. If you are in need of a crown or bridge and live in or around the area of Sacramento, California, we invite you to book an appointment with our team to discuss your dental health concerns. Call (916) 256-2500 to request a visit to 3336 Bradshaw Road, Suite #220.
A bridge is a non-surgical way to replace one or many teeth. A bridge uses the adjacent teeth as anchors to support the missing tooth or teeth. With today’s dental advancements, a bridge can be fabricated in a fairly short period of time, using a metal or nonmetal foundation. Don’t let that missing tooth affect the way you speak, eat, and smile. Bridges yield immediate results that last a lifetime. Ask your dentist what type of bridge may be right for you.