Dental Crowns and Bridges

A broken or missing tooth can be a hassle in your everyday life, as it can affect how you eat, talk, or even smile. Luckily, you can always count on dental crowns and bridges to help restore appearance and functionality for the long term. Consider all available options if you have damaged teeth or a missing tooth. It’s crucial to know what may help you recover best. But, with numerous types of crowns and bridges in the market, how do you determine which one meets your needs? With this guide, you can learn about crowns and bridge types, the material used, their durability, and what is most important. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to assess and choose the most suitable crowns and bridges for your smile.

What are Dental Crowns and Bridges?

Dental crowns and bridges are designed to address problems such as a broken tooth, a decayed tooth, or a missing tooth. Both crowns and bridges are prosthetic devices that are fixed in place and adapted to the patient’s mouth. They are tailored to an individual’s dentition, thus considerably improving dental function and esthetics.

• Crowns: Most people know crowns as “caps” since they cover a damaged or weakened tooth, and they also encase the complete tooth. Crowns are often placed on teeth that have been severely damaged, such as cracked, broken, or decayed teeth, as they offer strength and protection. A crown restores a tooth’s original size, shape, and function, which helps the person chew food easily. A tooth that is heavily damaged requires a crown instead of a filling, as it offers more preservation.  

• Dental Bridges: A dental bridge is an option if you have one or more missing teeth. Their purpose is to “bridge” the gap of missing teeth. These replacements consist of one or more false teeth, known as pontics, which are anchored to neighboring healthy teeth or dental implants.  Understand that dental bridges can replace several consecutive teeth non-removably, allowing a person to smile without fear of embarrassment easily. Both crowns and bridges are made to fit the natural contours of teeth, size, and color so that the restoration looks natural.  

Types of Crown and Bridge Materials: What’s Right for You?

Choosing the correct material for a dental crown or bridge is the most challenging because everyone has different needs. The material affects the restoration’s strength, durability, and look. Below are the materials most frequently used for crowns and bridges:  

Porcelain  

• Best for: Front teeth  

• Pros: Its color and translucency allow porcelain to be naturally stain-resistant. Porcelain also provides a highly aesthetic look that seamlessly blends with your teeth.  

• Cons: While incredibly aesthetic, porcelain is more susceptible to damage when chewing. It also doesn’t last as long as other materials and can crack or chip easily, especially on back teeth.  

Metal Alloys (Gold, Silver, etc.)  

• Best for: Molars and premolars  

• Pros: Gold and other metal alloys stand out due to their incredible strength. They are durable, wear-resistant, and ideal for high-force molars and premolars. They also have exceptional biocompatibility, meaning allergies to these materials are rare.  

• Cons: The biggest drawback is the lack of aesthetic value to these crowns and bridges. Their metallic color makes them useless for front teeth.  

Acrylic  

• Best for: Temporary restorations  

• Pros: Because of its relative affordability, acrylic is frequently used for temporary crowns or bridges while waiting for a permanent solution.  

• Cons: Budget-friendly acrylic is not the most durable option and does not match the longevity of other materials.
• Nothing is too long-lasting, as they can break easily over time, so it’s generally not recommended for long-term use.  

Ceramic

• Best for: Patients seeking a balance between looks and durability.    

• Pros: Ceramic crowns and bridges are an outstanding substitute because of their natural appearance and ceramic’s strength, so they stand the test of time. They are less likely to wear down when compared to porcelain and are a solution for not just front teeth but back teeth, too.  
• Cons: Compared to acrylic or porcelain, ceramic restorations take longer to fabricate and are more expensive.  

 Zirconia

• Best for: Long-term restorations with aesthetic appeal    

• Pros: Zirconia has both strength and a natural-looking appearance, making it a robust and highly durable material. It’s fracture-resistant and tough against wear, making it one of the most durable materials for crowns and bridges. Also, zirconia is biocompatible, meaning it does not irritate the gums, giving it a great advantage.  
• Cons: It is often pricier than other materials, and while durable, it takes more time to manufacture than simpler materials like porcelain.  

How Long Do Crowns and Bridges Last?

When it comes to longevity, crowns and bridges are designed to last many years with proper care. On average, these restorations are expected to last between 5 and 15 years based on several factors. 

1. Material Quality: Restorative prosthetics made of zirconia and metallic alloys have the longest lifespan, with some metallic restorations lasting 20 years or more. On the other hand, wearing spindle and acrylic prosthetics demands earlier replacement due to damage from wear and tear. 
2. Oral hygiene: Good oral hygiene is paramount to extending the life expectancy of your crown or bridge. Routine brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash will help maintain the restorations in good working condition. Refraining from grinding your teeth or chewing complex objects goes a long way in slowing down premature damage. 
3. Dentist’s expertise: Every dentist brings their skill set and experience, which significantly affects the fit and function of the patient’s crown or bridge. Poorly placed restorations will most likely cause discomfort, irritation, and failure. Leaving adequate equipment unattended will result in restorations needing to be replaced much sooner than required. 

Crown vs. Bridge: Which One Do You Need? 

The decision between a crown and a bridge comes down to the nature of your dental issue. Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose:

• Choose a Crown: If your tooth is cracked, heavily filled, or weakened, and it’s still in place but needs extra protection, a crown is the best solution. Crowns will provide a strong, durable covering for your existing tooth and restore its function.
• Choose a Bridge: If you are missing one or more teeth and prefer a fixed, non-removable solution, a bridge is the right choice. Bridges fill the gap left by missing teeth and help restore your bite and smile, while being securely anchored to adjacent teeth or implants.

Final Thoughts: Which Is Right for You?

Both crowns and bridges offer reliable, long-lasting solutions for dental restoration, but the right choice depends on your unique dental situation. 

In case of a damaged tooth that needs protection, a crown can be used. A bridge can also be used if there is a gap due to missing teeth. Either way, the person’s smile and oral functional ability will improve remarkably.

The most effective way to determine your optimal treatment option is to speak with a qualified dentist about your preferences, needs, and oral health assessment.

Dr. Kevin Powers at Port Orange Family Dentistry is available for a consultation to discuss your unique needs, whether you’re looking to restore your smile with a crown or bridge. With the correct support and care, you will choose the most suitable dental restoration and smile wonderfully and functionally for decades. Book your appointment today and get your confident smile back.

FAQ: Dental crowns and bridges  

Q: What is the best material for a dental bridge?

A: The best material depends on where the bridge is placed and what you need. Porcelain fused to metal is strong and has a natural look. Zirconia is very tough and lasts a long time. All-ceramic bridges look great, especially for front teeth. Your dentist can help you choose what’s right for you.

Q: How strong is a dental bridge?

A: Dental bridges are strong enough to handle everyday chewing. Materials like zirconia and porcelain fused to metal are very durable. With good care, a bridge can last 10 to 15 years or more. Avoiding hard foods and grinding your teeth helps it last even longer.

Q: How much does a dental bridge cost in the US?

A: The cost of a dental bridge in the U.S. usually ranges from $2,500 to $5,000. If you need a pontic (false tooth) and crowns on the supporting teeth, it can add another $2,000 to $5,000. The final price depends on the type of bridge, materials used, and your dentist’s fees.