Crowns & Bridges

If you’re dealing with one or more missing teeth, your dental provider may suggest considering artificial replacements. Removable options like dentures offer convenience but may pose issues with stability. For a more secure and natural feel, dental professionals often recommend crowns affixed to dental implants or dental bridges. The decision between these fixed artificial tooth options hinges on various factors, and we’ll delve into the similarities, differences, advantages, and disadvantages to help you make an informed choice for a smile that looks and feels authentic.

Dental crowns serve to cap damaged or decaying teeth or can be mounted onto dental implants as replacements for missing teeth. Dental implants, securely attached to the jawbone below the gums, offer stable support through a process called osseointegration, where the bone fuses to the metal. The healing period for implants typically ranges from 6 to 12 weeks, after which a metal post (abutment) is inserted into the implant to support the crown.

On the other hand, dental bridges are exclusively designed to replace missing teeth. They consist of two crowns on either end and a bridge of replacement teeth situated in the gum area where tooth loss has occurred. The crowns at the bridge’s ends can either bond to existing teeth (which may require filing down for a proper fit) or attach to dental implants. Regardless of your choice between crown implants and bridges, opting for a replacement tooth is crucial for maintaining oral health, as untreated gaps can lead to teeth shifting, rotation, and potential issues such as gum disease and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.