Crowns and Bridges: What’s the Difference?

You usually hear about crowns and bridges in the same breath — but are they actually the same? The answer is both “yes” and “no,” as crowns are what make bridges. 

At Smile by Design Dental Group, Dr. Michael Choi draws upon more than 30 years of experience to provide expert dental care, including crowns and bridges, to restore and enhance smiles. We’re committed to comprehensive dentistry treatments using the most advanced technology in our Irvine, CA, office. We offer same-day crowns and bridges using the advanced CEREC system.

Crowns and bridges are closely related, but each has unique dentistry uses. If you have a damaged or missing tooth, you may wonder whether a crown or bridge is the right solution. We wrote this blog to help you decide whether you need one of these restorative treatments. 

What Is a Dental Crown?

Working as a protective cap, a crown covers a damaged, weakened, or decayed tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, size, and strength while improving its appearance. We may recommend crowns in situations such as: 

• Fillings: When the tooth can’t safely hold a large filling, a crown offers a safe solution. 
• After Root Canal: Teeth are weaker after removing the pulp in a root canal, but a crown can restore strength. 
• Cracks: Cracked teeth are vulnerable to decay, but a crown protects effectively. 
• Appearance Enhancement: Discolored or misshapen teeth can detract from appearance, but crowns create a natural, perfect-looking tooth. 
• Dental Implants: A dental implant is a metal post anchored in your jaw. A crown attaches to the implant to fully restore tooth function and appearance. 

Crowns may be porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a blend of materials. We use high quality ceramics in our state-of-the-art CEREC system.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges replace missing teeth. A typical dental bridge includes two crowns with an artificial tooth (pontic) between them. 

The crowns go atop your healthy teeth on either side of a gap (where you lost a tooth), and the pontic bridges the gap. Bridges can also attach to dental implants. 

Bridges help restore function, prevent shifting of surrounding teeth, and maintain the natural alignment of your bite. They also restore your appearance. 

Choosing a Restoration: Crown or Bridge?

A crown is ideal when a tooth is still intact but needs reinforcement, while a bridge is often the right option for missing teeth. Dr. Choi and our team assess oral health and recommend the best one for long-term functionality and aesthetics. 

Crowns and Bridges in Irvine, CA

Need a crown or bridge? Smile by Design Dental Group is here to guide you. Call 949-786-2820 to schedule your consultation in our Irvine office.