Cosmetic DentistryCrowns and Bridges

A dental crown is a restoration that covers the entire visible part of a tooth, while a dental bridge replaces one or more missing teeth. Crowns are used to restore weakened or damaged teeth, while bridges use adjacent teeth or implants as abutments to support the replacement teeth.

Dental Crowns:

• Purpose: Crowns are essentially “caps” that cover and protect teeth. 
• Uses:
  • To restore the shape, size, and strength of a tooth that is damaged or weakened. 
  • To protect a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment. 
  • To improve the appearance of a tooth that is discolored or misshapen. 
• Materials: Crowns can be made from various materials, including zirconia, porcelain, ceramic, and gold.

Dental Bridges:

• Purpose: Bridges replace missing teeth by using the natural teeth (or implants) on either side of the gap as anchors. 
• Uses:
  • To replace one or more missing teeth. 
  • To restore chewing function and improve speech. 
  • To prevent shifting of adjacent teeth. 
• Components:
  • Pontic: The artificial tooth that replaces the missing tooth. 
  • Abutments: The natural teeth or implants that are prepared to support the bridge. 
• Types:
  • Traditional Bridge: Most common type, uses crowns on both abutment teeth.
  • Implant-Supported Bridge: Uses dental implants as abutments. 

In essence, crowns restore individual teeth, while bridges replace missing teeth.