Dental bridges and crowns are two of the leading options for people looking for a solution for missing teeth. They are both prosthetic devices that can restore your smile and protect your oral health. Cottage Grove Dental Care provides crowns and bridges Marion for many dental health problems. Find out the pros and cons of each option and how to make the right choice to reclaim your smile.

What is a dental bridge?

A dental bridge is a prosthetic for addressing a missing tooth. It takes advantage of the surrounding teeth to anchor an artificial crown. The artificial tooth sits in the middle of the two crowns that support the prosthetic.

Unlike implants, it does not require extensive drilling of the gums to anchor the tooth. The prosthetic requires the preparation of the adjacent teeth. Once the teeth are ready, they work the same as artificial teeth.

The two principal alternatives for bridges are dental implants and partial dentures. There are different types of bridges to address up to three missing teeth in a row. They help prevent teeth misalignments since teeth can move if the gap left by a missing tooth remains open.

While a dental bridge can be a great solution for missing teeth, they have several disadvantages. They require the surrounding teeth to be healthy. Tooth decay on the adjacent teeth can weaken the support for the prosthetic.

Aftercare is essential for maintaining the prosthetic and ensuring its durability.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-like cap that covers the tooth. They are made from materials such as composite resin, zirconia, metal, and porcelain. The materials are designed to mimic the look of your natural teeth.

Crowns can be used to enhance the appearance of your teeth and smile. They are also invaluable for protecting the tooth from fractures or infections.

A fractured tooth can easily succumb to infections if the pulp is exposed. A crown shields the tooth from breaking and microbial infections.

The durability of most crowns will depend on the material used. Porcelain is one of the long-lasting materials used in dentistry. However, composite resin crowns could be a more cost-effective alternative to metal or porcelain.

Which one is the right choice?

Both crowns and bridges are dental prosthetics, but they perform unique functions. Crowns protect a fractured tooth but cannot replace a missing tooth.

Bridges can cover the gap left by a missing tooth. However, they require the surrounding teeth to be healthy and stable. Unlike crowns, they can prevent the teeth from shifting out of position, which causes teeth misalignments.

Your provider can help you choose the ideal option to address your oral health issues. The prosthetics are fabricated in the lab to match the shape and contours of your teeth and gums. A customized process is essential for ensuring the best outcomes after the treatment.

To learn more about the dental options, contact Cottage Grove Dental Care to schedule an appointment today.