Crowns & Bridges
- Dental crowns and bridges are both frequently utilized restorations that can repair damage and tooth loss, respectively.
- While a crown can protect and strengthen a weak tooth, a bridge can replace multiple missing teeth in a row to restore form and full functionality.
- A dental bridge can either be secured using crowns attached to healthy nearby teeth, or using dental implants for increased security and jawbone integrity.
- Both a dental crown and bridge are custom-made to blend in harmoniously with the rest of your smile, making your restoration(s) indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
When you have damage or dysfunction in your smile, dental crowns and dental bridges are some of the most effective ways to restore the full integrity of your teeth and bite. These high-quality restorations are custom-made to blend harmoniously within your smile for a natural look and feel. If your tooth feels weak, decayed, or painful, Dr. Liana Stein — our talented Staten Island cosmetic dentist — and skilled dental team can evaluate your concerns and discuss how a dental crown or bridge may be able to help you reclaim the confident and fully functioning smile you deserve. These restorations are minimally invasive and can be placed within a timeframe of two convenient in-office appointments.
What’s the Difference Between a Dental Crown and a Dental Bridge?
A crown is a cover or “cap” placed atop a damaged tooth to restore functionality. In contrast, a bridge refers to multiple artificial teeth (similar to a partial denture) designed to replace several missing teeth in a row.
A dental crown and a dental bridge are also placed for entirely different reasons. While a crown is utilized to protect, reinforce, or strengthen a weak tooth, a dental bridge is only used to replace multiple consecutive teeth — thereby “bridging” the gap within your smile. That said, a crown and a bridge can also be used in complement with each other, particularly when replacing a section of missing teeth for patients who do not have the bone volume for dental implants.
How Can a Crown or Bridge Improve My Smile?
Dental crowns are more than just cosmetic dentistry solutions. Natural teeth weakened by decay or extremely large fillings may be at risk of breaking unless they’re strengthened with a crown. Dr. Stein may recommend a crown in a variety of situations, such as:
- To cover a strangely-shaped, damaged, or dark tooth
- To top a dental implant
- To protect a tooth after a root canal
Dental bridges are reserved for patients who have missing teeth or severely decayed teeth that need to be removed. Some of the benefits of opting for a dental bridge include:
- Enhances face shape
- Improves chewing ability
- Restores ability to speak
- Protects against further tooth damage
A missing tooth is not just an inconvenience — it can cause damage and bone recession to your jaw and surrounding teeth. Therefore, it’s important to make an appointment with our dentist as soon as possible if you’re living with a missing tooth.
Patient Results
Do I Need a Dental Crown or Bridge to Repair My Smile?
Determining whether you need a dental crown or bridge depends on the extent of tooth damage or tooth loss you are experiencing. A dental crown is typically recommended when a tooth is weakened, cracked, severely decayed, or has undergone root canal therapy. In these cases, the remaining tooth structure may not be strong enough to function on its own. A crown acts as a protective cap, restoring strength, shape, and appearance while preventing further damage.
A dental bridge, on the other hand, is commonly used to replace one or more missing teeth. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth can begin to shift, leading to bite misalignments, difficulty chewing, and changes in your facial structure over time. A bridge fills the gap by anchoring an artificial tooth (or teeth) to neighboring natural teeth or implants. This not only restores your smile but also helps maintain proper bite alignment and oral function.
In some situations, patients may have multiple treatment options available, including full mouth reconstruction utilizing both crowns and bridges. A comprehensive dental examination, including digital imaging and bite analysis, is essential to determining the most appropriate solution.
What Can I Expect From Treatment for a Dental Crown or Bridge?
Dental Crowns
Most of the time, a minimum of two visits are necessary for a dental crown procedure. During the first appointment, you’ll have x-rays taken so our team can assess the health of the tooth requiring treatment with the crown.
Next, Dr. Stein will administer anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues. The tooth is built up or filed down so the crown can fit snugly. Afterwards, she will take an impression of your teeth. The impression will then be sent to a dental lab and used to fabricate the crown. Dr. Stein will create a temporary crown to protect your tooth until the permanent crown can be placed.
Dental Bridges
It typically takes two visits to properly fit you for a dental bridge. During your first appointment, Dr. Stein will prepare your anchoring teeth, make impressions of your anchoring teeth, and send you home with a temporary bridge. When you return for your second visit, Dr. Stein will affix your dental bridge and make adjustments to ensure it fits correctly.
How Long Does a Dental Crown or Bridge Last?
Dental crowns and bridges are durable, long-term restorations designed to strengthen damaged enamel and replace missing teeth, respectively. On average, both crowns and bridges can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years and even longer, in many cases, with excellent oral hygiene and regular dental care. The longevity of each restoration depends on several factors, including:
- The materials used
- Your oral hygiene habits
- Bite forces and whether a patient is prone to teeth grinding or clenching
- Commitment to preventive care, including check-up exams, professional cleanings, wearing a mouthguard during contact sports, etc.
High-quality materials such as porcelain, ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or zirconia are engineered to withstand chewing forces while maintaining a natural appearance. However, just like natural teeth, crowns and bridges are not indestructible. Habits such as teeth grinding (bruxism) or using your teeth as tools can shorten their lifespan. Patients who grind their teeth at night may benefit from wearing a custom nightguard to protect their restorations.
Professional cleanings, exams, and digital imaging allow our team to monitor the integrity of your restoration(s) and detect early signs of wear, decay around the margins, or symptoms of gum disease that could compromise support. With attentive care, crowns and bridges can provide many years of reliable function, comfort, and aesthetic improvement.
“I was very pleased with the level of service and care provided by Dr Stein and her staff. I would highly recommend them for dental care.”