You’ve heard the phrases and technical terms, but you may be asking yourself, “What are the differences between getting a crown done and getting a bridge done when coming into your local dental office?”
What Do Crowns And Bridges Do?
Let’s start with the similarities. They're both meant to provide more functionality to the mouth. If you're missing a tooth, you can replace it with a bridge. This would basically be one crown on either side of the empty space. In other words, there would be three, four, or five teeth connected together, the missing teeth would be replaced and they would be anchored on either side.
As mentioned above, crowns and bridges are meant to restore function. If you have a tooth that has a lot more filling material and actual structure, that's when a crown is recommended. Additionally, we recommend crowns if you've had a root canal done on a back tooth. There is really good evidence that shows that a tooth without a crown will break.
The Differences
Coming in for a crown is very similar to your filling appointment. Sometimes anesthetic is used. We take an impression of the tooth, and the lab makes the crown, and we deliver it to you after a couple of weeks. We will then cement the crown in with a bond.
Getting a bridge follows the same process, but instead of getting one tooth prepped for a crown, you would have two or more teeth that would be prepared for the crown and then the bridge would be connected those crowns.
While your crowns and bridge is being fabricated in the office or while the order is being sent to the lab, a temporary crown would be placed so that you would not have to walk around with an exposed tooth or have a weak point in your tooth.