Dental Bridges vs. Dental Crowns
Dental bridges and dental crowns are both restorative dentistry treatments, but they serve different purposes. A bridge — whether supported by implants or fixed into place with surrounding healthy teeth — is used to replace consecutive missing teeth by literally “bridging” the gap. This custom restoration typically consists of one or more artificial teeth (pontics) anchored into place by crowns attached to neighboring natural teeth, or implants. In contrast, a dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth to restore its strength, shape, and appearance. It’s placed directly over an existing tooth or a dental implant, acting as protection while maintaining normal function.
While crowns focus on reinforcing and protecting a single tooth, bridges are designed to restore both function and aesthetics when teeth are missing. In short, crowns repair and strengthen individual teeth, while bridges replace missing teeth by relying on surrounding teeth or implants for support.
What Benefits Do Dental Bridges Offer?
Bridges can replace several missing teeth at a time without a surgical procedure, avoiding the need for anesthesia or major invasiveness. Rather than the bridge being anchored into the gumline, the restoration is secured to healthy adjacent teeth using dental crowns. Additionally, dental bridges do not require jawbone support to ensure a stable result. This makes bridges an excellent option for patients who may not have enough bone density for an implant. With a dental bridge, those with missing teeth can attain:
- A fully functional bite
- Clearer speech
- A new, beautiful smile
Another option for patients involves implant-supported bridges, which can provide a more secure tooth replacement that looks and feels more natural than bridges attached with crowns. When supported by implants, bridges can also regenerate new bone growth. Dr. Libby can help identify the best restoration for you based on a discussion of your needs and goals.
Is a Dental Bridge Right for Me?
Dental bridges are most successful for patients who are looking for a less invasive option to replace one or more missing teeth, or who do not have enough jawbone support to accommodate a dental implant. If you have several missing teeth in a row, bridges can restore lost form and function — whether anchored by dental crowns or implants. Dental bridges can be placed as a standalone restorative treatment or as part of a full mouth rehabilitation plan, which combines several treatments into one dental plan. It all depends on your needs and overall hopes for your smile. Our team is happy to provide personalized care for each patient, no matter the extent of their dental concerns.
How is Treatment with Dental Bridges Performed?
After a consultation confirms that dental bridges are the best solution to replace your missing teeth, Dr. Libby will prepare your adjacent healthy teeth for dental crown placement. Once your permanent restorations are created, your bridge will be placed to fill the gap left behind by your missing teeth and anchored via dental crowns. There may be an acclimation period while you become accustomed to wearing your dental bridge, but this is temporary and your restoration should soon look and feel like your natural teeth.
How Much Does a Dental Bridge Cost?
A dental bridge generally costs between $700 and $1,500 per tooth on average, but the overall price is personalized according to the details of each person’s treatment plan, such as:
- The number of missing teeth
- The location of your missing teeth
- The type of dental bridge created
Our office accepts dental financing from qualified patients via CareCredit®, which provides accepted applicants with a range of payment plans designed to accommodate their budgetary concerns. Please don’t hesitate to call our practice to learn more about our accepted payment methods.
Are There Any Dental Bridge Alternatives?
Although dental bridges can be a great way to replace sections of missing teeth without surgery, many dentists recommend dental implants to serve as a more long-term tooth replacement. Dental implants are often considered a modern alternative to dental bridges because they replace missing teeth without relying on neighboring teeth for support. Unlike a bridge, which requires crowns to be placed on the adjacent teeth to hold the restoration in place, a dental implant is surgically affixed directly within the jawbone, acting as an artificial tooth root. As a result, implants can prevent bone resorption and help strengthen the jaw structure. That said, dental implants are only recommended when patients have the necessary bone volume and oral health to accommodate implant surgery.
Once an implant is healed, it is topped with a custom crown that looks and functions just like a natural tooth. This approach preserves the health and structure of the surrounding teeth, as they don’t need to be altered or covered as they would with a bridge. While both bridges and implants restore chewing function and appearance, implants provide a longer-lasting, more independent solution for tooth replacement.
Dr. Libby and our dental team are committed to giving you a bright, healthy smile by restoring the lost form and function resulting from missing teeth. Contact Libby Dental today to schedule a consultation with our doctors at our convenient Mission Valley-area office!
