Breaking a tooth or losing one altogether can feel like a big problem. It affects how you eat, talk, and even how you feel when you smile.
Luckily, modern dentistry gives us reliable ways to fix damaged or missing teeth. Two of the most common treatments are crowns and bridges.
But how do you know which one is right for you? In some situations, a dental crown makes more sense. In others, a bridge is the better fix. If you’re in West Ryde and facing this choice, understanding the difference can help you feel confident about what comes next.
This guide will explain how crowns and bridges work, and most importantly, when it’s better to choose one over the other.
Understanding the Basics
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is like a cap that covers a tooth. It’s made to look and feel like a natural tooth. Crowns are often used when a tooth is broken, worn down, or has a large filling. They are also placed after a root canal to protect the tooth from breaking.
Crowns can be made of several materials: ceramic, porcelain, metal, or a combination. Ceramic and porcelain crowns match your natural tooth colour, so they’re popular for front teeth. Metal ones, like gold or silver, are usually stronger and are often used on back teeth where the pressure from chewing is higher.
Crowns don’t replace teeth. They protect what’s left of the tooth and make it stronger and better-looking.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth. It does this by “bridging” the gap with artificial teeth. These replacement teeth are supported by crowns placed on the neighbouring teeth, or sometimes by dental implants.
For example, if you’re missing a tooth and still have healthy teeth on each side of the gap, your dentist can create a bridge by placing crowns on those healthy teeth. The artificial tooth (called a pontic) fills the space between.
Bridges are a great solution when you’re missing a tooth and don’t want or can’t get a dental implant.
When a Crown Is the Better Option
You Still Have a Healthy Tooth Root
One of the biggest reasons to choose a crown is when your tooth is still there and the root is strong. If a tooth is chipped, cracked, or worn down but still attached firmly to your jaw, your dentist can shape it and place a crown over it.
This saves your natural tooth and avoids removing it completely. Crowns are common after root canal treatment, where the inside of the tooth is cleaned out but the outer structure remains.
A crown keeps the tooth safe from further damage and restores your ability to chew without pain. At a dental clinic in West Ryde, patients often choose crowns for this reason, they’re a reliable way to protect natural teeth and avoid extractions.
You Want to Protect a Weak Tooth
If your tooth has a large filling or has had a lot of dental work, it may be too weak to last on its own. A crown can prevent it from cracking or breaking further.
Crowns are also helpful for teeth with deep cracks. In many cases, a cracked tooth can still be saved if it’s protected early enough. Waiting too long might mean the tooth can’t be saved and would need to be removed.
Less Invasive for Nearby Teeth
Choosing a crown is also less aggressive for surrounding teeth. When getting a bridge, the dentist has to shape the teeth on both sides of the missing tooth so they can hold crowns. If those neighbouring teeth are healthy, you’re cutting into strong teeth that didn’t need fixing.
With a crown, you only work on the problem tooth, leaving the rest untouched.
More Affordable for a Single Tooth Repair
Crowns are usually cheaper than bridges, especially when only one tooth is affected. There’s less work involved and fewer materials are used. If your tooth can be saved and protected with a crown, it often means fewer appointments, less healing time, and lower cost.
When a Bridge Might Be the Better Option
One or More Teeth Are Completely Missing
Crowns can’t help if a tooth is fully gone. If the root is missing or too damaged to support a crown, then a bridge is a better choice. A bridge fills in the gap by attaching to the teeth on either side.
It restores your ability to chew and stops other teeth from shifting into the empty space. Gaps can lead to bite problems, jaw pain, and even speech issues if left untreated.
The Teeth Next to the Gap Already Need Crowns
Sometimes, the teeth next to the missing one are also worn down or filled. In this case, reshaping them for a bridge makes sense because they would benefit from crowns anyway.
The bridge strengthens them while also solving the issue of the missing tooth.
You’re Not a Candidate for Implants
Dental implants are another option for missing teeth, but not everyone can get them. Some people don’t have enough bone to hold an implant or may not want surgery. In those cases, a bridge offers a strong, non-surgical way to replace teeth.
Real-Life Scenarios from West Ryde
Case 1: Restoring a Damaged Tooth with a Crown
A patient came into a local dental clinic after biting down hard on a popcorn kernel. Their back tooth cracked, and they couldn’t chew on that side without pain. The root was still healthy, so the dentist recommended a crown.
After two appointments, the crown was placed. The patient was able to eat normally again and said the crown felt just like a natural tooth.
Case 2: Filling a Missing Tooth with a Bridge
Another patient in West Ryde had lost a front tooth in a cycling accident. They didn’t want an implant and were embarrassed about the gap. The teeth on both sides already had fillings, so a bridge was the perfect fix.
By placing dental crowns on those two teeth, the dentist was able to hold an artificial tooth in the middle. The patient’s smile looked complete again, and they said they felt more confident during conversations and in photos.
How Long Do They Last?
Lifespan of Crowns
Dental crowns can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, sometimes even longer. The key is proper care, brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly.
If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist may give you a mouthguard to protect your dental crowns in West Ryde from wear.
Lifespan of Bridges
Bridges typically last about 7 to 15 years. Like crowns, their lifespan depends on your dental hygiene and regular checkups. It’s important to keep the area around the bridge clean to avoid gum disease or decay in the supporting teeth.
What Should You Ask Your Dentist?
When making your decision, talk to your dentist and ask questions like:
- Is my tooth root healthy enough to support a crown?
- Are the teeth next to the missing one strong and healthy?
- What would happen if I don’t treat this tooth or gap soon?
- How long will each treatment take?
- What will each option cost?
The team at Dental and Facial Clinic West Ryde takes the time to answer each of these questions clearly. Whether you need a crown or a bridge, they guide you step by step and help you feel comfortable with your decision.
How Do You Care for Crowns and Bridges?
No matter which option you choose, keeping your mouth clean is essential. Crowns and bridges don’t get cavities, but the teeth underneath and around them still can.
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. If you have a bridge, your dentist might recommend a floss threader to clean under the artificial tooth. Avoid chewing on hard items like ice or pens that could damage the dental work.
And always go to your checkups, even if everything feels fine. Small problems can be caught early before they turn into big ones.
Conclusion
Choosing between a crown and a bridge isn’t always easy, but knowing what each does can help.
A dental crown is used when your natural tooth is still present but needs extra support. If the tooth is cracked, worn down, or has had a root canal, a crown can cover and protect it. It restores the tooth’s shape and helps you chew comfortably again.
On the other hand, a bridge is a smart option if you’ve lost a tooth and need to close the gap. A bridge uses the nearby teeth as anchors, which is especially helpful if those teeth already need crowns.
Both options offer long-lasting solutions, but the best choice depends on your specific dental needs.
If you’re feeling unsure, visit a Dental and Facial Clinic in West Ryde, where a professional team can examine your teeth and guide you toward the right treatment. A healthy, confident smile is always worth it.
Sources:
- https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/crowns
- https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/bridges
- https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay/more-info
- https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/bridges-and-crowns/what-are-dental-crowns-and-tooth-bridges
