Knowing the Difference Between a Crown and a Bridge

Crowns and bridges are two of the most common dental restorations, with millions of Americans getting them each year. Though both repair or replace damaged or missing teeth, they serve different purposes, and understanding these distinctions can help you feel more informed and confident during your appointment.

At Advanced Dental Care of Riverdale in the Bronx, New York, Daniel Faiwiszewski, DMD, provides crowns and bridges using the latest technology. Our team focuses on patient comfort to ensure a welcoming, stress-free dental experience. Here, we explain how crowns and bridges differ and what to expect during treatment. 

What is a dental crown?

A crown is a cap made of porcelain, ceramic, or metal that covers a damaged or severely decaying tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, size, and appearance, improving oral health and making biting and chewing easier.

Dr. Faiwiszewski may recommend a crown if you need a root canal, have a cracked tooth or large cavity, or want to improve the appearance of a discolored tooth. He uses a patient-friendly approach, explaining each step of the procedure so you know exactly what’s happening.

What is a dental bridge?

A bridge is a prosthetic that replaces one or more missing teeth. It attaches to neighboring teeth or is supported by dental implants. It’s an affordable and effective way to restore your smile if you’ve lost one or more teeth due to extractions or trauma.

Losing a single tooth might not seem serious, but if you don’t replace it, the teeth on either side can move out of place. A space in your smile can also affect your chewing and biting abilities, as well as your speech, and can increase your risk of other oral health issues, like gum disease and bone loss.

A bridge fills that gap. Dr. Faiwiszewski works closely with the dental lab to create restorations that fit comfortably and last for years.

Key differences between a crown and a bridge

Now that you have a better understanding of crowns and bridges, let’s compare them side-by-side:

• One repairs and one replaces: A crown fixes a single tooth, while a bridge fills a gap where you have a missing tooth (or teeth)
• Structure: Crowns cover a single tooth; bridges usually attach to multiple teeth or to dental implants
• Both crowns and bridges are long-lasting: Most last 10 years or more with good oral hygiene

Whether you’re getting a crown or bridge, the process typically takes two separate visits. 

What to expect at our office

From the moment you walk into our practice, our friendly staff and welcoming receptionist work to help you feel at ease and reduce any anxiety. We prioritize cleanliness and use state-of-the-art equipment for all procedures.

After discussing your symptoms and completing an oral exam, Dr. Faiwiszewski walks you through your treatment options in detail, helping you make an informed decision without feeling rushed or confused.

If you’re a candidate for either type of restoration, he takes digital scans of your mouth and sends them to a trusted dental lab, where technicians create a custom crown or bridge that fits your mouth perfectly.

When your custom restoration is ready, you return to our office for your second visit, and Dr. Faiwiszewski places it, restoring your smile. With advanced tools and a caring team, getting a crown or bridge is simpler than you might think.

If you need a crown or bridge, contact Advanced Dental Care of Riverdale. Call our Bronx office at 718-549-6453 or use our online appointment scheduler. We look forward to transforming your smile!