If you have damaged or missing teeth, dental crowns and bridges can restore your smile and improve your oral health. These restorative treatments are effective solutions for repairing broken teeth, replacing missing teeth, and maintaining the functionality of your bite. But what is a dental crown and bridge?
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about these treatments, including their purpose, benefits, types, care tips, and cost to help you make an informed decision.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are typically recommended when a tooth has undergone a root canal, suffered a fracture, or has a large filling that weakens its structure.
Porcelain Crowns – Offer a natural appearance and are ideal for front teeth.
Metal Crowns – Made of gold or other metal alloys, they provide durability and are often used for molars.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns – Combine strength with aesthetics, making them a popular choice.
Zirconia Crowns – Extremely durable and aesthetically pleasing.
Learn more about dental crowns and their benefits.
A dental bridge is a prosthetic device used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to adjacent natural teeth or implants. Bridges restore the ability to chew, prevent teeth from shifting, and improve aesthetics.
Traditional Bridges – Supported by crowns on adjacent natural teeth.
Cantilever Bridges – Used when only one adjacent tooth is available for support.
Maryland Bridges – Bonded to the back of adjacent teeth, minimizing tooth alteration.
Implant-Supported Bridges – Attached to dental implants for greater stability.
Find out more about dental bridge treatments.
If you’re looking for affordable dental bridges, there are several options to consider:
Porcelain-fused-to-metal bridges offer a balance of durability and affordability.
Maryland bridges can be a cost-effective choice for front teeth.
Insurance coverage may reduce costs, depending on your plan.
Payment plans at dental clinics can make treatments more manageable.
Explore the cost of dental bridges.
For patients missing multiple teeth, a dental implant bridge provides a secure, long-lasting solution. Instead of relying on natural teeth for support, implants serve as anchors, preventing bone loss and offering superior stability.
Preserves jawbone health
Prevents adjacent teeth from shifting
Offers a natural look and feel
Provides greater durability than traditional bridges
Learn more about implant-supported bridges.
The cost of dental crowns and bridges varies based on materials, complexity, and location. Here’s a general breakdown:
Porcelain crowns: $800 – $2,500 per tooth
PFM crowns: $700 – $1,500 per tooth
Zirconia crowns: $900 – $3,000 per tooth
Traditional bridges: $2,000 – $5,000
Implant-supported bridges: $5,000 – $15,000
Compare costs and insurance coverage.
If you’ve previously had a dental crown and need a bridge, your dentist can assess whether the crowned tooth can support a bridge. In many cases, a crown can be part of a bridge structure, making it possible to replace missing teeth efficiently.
Discover if a dental bridge can be placed after a crown.
Proper care ensures longevity for your crowns and bridges. Follow these tips:
Brush and floss daily to prevent decay.
Avoid hard foods that may damage the prosthetic.
Schedule regular dental checkups for maintenance.
Consider using a nightguard if you grind your teeth.
Whether you need affordable dental bridges, a dental implant bridge, or a dental crown, understanding your options can help you make the best choice for your oral health.
For expert guidance, contact UrgentDent today or call 219-513-0555 to schedule a consultation!