Knowing the Difference Between a Crown and a Bridge

Did you know that 120 million Americans have lost an adult tooth due to decay, gum disease, or injury? Many of those people replace teeth with implant crowns and bridges, which serve a similar purpose but are different and distinct dental appliances.

Hannah Baek, DDS of Healthy Smile Dental, is an expert at implanting both crowns and bridges to improve the appearance of your teeth. But before you consult her, it's important to know the differences between implant crowns and bridges.

What’s an implant crown or bridge?

When you implant the titanium post at the bottom of your crown or bridge into your jawbone, the bone grows around the post to anchor it permanently into your jaw. The implant takes anywhere between six weeks to several months to heal.

Before you choose either a dental bridge or crown to fill the gap between your teeth, you must give your mouth the time to heal and accept your newly placed dental implant. 

What’s the difference between bridges and crowns?

Implant bridges and crowns have similarities and differences.

• Both make chewing and speaking more comfortable
• Both help clean teeth properly.
• Both prevent teeth from shifting, misalignment, and bone loss.

The biggest difference between a crown and a bridge is the crown tops one implanted post, while a bridge solves the problem of multiple tooth loss. 

Crowns, which are typically made of porcelain, are caps that connect to your implant. They're made to match the shape, size, and shade of your other teeth.

An implant-supported bridge bridges the void that exists between several of your natural teeth. Dr. Baek fashions the bridge so it looks exactly like your own surrounding teeth.

How to keep your mouth attractive and healthy

Whether you choose a crown or a bridge to top your implant procedure, either solution ensures your teeth will be easier to keep clean, which lowers your risk of future tooth decay, infection, and loss.

Implant crowns and bridges ensure you won’t suffer embarrassment and self-consciousness when you smile during a special event or even daily coffee with friends.

Implant crowns and bridges also prevent facial sagging or asymmetry problems that can make you look older than you are.

Which implant option is right for you?

Dr. Baek and her team will explain the implant surgery, recovery, and healing process, and the difference between crowns and bridges. This way you can choose which implant option is best for you.

If you’d like to learn more about implant crowns and bridges, call Healthy Smile Dental at 630-296-5396 or contact us online to book an appointment.