What is the difference between a crown and a bridge?
A crown restores a single damaged or root canal treated tooth by covering it completely. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to crowns fitted on the natural teeth either side of the gap. Both are fixed in place — you do not remove them.
What crowns and bridges do, and who they help
A crown restores strength and shape to a tooth weakened by root canal treatment, a large filling, a fracture or severe wear. A bridge fills the space left by a missing tooth so you can chew properly and stop neighbouring teeth from drifting into the gap. Crowns help when tooth structure is too damaged for a filling alone; bridges help people who have lost one or a few teeth and want a fixed replacement, where the neighbouring teeth are strong enough to act as supports.
Is a crown or bridge suitable for you?
Suitability requires a clinical examination. For a crown, enough sound tooth must remain to hold it; for a bridge, the anchor teeth and gums must be healthy enough to carry extra load, so gum disease, grinding habits and decay need attention first. Sometimes a dental implant is the better replacement because it spares the neighbouring teeth — both options are discussed rather than defaulting to one.
The treatment process, step by step
- Assessment and planning: examination, X-rays and a discussion of material options and alternatives.
- Tooth preparation: under local anaesthesia, the supporting tooth or teeth are shaped to make room for the crown.
- Impressions or scans: a precise record of your prepared teeth and bite is taken for the dental laboratory.
- Temporary cover: a temporary crown or bridge protects the prepared teeth while the final one is made.
- Fitting: the finished crown or bridge is checked for fit, bite and appearance, then fixed in place.
Benefits and limitations to weigh
Crowns and bridges restore chewing, protect fragile teeth and are fixed — no removing at night, no adhesives — and modern tooth-coloured materials blend naturally.
The limitations deserve equal honesty. Crown preparation removes some enamel, which is irreversible. A bridge loads the anchor teeth, and a problem in one anchor can affect the whole bridge. Neither lasts forever, and the margins where crown meets tooth still need careful cleaning to prevent new decay.
Aftercare and how to make them last
Mild sensitivity after fitting usually settles within days. Brush twice daily and clean under bridge spans with floss threaders or interdental brushes as shown at the studio, because the gum under a bridge is a common place for plaque to collect. Avoid habits like chewing ice or opening packets with your teeth, and attend regular check-ups so the margins, bite and supporting gums can be monitored.
What affects the cost
Exact fees are discussed after your assessment. Cost depends on:
- The material chosen — metal-ceramic and all-ceramic options differ in strength and appearance.
- The number of units — a single crown versus a three-unit or longer bridge.
- Preparatory work needed, such as root canal treatment, gum treatment or a core build-up.
- Laboratory work involved in matching shade and shape, particularly for front teeth.
Frequently asked questions
How long do crowns and bridges last?
Lifespan varies with material, bite forces, and how well the margins are kept clean. Many crowns and bridges serve for years, but they are not permanent and may need replacement over time. Regular check-ups help catch problems early.
Does getting a crown hurt?
Tooth preparation is done under local anaesthesia, so it should not hurt during the procedure. Some sensitivity in the days after preparation or fitting is common and usually temporary.
Crown or implant — which is better for a missing tooth?
A crown restores a damaged tooth; for a missing tooth the choice is usually between a bridge and an implant. An implant avoids preparing neighbouring teeth, while a bridge avoids surgery. The right choice depends on your bone, gums, adjacent teeth and preferences, which needs a clinical examination.
Will the crown match my other teeth?
Tooth-coloured crowns are shade-matched to your natural teeth. A close match is the goal, especially for front teeth, though exact colour outcomes can vary slightly because natural teeth have individual character.
What happens if my crown comes loose?
Keep the crown safe and contact the clinic promptly rather than re-fixing it with household adhesive. The dentist will check why it loosened — decay, cement failure or a bite issue — and re-cement or remake it as appropriate.