Tooth replacement options are a top priority if you are dealing with damaged or missing teeth. Dental crowns and bridges are the two standard restorative procedures used to rebuild a functional smile.
Dr. Thomas Hernandez helps patients in the greater Houston and Tomball areas determine the right path for their oral health. Understanding the difference between these treatments is the first step toward restoring your confidence.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a protective “cap” that covers a damaged, weak, or misshapen tooth. The primary purpose of a crown is to restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance.
Crowns also serve as the anchor points for dental bridges. Dr. Hernandez places crowns to reinforce teeth that have undergone root canals or have large fillings that compromise structural integrity.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
A dental bridge is a prosthetic appliance designed to “bridge” the gap created by one or more missing teeth. The restoration consists of artificial teeth (pontics) held in place by abutments (crowns or implants) on either side of the gap.
Types of bridges available at Heritage Dental include:
- Traditional Bridge: Two crowns are placed on the natural teeth on either side of the gap to hold the false tooth in place.
- Cantilever Bridge: One crown supports the bridge, used when there is only one natural tooth next to the gap.
- Maryland Bridge: Metal or porcelain wings bond to the back of adjacent teeth instead of using full crowns, preserving more tooth structure.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: Dental implants secure the bridge directly to the jawbone, offering the most stability without altering natural teeth.
Comparison: Who Needs What?
The choice between a crown and a bridge depends entirely on whether you have a damaged tooth or a missing tooth. The table below breaks down the ideal candidates for each procedure.
| Feature | Dental Crown | Dental Bridge |
| Primary Goal | Repair and protect a damaged tooth. | Replace one or more missing teeth. |
| Support Needed | Uses the existing natural root. | Uses adjacent teeth or implants. |
| Structural Impact | Covers the visible part of the tooth. | Fills the gap to prevent shifting. |
| Ideal Candidate | Patients with chipped, cracked, or root-canaled teeth. | Patients with tooth loss looking to restore chewing function. |
Most patients who receive a traditional bridge will also receive dental crowns, as crowns are necessary to anchor the bridge to the neighboring teeth.
Who should get dental bridges?
Anyone missing a tooth or multiple teeth should consider dental bridges — the procedure is safe, effective, and long-lasting, and it can instill lifelong confidence in people who feel self-conscious about their current smile.
Plus, dental bridges protect the vulnerable soft tissues of your gums and tooth root where your gap is.
If you’re missing a tooth and want that gap filled, visit Heritage Dental in Tomball, Texas. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Hernandez by calling our Houston-area office at 281-206-0926 or by booking through our online scheduling tool.
