Dental Crowns, Bridges, or Implants: Which Is The Right Option For Me?

If you are missing teeth or have damaged tooth, cosmetic dentistry has various solutions. Modern dentistry presents you with a choice: bridges, crowns, or implants? These three options have some important characteristics in common. Unlike removable dentures, these are permanent solutions, they are fixed (either to your teeth or jaw), and can be removed only by a professional. Each one also has unique benefits and requires certain requirements, which means that the best one for you will depend on your own specific case. Let's talk about what are the key differences between bridges, crowns, and implants. Continue reading to learn which on these solutions is the best fit for you.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Crowns, also known as caps, are placed over existing tooth. They are usually made of porcelain or ceramics. Dental crowns has many uses, it can protect a damaged tooth, particularly if that tooth was fractured or has a large cavity or underwent a root canal procedure. Crowns can also be used for cosmetic purposes, to cover misshaped or discolored teeth.

For example, teeth that have suffered an impact can change color and look grey. To install the crown, the crown of the tooth needs to be filed down to reduce the amount of outer enamel and some of the dentin, so that the dental crown can be placed over it. Then the crown is fixed to the tooth with dental cement.

To get a dental crown you must have enough of the tooth structure and tooth root left in order to support a ceramic crown, porcelain crown, zirconia crown. Getting a crown usually takes two visits to the dental office, but once installed a dental crown can last more than 20 years in some cases.

What Are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridge is a false tooth that is held in place by attaching to the adjacent teeth on either side of the gap. One big difference between bridges vs crowns and implants is that in a bridge there is at least one false tooth that is not anchored. Typically, a bridge consists of a row of three or more teeth as a single piece. The centre false tooth is called pontic is held in place by being fixed to a crown on both sides. Like with a crown, dental bridge is applied by filing down the enamel of their supporting teeth.

For many years, bridges were the sole option to permanently replace missing teeth. Unfortunately, bridges can damage healthy adjacent teeth and they do not prevent bone loss in the jaw, which could cause more problems down the line. Dental implants are now the preferred method for missing teeth, however dental bridges are still less expensive up front but likely will need to be replaced further down the road.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants have one major difference from crowns and bridges in that they are not attached to existing teeth. Dental implants is a missing tooth replacement option. Implants are surgically placed in your jawbone, where they serve as the roots of missing teeth where the crowns are attached. Implants are especially durable and secure. Although they come at a higher cost, they are also the most long-lasting option available, so in the long run the price difference is not significant, especially if you account for the benefits implants provide.

Dental implant placement is more surgically invasive and requires more advanced training from the dentist. The good news is that it will only be necessary once, if the patients takes good care of their teeth. For some patients dental implants are the only option to replace missing teeth, for example for those patients who suffer from sore spots, a sensitive gag reflex, or uncooperative ridges.

Dental Implant Vs. Bridge. Their Pros And Cons

Dental implants and bridges can both potentially deliver natural-looking results, but they come with their own benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a look at how these two tooth replacement options compare.

Dental bridge pros

• no bone grafting or invasive surgery required

• lower upfront cost than dental implants

• can be done in about 2 weeks with 2 visits to the dental office

Dental bridge cons

• not as long-lasting as implants, needs to be replaced about every 5-7 years

• loses a natural-looking appearance with time

• cavities and tooth decay can develop on adjacent teeth

• can damage the healthy teeth around the missing tooth

Dental implant pros

• long-lasting solution for missing teeth, can last 15 years or more

• the longest lasting option on the market

• preserves natural-looking appearance longer than bridges

• don’t damage the healthy teeth around the implant

• success rate is very high, around 97% for the first 10-years

Dental implant cons

• process can take up to 6 months

• requires surgery for installation of the implant, may require sinus lift surgery

• higher upfront cost

• may lead to surgical complications

Which Is The Right Option For Me?

If cost is not an issue and you are generally in good health, dental implants may be a better option to replace missing teeth, since they last longer and don’t damage your surrounding teeth. Crowns will be a good fit for a patient who still has a significant amount of healthy tissue left on the tooth. A dentist can help you determine which option is best for your particular situation. Our highly skilled dentists at Archer Dental in Chicago can offer expert advice on crowns, bridges, and implants, and help you make an informed decision to achieve the perfect smile. Contact Archer Dental, located at Archer Heights near Midway Airport to learn more.