Fixed Bridges vs Dental Implants? Which Is Better For Damaged Teeth

dental implant vs fixed bridge

A missing or damaged tooth can affect your chewing ability and the functionality of your smile.

That’s why replacing your missing or damaged teeth is a great idea. Dental crowns and fixed bridges are the two great teeth restorations solutions available today. But, many people don’t know their difference, and this leads them to make poor choices.

Are you wondering whether to choose dental crowns or fixed bridges to restore a damaged or missing tooth?
If so, this article will explain the advantages and disadvantages of each option to help you make a better choice. Without further ado, let’s get started!

Dental Crowns and Bridges at Fitzgerald Dentistry

What are Dental Crowns and Bridges?

A dental bridge is an oral prosthesis that bridges the gap between your teeth. If you have lost one or two teeth thanks to an accident, then dental bridges can restore your smile. Today, dental bridges come in various finishes and materials. With regular checkups and good dental hygiene, a fixed bridge can last for more than 15 years. While the dentist will have to do a little drilling to fix the bridge comfortably, if your dentist numbs you correctly, fixing a bridge should not be a painful process.

Dental crowns, on the other hand, are used to cover or cap a damaged tooth. Apart from strengthening the affected tooth, a dental crown can improve the tooth’s alignment, appearance, and shape. Ceramic or porcelain crowns are designed to match the color of your regular teeth.

Dental crowns restore fractured teeth and safeguard weak ones from fracturing. A well-maintained crown can last for over 15 years subject to good oral hygiene and routine checkups.

Types of Dental Crowns

Four Types of Dental Crowns and Their Advantages

Here are the four types of dental crowns that your dentist may recommend:

* Ceramic Dental Crowns

Ceramic porcelain-based crowns are generally employed to restore your front teeth because of their ability to blend with your remaining regular teeth effortlessly. However, they are not suitable for pre-molars and molars, as ceramic is more likely to break when exposed to substances that require heavy biting.

* Porcelain Fused to Metal Dental Crowns

Strong, durable, and attractive, this crown offers patients the best of both worlds, lasting longer than the other crowns available.

Gold Alloys Crowns

This crown is a mixture of copper, gold plus other metals. Apart from offering a strong bond to your teeth, it does not wear away or fracture.

Base Metal Alloys Crowns

Made from non-noble metals, the base metal alloy crowns resist corrosion,making it more durable than some of its counterparts.

Pros and Cons of Dental Crowns

A dental crown is used to restore a damaged tooth; it has some distinct benefits over other tooth replacement solutions. However, there are also cons of crowns that should be examined to determined the best possible treatment for every patient.

Pros of Dental Crowns

  • Prevents further damage of an already worn out tooth
  • They safeguard your tooth after undergoing the root canal procedure
  • Holds severely broken or cracked teeth together
  • It changes the color or shape of the tooth, thus improving its appearance
  • Covers an implant
  • Supports a tooth destroyed by decay

Cons of Dental Crowns

  • The tooth must be filed into the right shape before a dental crown is fitted, which usually is an extensive and irreversible process.
  • Some patients experience discomfort after the operation especially cold or hot sensitivity.
  • Dental crowns are more expensive compared to other teeth restoration procedures.

Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges

Pros and Cons of Dental Bridges

Do you want to know whether dental bridges are a good idea? Are fixed bridges better than dental crowns? Understanding the disadvantages and benefits of dental bridges will help you make an informed decision. Here are some of the benefits of dental bridges:

  • They help to replace missing or damaged teeth; thus providing both aesthetic and functional correction.
  • Dental bridges allow patients to eat and generally chew because it helps in the digestion of food.
  • They enable patients to speak or smile without inhibition.
  • Aesthetically, dental bridges help to compensate for your natural tooth loss, which boosts the self-confidence and self-esteem of patients.

Cons of Dental Bridges

  • Dental bridges put a lot of pressure on surrounding structures, particularly the two teeth attached to a device.
  • They do not solve the underlying structural issues of your teeth.

Dental Crowns vs. Fixed Bridges: Finding the Right Solution for you

The most crucial thing you can do to make sure that you select the appropriate treatment for your damaged or missing teeth is to consult your dentist on what solution may work well for you. According to the American Dental Association, you should go for routine oral checkups at least two times a year. For the best tooth restoration results, consult Dr. Fitzgerald today!

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