Crowns vs. Bridges: Which One Feels More Like Real Teeth?

What Are Crowns and Bridges?

Before diving into the comparison, it’s essential to understand what crowns and bridges are and how they work.

1. Dental Crowns

A crown, often called a “cap,” is a prosthetic restoration that covers a damaged or decayed tooth. It restores the tooth’s shape, size, and strength while improving its appearance.

Materials Used

Crowns are made from various materials, such as:

• Porcelain: Mimics the natural appearance of teeth.
• Metal: Durable but less aesthetic.
• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM): Combines strength and aesthetics.
• Zirconia: Highly durable and visually appealing.

Common Uses

• Protecting weakened teeth.
• Restoring broken or severely worn teeth.
• Covering dental implants or large fillings.
• Improving the appearance of discoloured or misshapen teeth.

2. Dental Bridges

A bridge is a dental restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It typically consists of artificial teeth (pontics) held in place by crowns on the adjacent natural teeth or implants.

Types of Bridges

• Traditional Bridges: Supported by crowns on adjacent teeth.
• Cantilever Bridges: Attached to only one adjacent tooth.
• Maryland Bridges: Supported by a framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth.
• Implant-Supported Bridges: Anchored by dental implants.

Common Uses

• Filling gaps left by missing teeth.
• Preventing teeth from shifting.
• Restoring chewing and speaking functionality.

Which Feels More Like Real Teeth?

The primary goal of any dental restoration is to replicate the natural feel and function of real teeth. Let’s compare crowns and bridges in this context.

1. Comfort and Fit

Crowns

• Since a crown fits over an existing tooth or implant, it closely mimics the structure and feel of natural teeth.
• The material used and the skill of the dentist play a significant role in achieving a natural fit.

Bridges

• Bridges can feel natural, but the comfort level depends on the type of bridge and how it’s secured.
• Implant-supported bridges often feel more like real teeth compared to traditional bridges, which rely on adjacent teeth for support.

2. Chewing and Functionality

Crowns

• Crowns restore the full chewing ability of a damaged tooth, making it feel like a natural extension of your dental structure.

Bridges

• Bridges also provide excellent functionality, but if poorly fitted or if the supporting teeth are weak, they may feel slightly less natural over time.

3. Aesthetics

Both crowns and bridges can be made from materials that closely resemble natural teeth, such as porcelain or zirconia. However, the seamless integration of crowns often gives them a slight edge in appearance.

Factors to Consider When Choosing

1. Condition of Your Teeth

• Crowns: Ideal for individual teeth that are damaged but not missing. They strengthen and protect existing teeth.
• Bridges: Best for replacing one or more missing teeth when the surrounding teeth are healthy enough to support the bridge.

2. Durability and Longevity

• Crowns: Typically last 10-15 years or more with proper care. Zirconia and metal crowns tend to be more durable than porcelain.
• Bridges: The lifespan is around 10-15 years, depending on the type and maintenance. Implant-supported bridges last longer than traditional ones.

3. Cost

• Crowns are generally less expensive per tooth than bridges, especially if no additional procedures, like implants, are needed.
• Bridges are more costly due to the complexity of the procedure and the need for multiple units (crowns and pontics).

4. Maintenance

• Crowns: Maintenance is straightforward, involving regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.
• Bridges: Require additional care to clean under the bridge, especially with traditional and Maryland bridges.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Crowns

Advantages:

• Restore strength and function to a damaged tooth.
• Look and feel like natural teeth.
• Versatile, as they can also cap implants.

Disadvantages:

• Requires the tooth to be trimmed down for fitting.
• May need replacement over time.

Bridges

Advantages:

• Replace missing teeth effectively.
• Prevent remaining teeth from shifting.
• Improve the ability to chew and speak.

Disadvantages:

• Requires support from adjacent teeth, which may weaken over time.
• Can feel less natural compared to crowns alone.

Choosing the Right Option for You

The choice between crowns and bridges depends on your specific dental needs and the recommendations of your dentist.

When to Choose Crowns

• If you have a damaged or weakened tooth that needs protection.
• If you need to restore a single dental implant.

When to Choose Bridges

• If you’re missing one or more teeth and need a cost-effective solution.
• If you want to prevent surrounding teeth from shifting.

At White Perfect Dental, we assess each patient’s unique situation to provide tailored recommendations. Our experienced team ensures that your restoration not only meets your functional needs but also enhances your smile’s aesthetics.