Teeth play an important role in our daily lives – not only do they enable chewing and proper speech, but they also affect facial appearance and self-confidence. When teeth are damaged, cracked, or lost, modern dentistry offers aesthetic and functional solutions such as dental crowns and bridges.
These prosthetic restorations restore the natural appearance of the smile, bite strength, and prevent further damage to the remaining teeth. Below, learn exactly what crowns and bridges are, when they are recommended, and what their benefits are.
What Are Crowns and Bridges?
Dental crowns and bridges are prosthetic restorations that restore the function and aesthetic appearance of teeth. A crown is a “cap” that completely covers a natural tooth or dental implant, protecting it from further damage and restoring its natural shape, size, and color. Crowns are most commonly made of ceramic, zirconia, or metal-ceramic, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences.
A dental bridge consists of multiple connected crowns that replace one or more missing teeth, relying on abutment teeth on both sides of the gap. In this way, the bridge not only improves the appearance of the smile but also prevents movement of the remaining teeth and maintains proper bite function.
Benefits of Crowns and Bridges
The main value of crowns and bridges lies primarily in the fact that patients almost always accept this type of dental reconstruction without difficulty. Crowns and bridges are perceived like natural teeth, not as removable dentures.
A bridge restores not only chewing ability but also aesthetics and speech function. With crowns and bridges, you can chew effectively, as the fine control of the masticatory system remains intact, and the dentist has the opportunity to precisely and permanently restore the tooth surfaces. The durability of crowns and bridges is very good, and they have a long lifespan.
The main reason for placing a crown is extensive coverage of a tooth affected by decay, especially when there is no other way to safely reinforce the tooth.
When Are Crowns or Bridges Needed?
Crowns and bridges are recommended in situations where a tooth is significantly damaged, worn, or weakened, for example after extensive decay, a cracked tooth, or endodontic (root canal) treatment.
A crown is placed to strengthen and protect the remaining part of the tooth and restore its natural shape and function. Bridges are used when one or more teeth are missing, as gaps between teeth can cause neighboring teeth to shift and disrupt the bite. In addition to functional reasons, crowns and bridges are often placed to improve the aesthetic appearance of the smile.
When Can Crowns or Bridges Not Be Placed?
There are also situations when placing a crown or bridge is not possible or needs to be delayed. This occurs when the abutment teeth are insufficiently stable due to periodontal disease, when there is inflammation of the tooth nerve or root, or when there is insufficient tooth structure to properly secure the restoration.
A bridge also cannot be placed if there are not enough healthy teeth to serve as abutments on both sides of the gap. In such cases, the dentist first treats existing issues or recommends alternative solutions such as implants.
Conclusion
Crowns and bridges provide a reliable, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing solution for restoring lost or damaged teeth. Thanks to modern materials and advanced fabrication techniques, today’s prosthetic restorations closely mimic the appearance and function of natural teeth.
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, their lifespan can be long and complication-free. Choosing the appropriate solution is always individual – therefore, it is important to consult a dental professional who will assess the condition of the teeth and recommend the best option for a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile.
