Dr. Clint Bruyere, DDS of the Longview area is committed to assisting new and current patients in his practice with rejuvenating and repairing their smile as necessary. In many cases, patients may be appropriate candidates for dental crowns and bridges. Dental crowns are porcelain restorations, or “caps,” that fit over the natural tooth structure and adds an extra layer of protection or coverage for it. Bridges are restorations also made of porcelain and include both crowns and false teeth fused together.
Many patients ask Dr. Clint Bruyere, DDS: what are dental crowns and bridges used for? Both are used in repairing the teeth but in different ways.

Dental Crowns

Crowns also referred to as caps, are coverage for natural teeth. This may be done for one or more reasons. Crowns may be placed over teeth that are weak or broken, such as those that have experienced trauma, undergone root canal therapy, or have very large fillings. Placing a crown over the top can give the tooth some more strength. Crowns can be placed over teeth that have permanent staining or discoloration to cover the imperfection and provide a more aesthetic appearance. Crowns can also be fused to pontics to fabricate a dental bridge used for replacing missing teeth. Last but not least, crowns can also be made to cover the abutment of a dental implant to act as a false tooth and replace a single tooth within the smile.

Dental Bridges

Bridges are fabricated from both dental crowns and pontics (false teeth) fused into one restoration. These are utilized for replacing missing teeth. Dental bridges are a less expensive way of replacing a tooth than a dental implant and a permanent option than partial dentures. Dental bridges use the crowns on each side to bond over the top of the natural tooth and then allow the pontic to sit on the gum line and appear as a natural tooth. Bridges do require extra attention to ensure food particles, plaque, and tartar do not develop underneath the bridge and result in the development of periodontal disease or decay to the surrounding teeth underneath the crowns of the bridge.

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