A dental bridge and a crown are often brought up in the same conversation, however they are different procedures. Learn the differences here.
Do you have chipped, cracked, or missing teeth? Are you wondering about the difference between a dental bridge and a dental crown?
Believe it or not,
cosmetic dentistry is about so much more than a straighter smile. You'll enjoy better overall dental health, relief from dental hygiene problems, and improved quality of life.
But what about treatment types such as crowns and bridges? Are they similar, or are there important differences you should be aware of?
Let's take a look.
What Is a Dental Bridge?
Dental bridges are basically false teeth that get held in place by the teeth on either side. They're usually made from porcelain in order to blend in with your natural teeth. Often, those who need a dental bridge have lost teeth due to tooth decay, injury, or gum disease.
The most common type of
dental bridge is a traditional fixed bridge, which includes a crown on either side. Another type is the Maryland dental bridge, which is also known as a resin-bonded bridge. This uses porcelain or metal frameworks to bond to the back of your teeth on either side of the space.
Your dentist could also recommend an implant-supported bridge. This is where your bridge is used to join two implants together. The least common type of bridge is the cantilever bridge, which gets anchored on a single crown on a natural tooth.
Dental bridges restore a natural look to your mouth. They can also help you to begin speaking normally and restore your ability to chew food well. Dental bridges can also prevent other teeth from moving into the empty space, which could lead to other complications.
Good candidates for dental bridges have good overall oral health. They have otherwise healthy teeth and solid bone structure. You're also a good candidate if you maintain your bridge with good oral hygiene after it's put in place.
Dental bridges can cost anywhere from
$2,000 to $5,000. The actual cost to you will depend upon a number of factors. These include the number of teeth that are missing, the materials your dentist uses, and the complexity of the procedure.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is essentially a cap that gets placed over an existing tooth. It can get created from a number of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, and zirconia.
The type of material your dentist chooses for your crown will depend upon a number of factors. These include your tooth's location, the position of your gum tissue, and how much of your tooth shows when you smile.
Dental crowns can hold cracked teeth together, replaced oversized or worn-out fillings, and restore cracked teeth. They can also improve the shape of your teeth and help restore the look of dental implants.
Dental crowns typically cost between
$1,000 and $3,500. The actual cost of your treatment will depend upon a few different factors. These include the materials used, your location within the country, and any other required work.
What is the Difference Between a Bridge vs. a Crown?
The main difference between a bridge and a crown is the way in which they function. A dental bridge fills in the space caused by one or more missing teeth, while a crown covers an existing tooth.
Crowns and bridges are related dental procedures, and your dentist can give you more information about which one is best for you. Both can last a lifetime if you properly care for them.
While the actual cost of your dental procedure can vary, the cost of a bridge is generally a bit more than a crown. However, if your dentist recommends this procedure, you could be saving yourself a good deal of money in the long run by following their recommendations.
How Do You Pay for Cosmetic Dentistry?
Since procedures like bridges and crowns are cosmetic, your health insurance probably won't cover it. If you have dental insurance, however, it might cover at least part of the cost. Make sure you check your customer service representative or HR point person before making a decision about treatment.
In addition, your dentist may offer a payment plan that will help to make it easier to afford your dental treatment. For example, you may be able to pay the treatment off a little each month so it fits better into your budget. Or you may get a discount for paying for the whole thing upfront.
In addition, your employer may offer a Health Savings Account (HSA). These allow you to put aside a certain amount of tax-free money each month, so you can take more of your pay home. The funds can then be used for medical treatments that include cosmetic dentistry.
If your employer doesn't have an HSA option, ask them about a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). These also allow you to set aside a certain amount of tax-sheltered money each month that can be used to pay for medical procedures.
The main difference between an HSA and an FSA is that an HSA is owned by you, while an FSA is owned by your employer. The funds you put in an HSA can roll over into the next year if you don't use them.
Smiling On
If you have cracked, chipped, or missing teeth, a dental bridge or crown can help you to quickly restore your smile. With the right dentist, you could be on your way toward a healthier mouth in no time.
Don't stop getting smart about cosmetic dentistry now. For quality professionals in your area,
contact us today.
