Crowns vs. Bridges: 6 Key Differences Every Lakeside Patient Should Know

Are you dealing with a damaged or missing tooth and wondering whether a crown or a bridge is the right solution for your smile? At Arnold Cutler, DDS in Lakeside, California, we help patients make informed decisions about their dental health with personalized, expert care. While both crowns and bridges are reliable options for restoring teeth, they serve different purposes—and understanding the difference is key to getting the results you want.

Here are six essential differences between dental crowns and bridges that every Lakeside patient should know:

1. Crowns restore a single damaged tooth

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” used to restore the size, shape, and strength of an injured or weakened tooth. It’s ideal when a tooth is cracked, decayed, or has undergone root canal therapy. In Lakeside, many patients choose crowns to preserve their natural tooth structure and avoid extractions.

2. Bridges replace one or more missing teeth

Unlike crowns, bridges fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth. A traditional dental bridge is anchored by crowns on the healthy teeth next to the gap. This restoration “bridges” the space with one or more artificial teeth, offering a complete smile and restored chewing function.

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3. Crowns are placed on existing teeth or implants

A crown can cover a damaged tooth or be attached to a dental implant. If a tooth needs reinforcement, a crown can be custom-made and fitted right onto that tooth or implant post. Bridges, however, require support from at least two neighboring teeth.

4. Bridges involve more than one tooth

When receiving a bridge, your dentist must shape the adjacent teeth to hold the supporting crowns. This means bridges impact more than one tooth, while crowns usually involve just one. If preserving your other natural teeth is a priority, a crown may be the better option.

5. Maintenance differs slightly

Both crowns and bridges require good oral hygiene, but bridges demand a bit more care since food particles can get trapped underneath the artificial tooth. Special floss threaders or water flossers can help maintain gum health around a bridge. Crowns are easier to clean with standard brushing and flossing routines.

6. Treatment time may vary

Typically, crowns can be completed in one to two visits. Bridges, due to their complexity and the need to treat multiple teeth, may take more appointments. At Arnold Cutler, DDS, we walk Lakeside patients through each step of the process to ensure comfort, quality, and efficiency.

Whether you need to protect a weak tooth or replace a missing one, knowing the difference between crowns and bridges can help you make the best choice for your long-term oral health.

Restore your smile with the right solution.

Call Arnold Cutler, DDS, today at (619) 815-3592 to schedule your consultation in Lakeside, California. We’ll help you understand your options and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Let’s rebuild your confidence—one tooth at a time. Call us at (619) 815-3592 to schedule your initial appointment.

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