Dental Crowns vs Bridges vs Dentures: Which Option Is Best for You?
Dental crowns, bridges, and dentures are all effective options for replacing missing teeth. The right option for you depends on your oral health, budget, and aesthetic goals.
Choosing the best option for replacing missing teeth is vital for function, oral health, comfort, and confidence. I know distinguishing between crowns, bridges, and dentures can be confusing. This guide will explain the types of dental restorations so you can feel confident as you navigate missing tooth options.
Quick Summary:
- There are a variety of effective types of dental restorations
- Dental crowns are an effective way to restore damaged teeth
- Dental bridges are an ideal tooth replacement option if you’re missing one or two teeth in a row
- Dentures are an affordable option for replacing multiple or all missing teeth
- Each tooth replacement option has different pros, costs, and care requirements
- Your dentist will recommend the most suitable choice based on a clinical assessment, your goals, and your oral health
Understanding Each Tooth Replacement Option
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a protective cap placed over a damaged or discoloured tooth. Dental crowns are often used when a filling won’t suffice for restoring a damaged tooth.
Dental crowns are made from various materials, including ceramic, porcelain, or metal. They offer a long-lasting, durable way to restore a damaged tooth.
Uses:
- Restore a damaged tooth’s size, strength, and shape
- Provide protection for a damaged tooth
- Prevent decay from progressing
- Make a cracked, stained, or damaged tooth look bright and healthy
- Restore the ability to chew and eat normally
- Prevent a damaged tooth from being extracted
- Act as a support for a dental bridge to keep it securely in position
Pros:
- Can save and restore a damaged tooth to prevent it from being extracted
- Natural-looking results
- Long-lasting results
- Can help preserve weakened teeth by protecting them against further damage
- Low maintenance and durable
Cons:
- Generally more expensive than other missing tooth options
- Preparation for a dental crown involves the irreversible removal of a minimal amount of natural tooth structure
- May cause temporary sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages following placement
Learn more: Dental Crowns Perth
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are used to span the gap left behind by missing teeth. Dental bridges are ideal for replacing one or more missing teeth.
Dental bridges involve a custom-made false tooth or teeth. These replacement teeth, or pontics, are cemented to crowns placed on the adjacent teeth. The result is a long-lasting, natural-looking tooth replacement option.
Uses:
- Can effectively restore one or more missing teeth
- Improve the function and appearance of your smile
- Address jaw alignment issues
- Prevent bite issues or shifting that can result from one or more missing teeth
Pros
- Faster and less invasive than dental implants
- Several types of dental bridges are available, allowing for a customised option that best meets your needs.
- Customisable to match your natural surrounding teeth
- Long-lasting, durable results
- Can restore the ability to chew properly and comfortably
- Considered more secure than dentures
Cons
- Requires the alteration of healthy teeth
- Requires extra attention and a special tool to ensure the areas surrounding the bridge are properly cleaned
Learn More: Dental Bridges Perth
Dentures
Dentures can be an excellent option for replacing missing teeth. The number of teeth you are missing and your oral health will determine if you need full or partial dentures.
Uses
- Partial dentures can be an effective solution for replacing multiple missing teeth
- Full dentures can be used to replace an entire mouth of missing teeth
- Improve function, confidence, and aesthetics
Pros
- Generally have a lower initial cost than dental crowns or dental bridges
- Can restore the ability to speak clearly and eat normally
- Can be adjusted to ensure a comfortable fit
- Can be an excellent confidence booster by offering a natural-looking way to replace missing teeth
Cons
- Require more maintenance compared to dental crowns and bridges
- Potential discomfort as you adjust to wearing dentures
- Can result in reduced bite force
Learn More: Dental Dentures Perth
Key Differences to Consider Between Dental Crowns vs. Bridges vs. Dentures
| Crowns | Bridges | Dentures | |
| Purpose | Cover and protect a damaged tooth or act as an anchor for a dental bridge | Replace missing teeth by using adjacent teeth as anchors | Removable prosthetic teeth |
| Tooth Replacement | Replaces one tooth | Replaces several teeth | Replace multiple missing teeth or a full mouth of missing teeth |
| Cost | Generally more affordable than dental bridges but pricier than dentures | Generally more expensive than crowns and dentures but will vary based on your oral health, insurance coverage, and the complexity of your case | More affordable than dental bridges in most cases |
| Longevity and Durability | Average lifespan of 10 to 15 years; may last up to 20 with good maintenance | 5 to 15 year lifespan; longer with excellent dental hygiene and proper maintenance | May require adjustments every few years due to shifting teeth, changes in the mouth’s structure, or damage to dentures |
| Aesthetic Outcomes | Natural-looking results by restoring a tooth’s natural size, colour, and shape and matching the tooth to surrounding teeth | Can restore an aesthetically pleasing smile and support facial structure | Customisable according to your preferences; can provide appealing, natural-looking results |
| Function and Feel | Function like a natural tooth and restore function to a damaged tooth | Function and feel like natural teeth | It can take some adjusting to get used to chewing and speaking |
| Maintenance and Care | Good oral hygiene and regular dental exams | Good oral hygiene, regular dental exams, and a special tooth for cleaning properly under the dental bridges | Higher maintenance compared to crowns or bridges; Good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, proper storage of dentures, and proper denture cleaning |
| Removability | Fixed | Fixed | Removable |
What Our Dentists Consider Before Recommending Missing Tooth Options Treatment
Choosing between a crown, bridge, or denture isn’t just about replacing a tooth—it’s about choosing the right long-term solution for your health, comfort, and lifestyle.
Your oral health and dental needs are one of the biggest factors when choosing between a crown and a bridge.
If you have a single damaged tooth, I may recommend a dental crown as your best option. One or more missing teeth with healthy teeth on either side may make you a good candidate for a dental bridge.
At 123 Dental, we assess several clinical and personal factors before recommending any treatment, including:
-
Tooth and Gum Health
We check for infection, gum disease, or decay that could affect the success of a bridge or denture. Strong foundations are essential for successfully replacing missing teeth.
We ensure any underlying oral health issues are identified and addressed to ensure the best outcome.
-
Bone Structure and Jaw Support
If we find that you have significant bone loss, some missing tooth options may be less viable without further procedures.
-
Number of Missing or Damaged Teeth
Crowns are used for single-tooth restorations, while bridges and dentures address multiple missing teeth.
-
Your Goals and Preferences
Some patients prioritise permanence, while others want removable solutions. We’re happy to talk with you about the pros and cons of the types of dental restorations. Our team is committed to helping you make an informed decision that you’ll be thrilled with.
-
Budget and Long-term Value
The cost of dental crowns, dental bridges, and dentures varies depending on the complexity of the case and insurance coverage. We recommend checking with your private insurance to determine your coverage for each procedure.
At 123 Dental, we provide full transparency on costs, insurance rebates, and payment options. We work closely with our patients to ensure they understand the value of each choice.
Durable, Long-Lasting Missing Tooth Options
Dental crowns, dental bridges, and dentures are all options for replacing missing teeth. The ideal choice for you will depend on your oral health, budget, preferences, and how many teeth you are missing. Our team can help you determine the best option for restoring your smile — both aesthetically and functionally.
The only way to know which missing tooth option is right for you is with an evaluation. Contact our team to book a consultation or with any questions.
