Implants, Crowns, and Bridges – What is the Difference?
If you’re looking to restore your smile or improve your oral health, you may be wondering whether implants, crowns, or bridges would work best for you. While all three aim to address damaged or missing teeth, each solution has its own advantages and is used to address different situations.
Here we’ll explore the differences between each of these popular treatments and how to determine which one is right for you.
Understanding dental implants
Dental implants are considered one of the best ways to replace missing teeth. If you’ve lost a tooth, or multiple teeth, due to decay, injury, or gum disease, implants can offer a reliable and long-lasting solution.
Essentially, an implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed directly into your jawbone. This root, which is made from titanium, then supports either a custom-made crown, a bridge or dentures.
As implants fuse with your jawbone, they provide a level of stability that often feels very close to natural teeth. This secure foundation helps maintain a comfortable bite and even supports the structure of your jaw.
You can learn more about the placement process, recovery, and post-procedure care here.
How crowns improve oral health
Crowns are designed to protect and reinforce a tooth that has been weakened by decay, fracture, or a large filling. They can be used to restore a tooth following root canal treatment, or for improving misshapen or severely discoloured teeth, enhancing your smile.
Crowns can be crafted from a variety of materials including porcelain, gold and Emax (made from lithium disilicate) and are often chosen to match the rest of your teeth, so they look natural.
One of the main perks of crowns is that they allow you to keep your natural tooth root, which is critical for maintaining the alignment of your other teeth and the overall structure of your jaw. By preserving part of your natural tooth, you help ensure that your bite remains balanced and that you can chew comfortably.
You can learn more about the materials and the procedure, plus tips on how to care for your crown here.
What are bridges?
If you are missing one or more teeth but your teeth on either side of the gap are healthy, a dental bridge can be a great solution.
As the name implies, it bridges the space by attaching artificial teeth to the natural teeth, or crowns, on each side. This helps keep your bite stable and prevents neighbouring teeth from shifting out of place.
Much like crowns, bridges are custom-made to blend in with your existing teeth, so they feel and look natural. As well as enhancing your appearance, bridges help restore your ability to chew and speak properly.
By filling in the gaps, you create a stable foundation for everyday activities, reducing the chance of misalignment or jaw discomfort in the future.
Which option is best for you?
The best choice will depend on your unique situation. If you have a single missing tooth or need a reliable long-term replacement, implants may be ideal. If your existing tooth is damaged but still viable, a crown could be the best option. Or, if you have a gap that needs filling and strong support teeth on either side, a bridge might be the perfect fix.
At CK Dental, we tailor our recommendations to each individual patient, ensuring you find the solution that fits both your functional needs and aesthetic preferences.
Whether you choose implants, crowns, or bridges, each of these treatments aims to provide a healthier, more confident smile.
For more information, call us on 0117 472 1600 to schedule an appointment with one of our friendly, experienced dentists to determine which option is right for you.
