Missing teeth not only hurts the appearance of your smile; it can also change your speech and lead to dental issues such as bone deterioration or gum disease. Dental crowns and bridges are dental prosthetic devices designed to replace missing or fractured teeth. However, they are not one and the same. The friendly dentists at North Bullitt Family Dental provide top-quality cosmetic dentistry services for patients throughout the Shepherdsville, KY, area and are here to discuss the differences between dental crowns and bridges.

Dental Crowns

A crown may be used to restore a fractured tooth or protect a weakened tooth from damage. They are also placed over implants to mimic the appearance of a natural tooth or repair a decayed tooth after a procedure such as a root canal. Crowns are typically made from porcelain or ceramic to match the color of teeth; however, it’s also possible to choose gold and metal alloys, which are stronger.

Dental Bridges

While crowns can be used for individual teeth, dental bridges are designed to bridge the gaps of multiple missing teeth. The bridge is cemented to the natural teeth or the implants located at the end of each gap, which are also known as the anchors. With dental bridges, it’s especially important to take proper care of your teeth as any damage to the anchor teeth can lead to issues with the entire bridge.

If you’re interested in dental crowns and bridges to correct an aesthetic flaw in your smile, it’s best to consult a dentist to help you decide which is the right treatment for you. For the leading cosmetic dentistry practice in Shepherdsville, KY, turn to the team at North Bullitt Family Dental. They also provide several additional services, from deep teeth cleanings to root canals. Contact the office today at (502) 955-1606 to schedule an appointment or visit their website for more information about their full list of procedures and services.