Dental Crowns vs. Bridges: What’s the Right Fix for Your Smile?

If you’ve ever wondered whether a dental crown or bridge is right for you, you’re not alone. It’s easy to confuse the two; they both restore teeth and improve your bite, but they serve very different purposes.

At Cedar Park Dentistry, we help you understand the benefits of each so you can feel confident about your treatment. Whether you’re dealing with a damaged tooth or missing one entirely, here’s how crowns and bridges compare, and how to know which one you might need.

What a Crown Does

A dental crown is like a helmet for your tooth. It’s a custom-made cap that covers a weakened, cracked, or heavily filled tooth to protect it from further damage. Crowns are also used after root canals or to improve the shape or color of a tooth. We use digital impressions and CEREC technology to create crowns in our office, often on the same day. That means no messy molds, no waiting weeks for a lab, and no second appointment just to finish the process.

Crowns are strong, natural-looking, and built to last, especially with regular care and checkups.

What a Bridge Does

A bridge fills in the gap when one or more teeth are missing. It works by anchoring an artificial tooth (called a pontic) to the teeth on either side. Those neighboring teeth are fitted with crowns, which hold the bridge in place.

This fixed solution restores your ability to chew, talk, and smile with confidence, and keeps nearby teeth from shifting out of place. At Cedar Park Dentistry, we design bridges that look just like your real teeth and fit your bite comfortably.

Crowns vs. Bridges: The Key Difference

The biggest difference is this:

• A crown restores an existing tooth
• A bridge replaces a missing one

If your tooth is still there but damaged, we’ll likely recommend a crown. If the tooth is missing altogether, a bridge might be the best next step.

Sometimes we even use both: a bridge made up of several crowns joined together to span a gap in your smile.

What They’re Made Of

We offer high-quality materials for both crowns and bridges, including:

• Porcelain or ceramic for a natural look
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal for strength and durability
• CEREC ceramics milled chairside for fast, seamless results

Your treatment is personalized based on where the tooth is located, how much pressure it takes, and your aesthetic goals.

What the Process Looks Like

Getting a crown is typically simple:

1. We reshape the tooth and take digital impressions
2. Your crown is crafted—often right here in our office
3. We place it on the same day or shortly after, depending on the case

Getting a bridge involves a few more steps:

1. We prepare the teeth next to the missing space
2. Digital impressions are taken for a precise fit
3. A lab or our in-house technology creates your bridge
4. We place and adjust the final result for comfort and function

Every step is guided by experience, precision, and your comfort.

How Long Do They Last?

With proper care, both crowns and bridges can last many years. On average, crowns hold up for 10–15 years or more. Bridges also offer long-term stability, but they rely on the health of the surrounding teeth or implants.

Daily brushing, flossing around the bridge, and regular dental visits all help extend the life of your restoration.

Which One Is Right for You?

Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Choose a crown if you have a tooth that’s damaged, weak, or needs full coverage
• Choose a bridge if you’re missing a tooth and want to restore the gap without a denture or implant

And if you’re not sure? That’s where we come in. We’ll evaluate your smile, walk you through the options, and help you make a decision that fits your lifestyle, goals, and budget.

Let’s Restore Your Smile with Confidence

When it comes to restoring your teeth, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But with the right information and a dental team that puts your comfort and care first, you can feel good about your next steps.

At Cedar Park Dentistry, we combine modern technology with personalized treatment to create strong, natural-looking results that last. If you’re ready to repair or replace a tooth, we’re here to help you find the best solution.

Schedule your consultation at Cedar Park Dentistry and let’s rebuild your smile together.