CROWNS: If you have a broken tooth, a large filling or large cavity a crown or cap is a dental restoration that covers the damaged tooth and restores it to original shape, function and beauty. The cavity or large filling repaired or replaced with a core filling material that is bonded to the sound tooth structure and together with the remaining tooth forms the base of the crown. This tooth-core combo is then trimmed down to allow the crown to fit over it, the crown is cemented on and function is restored.
BRIDGE: A bridge is a connected row of teeth tat can replace one or several missing teeth. It is held in place permanently by crowns which are cemented to the teeth on either side of the missing tooth or space. Because the bridge is a connected piece it requires maintenance by flossing under and around the teeth holding it in place. It also requires the teeth holding it in are in reasonably good condition, as very weak teeth cannot support a bridge long term. In such a case, an implant retained crown(s) may be the best choice.
