Choosing Between a Dental Crown or Bridge with Lumos Dental in Edmonton

Edmonton, AB– Lumos Dental, a leading dental care provider in Edmonton, AB, offers expert guidance on selecting the most suitable dental restorations for maintaining oral health and enhancing smiles. Knowing the differences between a dental crown vs. bridge can help patients make decisions that ensure both function and aesthetics are preserved.

The Purpose of Dental Crowns and Bridges

In restorative dentistry, dental bridges and crowns serve as critical instruments, each intended to solve a particular dental issue. Bridges replace one or more lost teeth to assist in restoring speech, chewing, and the general appearance of a smile, whereas crowns reinforce and protect damaged teeth. Lumos Dental provides a full range of dental bridge and crown options to meet the unique needs of each patient.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a cap that covers a weakened or damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and function. Patients may need a crown due to cracked, chipped, or worn teeth, extensive decay, large fillings, or after a root canal. Crowns can also cover dental implants, providing a natural-looking restoration.

Crowns are made from a variety of materials, such as metal alloys, porcelain, and ceramic. Metal crowns give durability for molars that withstand a lot of biting pressure, while porcelain and ceramic crowns are perfect for front teeth since they seem natural. A dental crown makes sure that patients can eat and bite comfortably while maintaining a healthy smile.

 

What Is a Dental Bridge?

By affixing artificial teeth to nearby crowns or dental implants, dental bridges are intended to cover the space left by lost teeth. Bridges restore the ability to eat and talk normally, keep teeth from moving, and maintain the right alignment of the bite.

There are several types of dental bridges:

• Traditional Bridge: Supported by crowns on both sides of the missing tooth or teeth.

• Cantilever Bridge: Anchored on one side, suitable for limited cases.

• Maryland Bridge: Uses bonded wings for a conservative approach.

• Implant-Supported Bridge: Attached to dental implants for long-term stability.

 

For patients who require a fixed solution without relying on neighbouring teeth, a dental bridge implant provides added support and durability. Lumos Dental offers customized bridge implants to restore multiple missing teeth while preserving oral health.

Dental Crown vs Bridge – Key Differences

Choosing between a crown and a bridge depends on the patient’s dental condition, goals, and oral health.

Purpose and Function

Crowns protect damaged teeth, while bridges replace missing ones. A crown is ideal for teeth weakened by decay, cracks, or large fillings. Bridges restore chewing function, maintain alignment, and fill gaps in the smile.

Structure and Design

A crown covers a single tooth, fully encasing it to protect and restore function. Bridges consist of multiple units, including anchor crowns and pontics, which span the space left by missing teeth. This structure provides stability and supports natural bite function.

Treatment Approach

Crowns reinforce damaged teeth, while bridges rely on adjacent teeth or implants to replace lost teeth. Lumos Dental evaluates each patient’s condition to recommend the right solution based on both dental health and aesthetic goals.

When Do You Need a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are suitable in cases such as:

• Cracked, chipped, or worn teeth

• Extensive decay

• Large fillings

• Teeth weakened after a root canal

• Covering dental implants

 

Proper material selection, routine dental care, and regular checkups help crowns maintain durability and appearance for many years.

When Is a Dental Bridge Better?

Dental bridges are ideal when:

• One or more consecutive teeth are missing

• Strong neighbouring teeth can support the bridge

• A fixed alternative to removable dentures is preferred

• Chewing, biting, and facial structure need restoration

 

Implant-supported bridges offer an advanced solution that does not depend on adjacent teeth, ensuring long-lasting stability and functionality.

 

Cost, Longevity, and Maintenance

Dental crowns and bridges can last 10–15 years or longer with proper care. Patients should brush and floss daily, avoid biting hard objects, and schedule regular dental checkups. Costs vary based on materials, type of restoration, and complexity. Lumos Dental provides direct billing to insurance and follows the Alberta Dental Fee Guide for transparency.

Choosing the Right Option for Your Smile with Lumos Dental

Selecting the appropriate dental restoration requires a personalized evaluation of teeth, gums, and jawbone. Lumos Dental provides professional consultations to determine whether a crown, bridge, or dental bridge implant best suits a patient’s oral health and aesthetic goals.

Lumos Dental offers expert care for dental bridges and crowns, including dental bridge implants, in Edmonton, AB. Patients can schedule a consultation to explore restorative options that restore both function and natural appearance.

Call (780) 433-0222 or visit the Contact Page to book an appointment and take the first step toward a confident, healthy smile.

Contact Information:

Lumos Dental

9562 Whyte Ave NW #205
Edmonton, AB T6C 0Z8
Canada

Dr Taka Shah
https://lumosdental.ca/