What is the Difference Between Crowns, Bridges, Implants & Veneers?
One of the first steps to getting your oral health back on track is determining what treatment you may need. Learn about the differences between dental crowns, bridges, implants and veneers, and how each can help you get your beautiful smile back.
What is a dental crown?
Purpose: Cover & restore a damaged tooth without extraction
A dental crown, also known as a “cap” is used to restore teeth without actually removing or implanting any teeth. The crown is placed over an existing damaged tooth and is cemented in place.
What is a dental bridge?
Purpose: Replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to existing teeth
While a crown is used to cover an existing tooth, a dental bridge is used to fill in the missing space caused by one or more lost teeth. A bridge is made up of one or more false teeth with one crown on either end of the bridge. The crowns are placed over existing teeth on either side of the gap in your smile, functioning as anchors for the bridge.
What is a dental implant?
Purpose: Replace a tooth with a fully functional implant embedded in your jaw
Dental implants are installed securely into your jaw bone and are modern dentistry’s best answer to replacing teeth. The implant itself is fused with your bone, and a natural-looking crown makes up the visible tooth portion. Multiple implants can also be combined in a bridge.
What is a dental veneer?
Purpose: Add a luminous white coating to your teeth
A dental veneer is a thin coating of white, gleaming porcelain which is used to cover the surface of a tooth. Unlike crowns, bridges and implants, veneers are primarily aesthetic, and are less commonly used for dental health problems.
What is the difference between a crown, bridge, implant and veneer?
Here is an overview of the differences between each dental solution:
- Restore a damaged tooth by covering it with a porcelain cap
- For cosmetic and restorative purposes
- Used to replace one or more missing teeth
- Can be fitted with dental crowns or implants
- For cosmetic and restorative purposes
- A fully functional tooth replacement that is embedded into the jaw
- Can be installed with a bridge to replace multiple missing teeth
- For cosmetic and restorative purposes
- A coating used to reshape or brighten teeth that are misshapen or discolored
- Primarily used for cosmetic purposes, but can be restorative
Contact Dr. Brad Dixon In Gainesville And Learn More About What Type Of Dental Treatment You Need!
Dr. Dixon is a leading dentist in Gainesville, Georgia who helps patients with cosmetic dentistry of all kinds. To learn more about our services, or to schedule an appointment with a Dr. Dixon, contact us today, or make an appointment online.
