A crown covers and protects a single damaged, decayed, or misshapen tooth. A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring a replacement to the teeth (or crowns) on either side of the gap. If your tooth is still there but compromised, you likely need a crown; if a tooth is missing entirely, a bridge is usually the fix.
Crowns and bridges are two of the most common restorative treatments in dentistry, and they’re often mentioned in the same breath — but they solve different problems. Here’s how to tell which one applies to you, straight from Dr. Sherwood and Dr. Pascoe’s approach at Conway Dental Co.
What a Dental Crown Does
A crown is a custom cap that fits over an existing tooth to restore its strength, shape, and appearance. We typically recommend a crown when a tooth has a large filling that’s no longer enough support, significant decay, a crack, or has just come through a root canal and needs extra protection. Crowns are also used cosmetically, to reshape a discolored or misshapen tooth.
What a Dental Bridge Does
A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth in a row by anchoring a replacement tooth (or teeth) to the natural teeth — or dental implants — on either side of the gap, usually by capping those supporting teeth with crowns. Left untreated, a gap from a missing tooth can let neighboring teeth drift out of position and change your bite over time, which is exactly what a bridge is designed to prevent.
How They’re Similar
Both are fixed, custom-fabricated restorations — you don’t take them out for cleaning, and you care for them essentially like your natural teeth: brushing, flossing, and regular checkups. Both are typically made from durable materials like porcelain, ceramic, or metal, chosen based on which tooth is being restored and how visible it is.
Materials to Choose From
Porcelain and ceramic blend in naturally, making them the preferred choice for front teeth and visible bridge work. Metal options hold up especially well under the heavier chewing forces of back molars. We’ll walk through which material fits your specific tooth and priorities at your visit.
What to Expect
Getting either a crown or a bridge typically starts with an exam and imaging to assess the tooth or gap. The supporting tooth structure is prepared and shaped, an impression is taken, and a temporary restoration is placed while your custom crown or bridge is fabricated. At a follow-up visit, the permanent piece is fitted, adjusted, and cemented into place.
When You Might Need Something Else Instead
If you’re missing several teeth in a row, or an entire arch, a bridge may not be the most practical option — that’s often when dental implants or full-mouth reconstruction become the better fit. We’ll always recommend the more conservative option when it’s the right one for your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do crowns and bridges last? With good care, both commonly last 10-15 years or more, and some materials can last significantly longer.
Does getting a crown or bridge hurt? The procedure is done under local anesthesia. Most patients report mild sensitivity for a day or two afterward, similar to a filling.
Can a bridge be supported by a dental implant instead of natural teeth? Yes — an implant-supported bridge is an option when you’d rather not reshape healthy neighboring teeth, or when there isn’t a natural tooth on one side to anchor to.
Will insurance cover a crown or bridge? Coverage varies by plan and by why the treatment is needed. Our team can help verify your specific benefits — see our insurance and financing page for more.
How do I know if I need a crown or a bridge? The only way to know for certain is an exam. If your tooth is still present but damaged, it’s usually a crown; if the tooth is missing, it’s usually a bridge — but bring your questions to your consultation either way.
Ready to Find Out What You Need?
Contact us to schedule an exam with Dr. Sherwood or Dr. Pascoe at our Conway, AR office, or learn more about our crowns and bridges services and what they involve.
