Cannon Street Dental & Implant Centre
Lower Ground, 6 Dowgate Hill, London, EC4R 2SU
Lower Ground, 6 Dowgate Hill, London, EC4R 2SU
Have you ever caught yourself covering your mouth when you laugh, or hesitating before that important photo? Sometimes it’s a cracked tooth that’s been nagging at you, other times it’s a gap that appeared after losing a tooth. Just like the familiar Underground announcement reminds us to mind the gap on the platform, your smile deserves the same attention. These dental gaps and damaged teeth are more common than you might think, and addressing them can transform not just your oral health, but your confidence too.
The good news is that modern dentistry offers excellent solutions for these problems.
Two of the most popular and effective treatments are dental crowns and dental bridges. But here’s the question many patients ask us at Cannon Street Dental: “Should I choose a dental bridge or crown for my specific situation?”
The answer depends on your unique circumstances, and understanding the difference between these treatments will help you make an informed decision about your dental care.
A dental crown acts as a protective helmet for your tooth. It’s essentially a custom-made cap that completely covers and protects a damaged but still intact tooth. The crown fits snugly over your natural tooth, restoring its strength, shape, and appearance.
Why might you need a crown? There are several common scenarios. Maybe you’ve had a large filling that’s weakened your tooth over time. Perhaps you’ve experienced a crack or chip that’s compromised the tooth’s structure. Crown placement is also standard procedure after root canal treatment, as the tooth needs extra protection once the nerve has been removed.
The process itself is straightforward, though it typically requires two visits. During your first appointment, your dentist will carefully reshape your tooth to make room for the crown. They’ll then take impressions to create a custom crown that matches your natural teeth perfectly. While your permanent crown is being crafted, you’ll wear a temporary crown. At your second visit, the temporary crown is removed, and your beautiful, permanent crown is fitted and bonded into place.
Modern crowns are most commonly made from porcelain or ceramic materials, which look incredibly natural and blend with your existing teeth. These materials are also highly durable and can last many years with proper care. If you’re considering dental crowns in London, the team at Cannon Street Dental Centre can provide you with detailed information about materials and what might work best for your specific needs.
A dental bridge does exactly what its name suggests – it bridges the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Unlike a crown that protects an existing tooth, a bridge actually replaces teeth you’ve lost entirely.
How does it work? A traditional bridge consists of one or more artificial teeth (called pontics) that are anchored to the natural teeth on either side of the gap. These supporting teeth, known as abutment teeth, are prepared similarly to how teeth are prepared for crowns. The bridge is then cemented into place, creating a continuous row of teeth that restores both function and appearance.
There are different types of bridges available. Traditional fixed bridges are the most common, but you might also hear about Maryland bridges, which use a metal or porcelain framework bonded to the back of adjacent teeth. For some patients, implant-supported bridges might be recommended, where dental implants rather than natural teeth provide the support.
Bridges serve multiple important functions beyond just filling the gap. They restore your ability to chew and speak properly, prevent your remaining teeth from shifting out of position, and help distribute the forces in your bite more evenly. If you’re looking into dental bridges in London, it’s worth knowing that modern bridges are designed to look completely natural and can last for many years with good oral hygiene.
So what sets these treatments apart? The fundamental difference lies in their purpose and application. A crown covers and protects a single damaged tooth that’s still there, while a bridge replaces missing teeth entirely.
Here’s a helpful comparison to make the differences crystal clear:
| Feature | Dental Crown | Dental Bridge |
| Purpose | Covers and protects a damaged existing tooth | Replaces one or more missing teeth entirely |
| Number of teeth involved | One tooth | Multiple teeth (minimum of three) |
| Tooth preparation required | One tooth reshaped | Two or more adjacent teeth are prepared |
| Best for | Cracked, decayed, or weakened teeth | Missing teeth with healthy adjacent teeth |
| Treatment complexity | Less complex, single unit | More complex, multiple components |
| Typical cost | Generally lower | Generally higher |
| Maintenance | Standard brushing and flossing | Standard care plus special cleaning under the bridge |
| Longevity | 10-15 years with proper care | 10-15 years with proper care |
From a procedural standpoint, getting a crown involves preparing just one tooth. A bridge, however, requires preparation of at least two teeth – the ones that will support the bridge on either side of the gap. This means bridges involve more tooth structure removal from healthy adjacent teeth.
Functionally, they serve different roles, too. Crowns restore individual teeth to their full strength and function. Bridges not only replace missing teeth but also restore the ability to chew effectively and speak clearly, while preventing the remaining teeth from drifting into the empty space.
Both treatments can last for many years, but their longevity depends on factors like oral hygiene, the materials used, and the forces they’re subjected to during chewing. In terms of cost, bridges are typically more expensive than single crowns since they involve multiple components and more complex fabrication.
Maintenance requirements also differ slightly. Both need regular brushing and flossing, but bridges require special attention to cleaning underneath the pontic, where food particles can accumulate.
The decision between a crown and bridge comes down to your specific dental situation. Are you dealing with a damaged tooth that’s still intact, or do you have one or more missing teeth?
A crown is typically the right choice when you have a tooth that’s been significantly damaged by decay, trauma, or wear, but the root and basic structure are still healthy and strong. This is also the go-to treatment after root canal therapy, when a large filling needs to be replaced, or when a tooth has a significant crack that needs reinforcement.
A bridge becomes necessary when you have one or more missing teeth and healthy teeth on either side of the gap that can serve as anchors. The adjacent teeth need to be strong enough to support not only themselves but also the replacement tooth or teeth.
However, these aren’t decisions you should make on your own. Your oral health status, the condition of surrounding teeth, your bite pattern, and even your personal preferences all play a role in determining the best treatment. That’s why a thorough examination by an experienced dental professional is so important.
Choosing the right dental treatment shouldn’t feel like guesswork. At Cannon Street Dental Centre, our experienced team takes the time to thoroughly examine your teeth and gums, using advanced diagnostic technology to get a complete picture of your oral health.
We believe in patient education. That means we’ll explain exactly what we find during your examination, discuss all your treatment options, and help you understand the benefits and considerations of each approach. We want you to feel confident and informed about your dental care decisions.
Our practice uses state-of-the-art technology and techniques to create custom crowns and bridges that not only function beautifully but also look completely natural. We work with skilled dental laboratories to fabricate restorations that match your existing teeth in colour, shape, and size.
But our care doesn’t end once your crown or bridge is placed. We provide comprehensive guidance on how to care for your new restoration, schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, and are always available to address any questions or concerns you might have.
We’d love to schedule a consultation where we can examine your teeth, discuss your concerns, and develop a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs.
Understanding the difference between a dental bridge or crown is the first step toward making an informed decision about your dental care. Both treatments offer excellent solutions for common dental problems, but the right choice for you depends on your unique situation.
What matters most is getting professional guidance from a dental team you trust. At Cannon Street Dental Centre, we’re committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health and a smile you can feel proud of. Don’t let dental problems hold you back from living your best life – reach out to us today to schedule your consultation.
020 8075 7106