Updated on September 16, 2025
If you have a damaged or missing tooth, you may be wondering what your best options are for restoring your smile. At Palm Family Dentistry in Prairieville, we have helped over 5,000 patients achieve stronger, more beautiful smiles using a variety of dental restorations. Two of the most common and effective solutions are dental crowns and dental bridges.
While both are used to restore teeth, they serve different purposes. Let's break down the difference to help you understand which might be right for you.
Understanding Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits over the entire visible part of a tooth. It's used to strengthen and protect a single, damaged tooth. Think of it as a helmet for your tooth.
We might recommend a dental crown if you have:
- A tooth with a large cavity that's too big for a regular filling.
- A cracked, chipped, or severely worn down tooth.
- A tooth that has just had root canal therapy.
- A misshapen or discolored tooth that you want to improve cosmetically.
- A dental implant that needs a final restoration.
Crowns are incredibly durable and are designed to look and feel just like your natural teeth.
Understanding Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a fixed restoration used to replace one or more missing teeth. It "bridges" the gap in your smile, preventing the surrounding teeth from shifting and causing a domino effect of dental problems.
A bridge consists of an artificial tooth, called a pontic, which is held in place by dental crowns on the healthy teeth on either side of the gap. These two crowned teeth act as anchors.
A dental bridge can be a great solution to:
- Fill the gap left by one or more missing teeth.
- Restore your ability to chew and speak properly.
- Maintain the natural shape of your face.
- Prevent surrounding teeth from drifting into the empty space.
Choosing the Right Restoration for Your Smile
Both crowns and bridges are non-surgical, long lasting solutions that can significantly improve your smile's health and appearance. They are custom-crafted to blend in seamlessly with your existing teeth, so you don't have to worry about them looking bulky or unnatural.
To find out which option is best for your unique needs, the first step is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. Contact us today to learn more about your smile restoration options and to find out how Dr. Palm and our team can help you get the smile you've always wanted.