What’s the Difference Between a Dental Crown, Bridge, and Implant?

Dentist explaining dental implants, crowns, and bridges to patient Today’s dental treatments offer several excellent options for restoring damaged or missing teeth. Crownsbridges, and implants are commonly recommended, but they work in very different ways. 

Dr. Glenn LeSueur, LVIF, can help you better understand these solutions. With advanced training from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, he brings both clinical and cosmetic insight to every treatment plan at Drs of Smiles in Mesa, Arizona.

Dental Crowns

Crowns are tooth-shaped covers that go over an existing tooth, like a protective helmet that keeps the tooth structure strong and prevents further damage. They’re ideal when the tooth is still intact at the root but needs reinforcement and cosmetic improvement above the gumline. 

Crowns are often used when a tooth is cracked, badly worn down, or has had a root canal. They can also improve the look of a misshapen or discolored tooth. 

Dental Bridges

If you’re missing a tooth (or a few in a row), a bridge might be the fix. A bridge “bridges the gap” using two healthy teeth on either side as anchors. Unlike implants, bridges don’t involve surgery but do require modifying the neighboring teeth for support.

The anchor teeth are fitted with crowns, and the replacement tooth or teeth are attached in between. It’s a solid option when implants aren’t ideal, and it’s usually quicker to complete. 

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a more permanent solution for missing teeth. A small titanium post is placed into your jawbone to act as the root, and then a crown is attached to the top. 

Implants don’t rely on surrounding teeth, and they help preserve bone and keep your bite aligned. They’re the only option that replaces both the root and the visible tooth to give you the most stable result.

We’re Here to Help You Make the Right Choice

Crowns, bridges, and implants each serve a purpose, but the right choice depends on your unique situation. That’s why Dr. LeSueur and the team at Drs of Smiles take time to get to know your needs before recommending a treatment.

Call 480-834-6991 to schedule a visit to our office in Mesa, AZ. We’ll walk you through the pros, the possibilities, and the path that makes the most sense for your smile.

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Drs of Smiles

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Sunday: Closed

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