A crown is a cover (or a “cap”) that is made to fit over a damaged tooth. When a significant amount of tooth structure is missing due to various reasons including decay, the deterioration or weakening of an older restoration, or a tooth fracture, a crown restores the damaged tooth to its normal size, shape and function.
In dentistry, a bridge (or a fixed partial denture) is a restoration used to replace a missing tooth or missing teeth. The restoration is considered “fixed” in that it is cemented into place, receiving its support and retention from adjacent teeth.
Bridges are one of a few options we can use to replace missing teeth and restore the function and esthetics of an area.