When you’re sitting in the dentist’s chair and hear the words “crown” or “bridge,” your mind might immediately jump to royal jewelry or scenic river crossings. The reality is far less glamorous but infinitely more important for your oral health and confidence. These two restorative dental treatments represent some of the most transformative solutions in modern dentistry, yet many patients find themselves confused about which option suits their unique situation best.
At Viera Dental Arts, Dr. Harrison Gollob and his dedicated team understand that choosing the correct restorative option for you isn’t just about fixing teeth; it’s about restoring your ability to eat, speak, and smile with complete confidence. Our restorative dentistry approach allows us to take the time necessary to explain your options thoroughly and help you make the decision that’s right for your specific needs and lifestyle.
What is a Dental Crown?
Think of a dental crown as a custom-fitted cap that completely encases a damaged tooth, much like a protective helmet shields your head. This restoration becomes your tooth’s new outer surface, providing strength, durability, and natural appearance when your original tooth structure has been compromised.
The American Dental Association explains that crowns can strengthen teeth with large cavities when there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure to hold a filling. They’re also used to protect weakened teeth or restore broken ones. The beauty of a crown lies in its versatility, whether your tooth has suffered from extensive decay, a large fracture, or even wear from grinding, a crown can bring it back to full function.
The crown procedure typically unfolds over two comfortable visits to our Viera practice. During your first appointment, Dr. Gollob carefully prepares your tooth by removing any damaged areas and reshaping it to accommodate the crown. We then create a detailed digital impression that serves as the blueprint for your custom restoration. While your permanent crown is being crafted at our trusted US based laboratory, we’ll place a temporary crown to protect your tooth and maintain your smile’s appearance. During the second visit Dr Gollob will try the new crown on your tooth to make sure it’s a perfect fit and matches well to your other teeth. He will then cement it in place and the process is complete.
When Bridges Build Better Smiles
A dental bridge literally bridges the gap left by one or more missing teeth, connecting the space between your remaining natural teeth like a suspension bridge spans a river. This restoration consists of crowns that anchor to the teeth on either side of the gap, with one or more artificial teeth filling the empty space between them.
The impact of missing teeth extends far beyond appearance. When you lose a tooth, the surrounding teeth gradually shift toward the empty space, potentially causing bite problems and making cleaning more difficult. Your facial muscles may also begin to sag without proper tooth support, creating an aged appearance that doesn’t reflect how vibrant you feel inside.
Our bridge treatment process mirrors that of crowns but involves preparing the neighboring teeth to serve as anchors for your restoration. We take extraordinary care to ensure your bridge not only fills the gap but also maintains proper bite alignment and facial support. The result is a seamless restoration that feels and functions like your natural teeth, allowing you to eat your favorite foods and speak clearly without worry.
Key Differences Between Crowns and Bridges
While both dental crowns and bridges restore damaged smiles, understanding their distinct purposes helps clarify which treatment suits your situation. Here are the primary differences:
- Purpose: Crowns repair and strengthen existing damaged teeth, while bridges replace one or more missing teeth entirely
- Scope: A crown treats a single tooth, whereas a bridge typically involves multiple teeth working together
- Structure: Crowns cap individual teeth, while bridges span across gaps using adjacent teeth as anchors
- Longevity: Both restorations can last 10-15 years or longer with proper care, though bridges may require more maintenance due to their complex structure
The choice between these treatments depends entirely on your specific dental condition. If you have a damaged tooth that can still be saved, a crown offers an excellent solution. However, if you’re missing one or more teeth, a bridge might be the ideal way to restore both function and appearance.
Your investment in either treatment reflects our commitment to using only the highest-quality materials and laboratory partnerships. This attention to detail ensures your restoration not only looks natural but also withstands the daily demands of chewing, speaking, and smiling for years to come. For patients who may need immediate care, we also provide emergency dentistry services when unexpected dental issues arise.
Restore Your Smile at Viera Dental Arts
Whether you need a crown to save a damaged tooth or a bridge to replace missing teeth, Dr. Gollob’s extensive training and commitment to excellence ensure you receive the personalized care you deserve. Our practice focuses on building lasting relationships with patients who value quality, comfort, and attention to detail above all else. With over 200 hours of continuing education at prestigious institutions like the Pankey Institute, Dr. Gollob brings advanced techniques and modern technology to every restoration.
At Viera Dental Arts, we believe that exceptional dental care should never feel rushed or impersonal. Our comprehensive approach to restorative dentistry means we take the time to understand your goals and create treatment plans that align with your lifestyle and budget.Don’t let damaged or missing teeth hold you back from living life to the fullest. Our team is ready to discuss your restorative options and help you achieve the confident, healthy smile you’ve been dreaming of. Call us today at (321) 259-4439 or contact us online to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward your smile transformation.