You are typically a candidate for a dental crown if you have a tooth that is decayed, cracked, weak, or cosmetically damaged but still has enough healthy structure to support a cap, and you are typically a candidate for a dental bridge if you have one or more missing teeth in a row with healthy teeth (or implants) on either side to anchor the restoration. A dental exam and X-rays confirm which option, or combination of the two, fits your specific situation.
At Charlotte Dental Arts, crowns and bridges are evaluated and, in most cases, completed in a single visit using in-office CEREC technology. Below, we break down exactly what makes someone a candidate for each restoration, the types available, and what can disqualify or delay treatment.
Am I a Candidate for a Dental Crown?
Crown candidates generally fall into a few common categories: teeth with a cavity too large for a standard filling, teeth that are cracked or fractured and need reinforcement to prevent further damage, teeth that are discolored or misshapen and need cosmetic correction, and teeth that have already had a root canal and need long-term protection. A crown can also be placed on top of a dental implant to complete the restoration. The main requirement is that enough of the natural tooth structure remains to support the crown once it is shaped and capped.
Am I a Candidate for a Dental Bridge?
Bridge candidates typically have one or two missing teeth in a row, with healthy, stable teeth on either side of the gap that can support the crowns anchoring the bridge in place. A bridge is composed of a false tooth, or pontic, fused between two crowns, so the health of those anchor teeth matters just as much as the gap itself. Patients with weak or heavily filled anchor teeth may need those teeth restored first, or may be better candidates for an implant-supported bridge that does not rely on natural teeth for support at all.
Types of Dental Bridges
Not every bridge is built the same way. A traditional bridge uses a crown on each side of the gap to support the pontic in the middle. A cantilever bridge anchors to only one adjacent tooth rather than two, which works for specific gap locations. A Maryland bonded bridge attaches with a metal or ceramic framework bonded to the back of the neighboring teeth rather than full crowns, preserving more of the natural tooth. An implant-supported bridge is anchored by implants instead of natural teeth entirely, which is often recommended when multiple teeth in a row are missing.
Health Factors That Affect Candidacy
Active gum disease needs to be treated before a crown or bridge is placed, since healthy gum tissue supports the long-term stability of the restoration. Patients with well-controlled diabetes generally do well with both crowns and bridges, though healing and gum health should be monitored more closely. Significant bone loss around a missing tooth can affect whether a traditional bridge or an implant-supported option is the better long-term choice, which is something we evaluate together at your consultation.
How Long Do Crowns and Bridges Last?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a well-maintained dental crown typically lasts between five and fifteen years, and with consistent brushing, flossing, and regular checkups, both crowns and bridges can last well beyond that range. Bridges anchored to natural teeth generally need replacement or adjustment sooner than implant-supported options, since the anchor teeth can experience wear and decay over time in ways an implant post does not.
Cost varies depending on which restoration type and material best fit your case, and we accept most PPO insurance plans in addition to offering financing options to help make treatment manageable.
Get Your Crown or Bridge Started
The only way to know for certain whether a crown, bridge, or another restoration is right for you is a clinical exam and X-rays of the specific tooth or teeth in question. Most patients are treated in a single visit thanks to in-office CEREC milling, so there is no need to wait weeks for a lab-made restoration. Schedule an appointment today to find out which option restores your smile fastest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crown and Bridge Candidacy
Can I get a bridge if my anchor teeth have fillings?
In many cases, yes. Teeth with existing fillings can still support a bridge as long as enough healthy tooth structure remains and there is no active decay underneath. If the anchor tooth is significantly weakened, it may need to be restored with its own crown first, or an implant-supported bridge may be recommended as a more stable alternative.
Is a crown or a filling better for a large cavity?
Once decay has removed too much of the tooth’s structure for a filling to be stable, a crown becomes the better option because it caps and protects the entire visible portion of the tooth rather than filling a smaller area. Your dentist will recommend a crown specifically when a filling would leave the tooth too weak to withstand normal biting pressure.
What happens if I am not a candidate for a traditional bridge?
If your anchor teeth are not healthy enough to support a traditional bridge, an implant-supported bridge is often the recommended alternative, since it relies on implants placed in the jawbone rather than natural teeth. This approach also avoids reducing healthy teeth to make room for anchor crowns.
Do crowns and bridges look natural?
Modern ceramic crowns and bridges are designed to match the shape, size, and shade of your surrounding teeth. With in-office CEREC design software, the restoration is built from a digital scan of your own bite, which typically produces a very close match to your natural smile.
How many teeth can a single bridge replace?
A traditional bridge is generally best suited to replacing one or two missing teeth in a row, since longer spans place more strain on the anchor teeth. For three or more missing teeth in a row, an implant-supported bridge or a partial denture is usually a more durable long-term solution.
