If you have badly damaged teeth that are in need of repair, your dentist will likely be considering crowns and bridges for treatment options. These two procedures are similar but not exactly the same, so it is important to understand the differences so you know what your dentist is talking about. Here’s what you need to know so you can be prepared to discuss your options at your next dental appointment.
About Crowns
Crowns are used to repair a single damaged tooth. Your dentist will first remove the damaged portion of your tooth, then fit a crown to replace what was lost. The crown will be in the shape of a regular tooth, so you usually won’t even be able to tell you have one just by looking. You’ll typically receive a crown after a root canal or in cases of large cavities that cannot be filled using traditional methods. Of course, it is important that the underlying tooth not be so damaged that it cannot support the crown. In this case, you may need a bridge or implant instead.
About Bridges
A bridge replaces a tooth that is fully missing or is not structurally sound enough to support a crown. Rather than attaching an artificial tooth to what remains of the tooth underneath, it will instead be attached to the teeth on either side of the gap. If those teeth are in good shape, the bridge can be attached directly to them in what is known as a Maryland bridge.
If the surrounding teeth are in need of repair as well, your dentist will likely apply crowns to them, attaching the bridge to the crowns rather than the teeth themselves. This configuration is known as a traditional bridge. For back teeth, the bridge may be attached to only one tooth, known as a cantilever bridge, though this style is far less common.
Crowns and Bridges: Cost Considerations
Depending on the extent of the damage and materials used to create your crowns, you’ll typically be looking at expenses in the $1,000 to $1,500 range, though it can vary from dentist to dentist. For a bridge, the costs tend to be a bit higher and will also depend on the style of bridge required. For a traditional bridge that includes crowns on either side, you’ll typically pay around $5,000. Maryland bridges tend to be cheaper, costing between $1,500 and $2,500, as they don’t require additional prosthetic teeth to anchor the bridge.
Your actual crown and bridge cost may vary from these figures, so use them as general guidelines so you know approximately what to expect. In addition, your crown and bridge cost may change depending on the extent of your dental insurance coverage, if you have any. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to determine the impact your crown and bridge cost will have on you.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you think you might be in need of crowns and bridges, get in touch with Holistic Dental Melbourne CBD today. We’ll book you in for a consultation to review your needs and treatment options. Call now to get started.
