When a tooth is badly damaged or missing entirely, there are several ways to restore its function and appearance. Two of the most common are crowns and dental bridges, though they serve different purposes.
What is a dental crown?
It’s a cap that fully covers a damaged tooth — whether from extensive decay, a fracture, or after a root canal — restoring its shape, strength, and natural appearance. It can be made of porcelain, metal, or a combination of both.
What is a dental bridge?
It’s a fixed prosthesis that replaces one or more missing teeth, anchored to the neighboring teeth (or to implants) as support. Unlike a removable denture, a bridge is permanently cemented and isn’t taken out for cleaning.
When is each recommended?
- Crown: when the natural tooth is still present but significantly weakened or damaged.
- Bridge: when there’s no tooth left to restore and the entire missing piece needs to be replaced, using neighboring teeth as support.
Care and lifespan
Both crowns and bridges require careful hygiene, with special attention to the gumline and, for bridges, the space underneath the connector. With proper care, both treatments can last 10 to 15 years or more.
Book Your Appointment in Bogotá
At Dr. Ibett Escobar’s dental practice, in Puente Aranda (Cra. 43 # 5-53, Bogotá DC), we have spent more than 25 years caring for our patients’ oral health and smiles. If you’d like a personalized evaluation, call or WhatsApp us at +57 302 838 9396, or fill out our contact form and we’ll get back to you shortly.
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.