When it comes to restoring your child’s smile, there are a few different options that can help protect teeth and keep little mouths healthy. Two common treatments your pediatric dentist may recommend are dental crowns and dental bridges. Both types of dental restoration can improve the look and function of teeth, but each has its own purpose, and knowing the difference can help you make the best choice for your child.
At ABC Dentistry & Orthodontics, we want parents to feel confident about their child’s care. Here’s a simple guide to crowns and bridges, how they can work together, and when each is the right choice.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a “cap” that covers a damaged or weakened tooth. Crowns are often used for children or adults who have:
- A tooth with a large cavity
- A broken, cracked, or worn-down tooth
- A tooth that’s been treated with a pulpotomy or root canal
- A tooth that needs extra protection to last until it naturally falls out
Crowns restore a tooth’s shape, strength, and appearance, letting kids eat, speak, and smile comfortably. They’re usually made from tooth-colored materials that look natural and blend with the patient's other teeth.
What Are Dental Bridges?
A dental bridge is a solution for missing teeth. While less common in children than crowns, bridges can help when a tooth is lost early due to injury, decay, or other issues. A bridge uses the teeth on either side of the gap as anchors, holding a replacement tooth in place to “bridge” the space.
Dental bridges can help children:
- Chew and speak properly
- Keep surrounding teeth from shifting
- Maintain healthy jaw development
- Feel confident about their smile
Just like crowns, pediatric bridges are made from durable, natural-looking materials that allow kids to eat and play normally.
How Crowns and Bridges Work Together
Sometimes, the two treatments overlap. For example, a bridge may require crowns on the teeth next to the gap to serve as anchors. In that way, a bridge is basically a series of connected crowns replacing a missing tooth.
While crowns focus on saving and protecting individual teeth, bridges are designed to fill in gaps and restore a full, healthy smile.
When Crowns Are the Right Choice for Kids
Crowns are often the go-to for children because baby teeth can still play an important role in chewing, speaking, and guiding adult teeth into place. A crown is typically recommended when a tooth:
- Has a large cavity that can’t be filled with a regular filling
- Is broken or weakened by injury
- Has had a pulpotomy (a child-friendly version of a root canal)
- Crowns help protect the tooth until it naturally falls out, preventing pain and further damage.
When Dental Bridges May Be Needed
Bridges are less common in pediatric dentistry, but can be a good option when:
- A tooth is missing early due to injury or decay
- Gaps may cause surrounding teeth to shift
- You want to maintain a child’s bite and chewing ability
- Bridges help keep the mouth functioning properly while supporting healthy growth and development.
Every child’s smile is unique, and treatment depends on their individual needs. At ABC Dentistry & Orthodontics, we take the time to evaluate each situation and create a treatment plan that protects your child’s oral health, helps prevent future problems, and restores their smile in the most natural, comfortable way.
Restore and Protect Your Child’s Smile
Whether your child needs a crown, a bridge, or a combination, modern pediatric dental restorations are designed to look natural, feel comfortable, and last until their adult teeth come in.
If you’re curious about crowns, bridges, or any other restorative dentistry options for your child, schedule a visit with ABC Dentistry & Orthodontics today. Our team will guide you every step of the way and help your child keep a healthy, happy smile for years to come!
