Crowns v's bridges

David Cook • June 16, 2026

Crowns vs. Bridges

Which Option Is Right for You?

When a tooth is damaged, decayed, or missing, it can leave a gap in your smile and make chewing uncomfortable. At Croydon Dental Group, the two most common solutions we use to restore a damaged tooth—or replace a missing one—are dental crowns and dental bridges.

Here is a quick guide to how they work so you feel prepared for your next visit to our Mt Dandenong Rd clinic.

What Is a Dental Crown?

A crown is a custom-made "cap" that fits over your existing tooth. It is used when a tooth is heavily decayed, cracked, or weakened (such as after a root canal) and cannot function on its own.

Support: Reinforces a weakened tooth, stopping it from fracturing.
Appearance: Our porcelain crowns are colour-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural smile.
Protection: Seals the underlying tooth from further decay.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A bridge is used when you have a gap caused by one or more completely missing teeth. It literally "bridges" the space by anchoring an artificial tooth to the healthy teeth on either side.

The Setup: We place crowns on the neighbouring healthy teeth to hold the new artificial tooth firmly in the middle.
The Benefit: It is a permanent, non-removable solution that restores your bite and stops your other teeth from shifting out of place.

How We Help You Decide

Choosing between a crown, a bridge, or an implant depends entirely on your specific needs. During a gentle consultation, Dr Chris Cain and our team will assess your remaining teeth, gum health, and long-term goals.

We will walk you through every step of the process so you feel completely comfortable and fully informed before making a decision.

Restore Your Smile Today

There is no need to put up with a damaged tooth or a gap in your smile. Reach out to our friendly reception team today to book your assessment.