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Mind the Gap! Bridges vs. Crowns – Which One Do You Need?

Whether you're enjoying a round of golf at the Rancho Bernardo Inn or sipping wine at a local vineyard, a strong, confident smile is always in style. But what if a damaged or missing tooth is holding you back? That’s where crowns and bridges come in—two fantastic options to restore your smile and keep you looking and feeling your best.


At Rancho Bernardo Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we know that choosing the right dental restoration can feel overwhelming. So, let’s break it down and help you decide whether a crown or a bridge is your ticket to a healthier, more radiant smile.


What’s the Difference Between Crowns & Bridges?

Both crowns and bridges are custom dental restorations, but they serve different purposes. A crown is like a protective cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its strength, function, and appearance. A bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth, literally bridging the gap between your remaining teeth.


The Rancho Rundown: Crowns

A crown is a durable, tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged, weakened, or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. It can also be used to cover a dental implant or support a bridge.


Why Choose a Crown?

  • Strengthens a cracked, broken, or worn-down tooth
  • Protects a tooth after a root canal
  • Restores a severely decayed or damaged tooth
  • Improves the appearance of a discolored or misshapen tooth


Crown Materials: What’s Best for You?

  • Porcelain or Ceramic – Looks just like natural teeth, perfect for front teeth
  • Metal or Gold – Extremely durable, great for back molars that endure heavy chewing
  • Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) – A blend of strength and aesthetics


The Rancho Rundown: Bridges

A bridge is a dental restoration that replaces one or more missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth (pontics) to the natural teeth or implants on either side of the gap.


Why Choose a Bridge?

  • Restores function so you can eat and speak normally
  • Prevents shifting of surrounding teeth, which can cause bite and alignment issues
  • Maintains facial structure by preventing bone loss from missing teeth
  • Boosts confidence by filling in gaps for a seamless, natural-looking smile


Types of Bridges

  • Traditional Bridge – Uses crowns on either side of the missing tooth to hold the replacement tooth in place
  • Cantilever Bridge – Anchored on only one side, ideal when there’s only one supporting tooth available
  • Implant-Supported Bridge – Uses dental implants instead of crowns for a stronger, longer-lasting solution


Crowns vs. Bridges: Which One Do You Need?

Still unsure which is the better option for you? Here’s a quick guide.


Choose a Crown If:

  • You have a damaged or weakened tooth that needs protection
  • You recently had a root canal and need to cover the treated tooth
  • You have a cosmetic concern, like a misshapen or discolored tooth


Choose a Bridge If:

  • You’re missing one or more teeth and want a fixed, non-removable solution
  • You want to prevent teeth from shifting and affecting your bite
  • You prefer not to get dental implants


Rancho Smiles Start Here

Whether you need a crown to strengthen a tooth or a bridge to fill a gap, Rancho Bernardo Cosmetic & Family Dentistry is here to help. Our expert team will guide you to the best solution so you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence again.



Call us today at 858-385-1838

Email us at rbdentalcare@yahoo.com

Visit us at Rancho Bernardo Cosmetic & Family Dentistry


Let’s restore your Rancho smile—one crown or bridge at a time.


Dr. John Mobilia, DMD 

Dr John, with over 30 years of experience. I went to the University of San Diego (USD) and received a bachelor's in chemistry. I earned my DMD graduating in the top 10% of my class from Boston University. I then continued on to a residency program in advanced education in general dentistry (AEDG) earning a certificate of advanced Dentistry (CAGS). I joined the Navy a year after finishing my residency. My Advanced degrees placed me in positions of higher responsibility and Leadership. After my honorable discharge , I practiced in the private sector in Tierrasanta for 13 years. Primarily caring to Navy families and their children.


 I then opened my own practice 13 years ago in Rancho Bernardo acquiring the most modern equipment available, while retaining that small town sense of individual attention, that seems to be lost in the corporate dental offices.

Dr. Julia Ng, DDS

Dr Ng, received her bachelors of science in Biology. She then received her DDS from University of the Pacific, San Francisco with high honors and an emphasis on general dentistry. She enjoys traveling and doing volunteer work. Her goal is to give back to the community that has given so much. She hopes to not only inspire her patients to have a healthier smile but to also lead healthier lives. Her free time is spent hiking, scuba diving and yoga. 

Nancy Vuong, RDH

Earned two AS Degrees in science at Mesa College, then completed the hygiene program at San Joaquin Valley College. She works full time as a dental hygienist and enjoys reading, hiking, running and outdoor activities with her two sons.