A bridge is a lab fabricated prosthesis that is cemented in the mouth. It's function is to replace a missing tooth or teeth. This is accomplished by preparing the crowns of the teeth on either side of the space left by the missing tooth. An impression of the area is then taken, sent to the lab, and a bridge is made. The bridge consists of two crowns with a false tooth in between. (See illustration below)
A Crown is a lab fabricated restoration that is cemented into the mouth. It's function is to replace the broken down tooth. The tooth is first prepared for the crown by shaping it down in all dimensions. Next, an impression is made and sent to the lab. Finally, the crown is tried in and cemented onto the tooth. (See right side of illustration below)
