A dental crown is a tooth-like cap that covers a natural tooth. It aims to restore your tooth’s natural shape and colour and improve its strength. A dental crown can also attach a dental bridge or protect a weak tooth from breaking. Its goal is to save a damaged tooth and avoid tooth extraction.
However, these dental treatments are not for everybody, so your dentist may recommend alternative options to address your dental concerns.
What Are the Alternatives to Dental Crown Treatment?
If you are not suited for a dental crown, there are other options you can consider, such as:
Dental Veneers
These are thin, tooth-coloured shells attached to your teeth’ front surface. They can also conceal stained, chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth like crowns. Dental veneers are usually made of porcelain or composite material, lasting anywhere between 10 to 15 years. Note that this depends on many factors, such as the material used and how you care for them.
A veneer is bonded to your tooth with a strong adhesive. Once it’s in place, your dentist will trim and shape it as needed to achieve the desired look.
The following are the benefits of this dental treatment:
- Veneers can improve your appearance by covering flaws in your teeth.
- They can be fabricated to look like your natural teeth.
- They’re durable and can last for many years with proper care.
- They require less tooth preparation or trimming compared to a dental crown.
- They can protect your teeth from further damage and staining.
- They can whiten your teeth instantly.
Like other dental treatments, veneers also come with drawbacks, such as:
- They’re not for everybody, especially if most of the patient’s tooth structure has been damaged already.
- They tend to be more susceptible to chips and cracks than dental crowns and bridges.
- The procedure is irreversible. Once the tooth is prepared for the veneer, the trimmed tooth structure cannot grow back.
Teeth Bonding
This is another cosmetic dental procedure that can improve the appearance of your smile by addressing stained, chipped, gapped, or cracked teeth. The procedure uses tooth-coloured dental composite, which bonds to the tooth to restore its shape, size, and colour.
The following are the benefits of teeth bonding:
- The procedure can be done in one dental visit.
- It doesn’t require as much tooth preparation as veneers or crowns.
- It’s a less expensive treatment compared to other dental crown alternative options.
Unfortunately, it also has some disadvantages, including:
- It may not be as stain-resistant as crowns and veneers.
- It’s not as durable as veneers and crowns, so it may need to be redone sooner.
Porcelain Onlays
This is a type of dental restoration that can be used to cover a tooth cusp that’s been damaged by tooth decay or trauma. It’s made of porcelain and bonded to the tooth using a strong adhesive. It is custom-made to fit the tooth, and it can restore its shape, size, and colour.
Porcelain onlays offer benefits, including:
- They blend in with your natural teeth and are barely noticeable.
- They’re less invasive than dental crowns because they don’t require removing as much tooth enamel
Disadvantages of porcelain onlays are:
- They cannot address severely damaged teeth.
- They may be more prone to cracks and chips than crowns, requiring replacement sooner.
- The cost of onlay may be higher than dental crowns and porcelain veneers.
What Factors Should You Consider Before Getting An Alternative?
While there are alternative options to dental crowns, you still need to consider some factors before picking a treatment. Below are the most significant ones:
- The condition of your tooth
You first need to consider the extent of damage to your tooth. If it’s severely damaged, an onlay or veneer may not be enough to address the problem and restore its function. In this case, a dental crown may be a better choice. On the other hand, if your tooth has significant tooth structure left, an onlay or veneer may be a more viable choice. - The location of the tooth
Another thing to consider is the location of the tooth. If it’s in the back of your mouth, you may not need a cosmetic treatment like a veneer since it’s not as visible. However, if it’s in the front of your mouth, you may want to consider a veneer to improve its appearance. - The cost of the treatment
Cost is also an essential factor to consider since some treatments can be quite expensive. If you’re on a budget, you may want to consider a less costly alternative, like teeth bonding. However, if money is not an issue, you can choose the treatment that addresses your dental issue regardless of price. Besides, if your dental problems interfere with the quality of your life, you may want to invest in a treatment that will provide you with long-term results. - Your dentist’s recommendation
Ultimately, it’s always a good idea to listen to your dentist’s recommendation since they know what’s better for your oral health. They will look into all the factors involved before recommending a treatment plan to address your dental issue while also considering your budget and preferences.
Are Dental Crowns Right for Me?
After your initial consultation, you and your dentist will decide if a dental crown is the right treatment for you. They will assess your tooth and gum condition and discuss the possible options.
If you have a tooth that’s severely damaged, they will most likely recommend a dental crown. If you have more tooth structure left, you may have the option to choose between a dental crown and an alternative treatment like onlays or veneer. The decision will ultimately come down to your preferences and budget.
A dental crown may be an excellent choice if you’re looking for long-term treatment since it can last for many years with proper care. However, if you’re on a budget, you may want to consider an alternative treatment like an onlay or veneer. Remember that your dentist will always recommend the most viable option for your oral health, regardless of the cost.
Final Thoughts
Dental crowns are an excellent choice for those who have severely discoloured and damaged teeth. However, you still need to consider some factors before deciding if this treatment is right for you. These include the condition of your tooth, its location, and the cost of the treatment. You should also listen to your dentist’s recommendation since they know what can address your dental needs better.
If you are considering dental crowns but are unsure if this suits your needs, contact Piara Waters Dental to book a consultation.
Our dental clinic is equipped with the latest technology to provide efficient and desirable results. We have a team of qualified dentists performing dental crown procedures for years. During your appointment, one will examine your teeth and gums to see if dental crowns are right for you. They will also discuss the entire treatment process and other available treatment options so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
This depends on the material used, but on average, they can last 10 to 15 years. With proper care, they may last longer until 30 years, especially those made of metal materials. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits, frequent dental visits, and following preventive measures can help extend your dental crown’s lifespan.
Dental crowns can provide many benefits, including restoring the function and appearance of your teeth. They can be used to cover chipped, cracked, or discoloured teeth and can also improve your oral health by preventing further damage to your teeth. In addition, they can be used to support a dental bridge or dental implant.
The crowning process takes at least two visits to complete. In your first appointment, your dentist will give you local anaesthesia to numb the area around your tooth. They will then remove the damaged or decayed tooth structure and trim a portion of your natural tooth to make room for the dental crown. An impression of your teeth will be taken so the crown can be custom-made in a dental laboratory. A temporary crown will then be placed while you wait for your dental crown. Once it’s ready, you will return to the dental office for another appointment to have it cemented.
If you choose to have a same-day crown, you can have your dental crown procedure completed in just one day.
Dental crowns have different types: all-ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, gold, metal, zirconia, and composite resin.