What Are The Dental Crown Benefits & Drawbacks?

cropped 20211105 piara ro1 5941 scaled 1.jpg By Dr. Ram Nair

What Are The Dental Crown Benefits & Drawbacks?

When the damage on your tooth is too extensive and can no longer be restored with a filling, your dentist may recommend a dental crown. Dental crowns are restorations that involve a cap placed over the tooth to address cosmetic and dental health problems. Dental crowns offer many benefits, but they also have some drawbacks. Read on as Piara Waters Dental discusses these further to help you make an informed decision.

What Are The Benefits Of Dental Crowns? 

There are several kinds of dental crowns available today. Each type of dental crown has its own unique set of benefits that can be helpful to patients. Learn about the most popular types of dental crowns and their benefits.

  • All-Porcelain Crowns:
    These crowns are made from durable porcelain material and are one of the most
    popular dental crowns available. Porcelain crowns, also known as ceramic crowns, are ideal for maintaining your smile, as they can be matched to the shade and appearance of your natural teeth. These are popular among patients who wish to address concerns of their front teeth. 
  • Gold Crowns:
    Gold crowns are another popular option for dental crowns. They are very strong and durable
    and resist staining better than other types of crowns. Gold crowns are also less likely to chip or crack than other types of crowns. They offer good wear resistance and are often used on back teeth, as they can withstand constant chewing and biting. 
  • Stainless Steel Crowns:
    These are a good option for patients who want to improve their oral health. By
    covering damaged or decayed teeth, crowns can help prevent further damage or decay. Stainless steel crowns are usually used on back teeth due to their metallic color.
  • Composite Crowns:
    These are made from a plastic resin material
    and bonded to the tooth. Composite crowns are an excellent choice for patients who want to improve their smile since they can be matched to the colour of their natural teeth. However, they are not as durable as other types of crowns, and they may chip or crack over time.

  • Metal Crowns:
    Metal crowns are made
    from strong and durable alloys, making them a good choice for patients who have had extensive dental work or those who have a history of clenching or grinding their teeth. They are also an excellent option for people who have had root canal treatment. By encasing the entire tooth, they can help prevent tooth infection.

    However, metal crowns can be expensive and may not be as esthetically pleasing as other types of crowns. Because they don’t look natural, these are often used on back teeth, which are not as visible when you smile. 

  • Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns:
    PFM crowns are made from a metal base with a porcelain coating. These offer the strength of metal crowns with the natural look of porcelain. Porcelain can also be matched to the colour of your surrounding teeth, making them a popular choice among patients looking to achieve a beautiful and natural-looking smile. However, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns can be expensive, and the metal base may show through the porcelain coating. 
  • Zirconia Crowns:
    Zirconia crowns are made with zirconium, a ceramic material known for its durability. These crowns are aesthetically pleasing and can improve tooth appearance. However, one of the disadvantages of zirconia crowns is that they can be expensive.

Regardless of the type of crown you are interested in, they can improve the look and function of your teeth. To determine which one suits your needs, consult with your dentist.

What Are The Drawbacks Of Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are a type of dental restoration that covers the entire surface of a tooth. While crowns are often used to improve the appearance of teeth, they can also protect weak teeth from further damage. Crowns are not without their drawbacks. Some of these include:

  • Crowns can be expensive:
    One of the biggest disadvantages of dental crowns is that they can be quite expensive. The cost of a crown can vary depending on the material used and the experience of the dentist performing the procedure. It is not uncommon for crowns to cost several hundred dollars each. In addition, crowns require multiple dental visits and can take longer than some dental procedures.
  • Crowns are not permanent:
    Another downside of dental crowns is that they are not a permanent solution. The average lifespan of dental crowns ranges between five to ten years. With
    proper care, crowns can last much longer, but it is important to know that they will eventually need to be replaced.
  • Crowns can cause functional problems:
    Dental crowns can sometimes cause problems with chewing and speaking. This is because the crown covers the entire toot
    h and can interfere with how the teeth come together. If you experience bite problems or find that your crown affects your speech, you should talk to your dentist about it. These problems can often be corrected with a simple adjustment to the crown.
  • Crowns can cause sensitivity:
    Because dental crowns cover the entire surface of a tooth, they can sometimes cause sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. You can use toothpaste specifically formulated for sensitive teeth to reduce this.
  • Crowns can fall out:
    Although
    dental crowns are cemented in place, they can sometimes fall out. This is often due to poor dental care or if you have a habit of grinding your teeth. This can also be an issue with temporary crowns.

Ultimately, it is up to you and your dentist to determine if a dental crown is a right option for your specific situation and needs. As with any dental treatment, it is important to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks before deciding

 

Are Dental Crowns Worth It?

While it is important to consider the potential drawbacks of a dental crown, such as the expense, the need for future maintenance, and possible discomfort during the procedure, the benefits it provides still outweigh these concerns. Dental crowns can greatly improve the appearance and function of a damaged or decayed tooth, resulting in improved oral health and a beautiful and natural smile. Crowns are also very strong and can last for many years. They are much stronger than fillings and can resist wear and tear better. If you take good care of your crowns, they should last for a long time.

When it comes to your smile, dental crowns are definitely worth it! They can improve the appearance of your teeth and protect them from further damage. So if you are considering dental crowns, be sure to discuss all of your dental restoration options with your dentist.

Final Thoughts

Dental crowns can provide many benefits, including improved appearance and function of a damaged tooth. However, it is important for patients to carefully consider the potential drawbacks of this treatment before making a decision. Ultimately, dental crowns can be an effective solution for improving one’s oral health and confidence. 

If you want to know more about dental crowns and how they can benefit you, get in touch with Piara Waters Dental today! We can answer all your questions and help you make the right decision for your smile. We can also offer you alternative treatment options if dental crowns are not right for you. Contact us today or book an appointment online.

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of a dental crown can vary depending on several factors, such as the material used and the location of the dental clinic. On average, dental crowns can range from $1,600 to $4,700. It is important to discuss payment options with your dentist and consider any potential insurance coverage.

Dental crowns are recommended for cases of severe tooth decay or damage wherein a filling is not enough to restore the tooth. Crowns can also be used for cosmetic purposes, such as covering discoloured or misshapen teeth.

Dental crowns are considered a safe and common dental procedure. However, as with any medical procedure, there is always a risk of complications. It is important to discuss any potential risks with your dentist before proceeding with the procedure.

During the procedure, your dentist will first numb the area to make you more comfortable. Then, they will shape and prepare the tooth for the crown by removing any decay or damage. Once the tooth is ready, an impression will be taken to create a custom crown. The crown will then be placed onto the prepared tooth and secured with dental cement.

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