You might be a little alarmed if your dentist has suggested a dental crown. A dental crown is intended to repair a broken tooth. However, factors such as cost, convenience, and the appearance of the tooth are also important to patients. Understanding the alternatives to crowns can help you choose the option that suits you best. If you’re wondering about your options, this article is for you. Here, we will explore various alternatives to dental crowns in detail. Let’s take a closer look.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap that covers a tooth. The cap-like structure fits over the tooth and gives it the look and feel of a natural tooth. The crown can be made of different materials, including gold, porcelain, composite resin, or ceramic. Porcelain and composite resin are more affordable than gold and can be modify to match the color of the tooth.
The dentist usually takes an impression of the tooth during a dental crown placement. This way, the crown is made according to your exact dimensions to fit over the tooth. The impressions are sent to a laboratory, and a tooth is made out of the chosen material. The entire process takes up to two weeks. Meanwhile, the dentist may fix a temporary crown during the waiting period.
Once the laboratory sends the crown back, the dentist fixes it over the tooth with dental cement. This process is often laborious and expensive, which is why many patients turn to other tooth crown alternatives.
What are Alternatives to Dental Crowns?
The choice of crown or the procedure depends on the nature and severity of the issue. The main alternatives to crowns include:
Dental Fillings
Depending on the location and size of the tooth damage, a dental filling may be require. A common alternative to dental crowns, they are only ideal for patients with strong tooth structures. If a dentist recommends a crown instead, it might be because half of the tooth has been decay and cannot handle any filling material.
Partial Crown or Onlays
Instead of a crown that covers the entire tooth, a partial crown or onlay can be consider. As the name suggests, a partial crown or onlay only covers a part of the tooth. At most, it covers only one surface of the tooth, the chewing surface. This option is less expensive than others, but it also requires a strong tooth structure.
Dental Bonding
Patients may also choose bonding instead of dental crowns for cosmetic imperfections. Bonding involves using composite resin to cover minor tooth flaws, such as chips or cracks.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are among the most expensive alternatives to crowns. These are also call “false fronts” and are typically only use on the visible surface of the tooth. Veneers also address tooth imperfections, such as staining, chips, or cracks, but they differ from bonding. Veneers require a greater modification to the enamel and are typically permanent solutions. Like dental crowns, veneers are custom-made in a laboratory and involve a waiting period before being place on the teeth.
Tooth Extraction
Extraction is a last resort and typically not recommended otherwise. Missing teeth cannot fix the problem but rather cause additional dental issues. The teeth may shift or cause pain and make it difficult to chew. To replace the missing teeth, a denture or implant may be recommend. These procedures can turn out to be more expensive than getting a crown itself.
Conclusion
It is important to consider all options when it comes to your oral health. Depending on the severity of the issue and your unique requirements, various alternatives to crowns may work for you.
However, your dentist should recommend the most suitable option for you. If you’re concerned about the process, recovery period, or other considerations, it is wise to facilitate an open conversation with your specialist.
Get Your Dental Issues Fix at University Ave Dental!
Whether you want to get a dental crown installed or wish to explore your options, the experts at University Ave Dental can help you love your smile again. With years of experience and a compassionate approach, our specialists can help you through every step of the process and help you formulate a dental routine for overall wellness.
You can contact us at (763)-784-1242 or schedule an appointment.
Alternatively, you can visit us at 10155 University Ave NE, Suite #112, Blaine, MN 55434.