Has your dentist recommended a dental crown recently? These trusted dental solutions are commonly used on teeth that are significantly damaged, decayed, or structurally compromised from procedures like root canals.
When considering a dental crown, you might wonder what purpose this procedure serves and if there are any other options available to you. In this post, we’ll break down the basics of dental crowns. Plus, we’ll take some time to clearly identify how crowns differ from their alternatives, making it easier to understand why a crown is the right choice for you.
What are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a cap placed on a tooth to help maintain the remaining structure. It is usually used on teeth at risk of fracturing, such as a molar that has recently had a root canal. At Chiu Dental, we call a dental crown a “helmet for your tooth” since it wraps around your tooth and helps protect it from damage.
Crowns and Dental Bridges
When missing teeth need to be replaced, crowns can be used in conjunction with a dental bridge, which consists of one or more artificial teeth (also known as pontics). These fake teeth are then held in place by the dental crowns placed on the adjacent teeth.
Alternatives to Dental Crowns
While dental crowns are a great way to care for damaged teeth, they aren’t always the only option. Depending on what you are trying to accomplish, another option may better suit your needs. Here are some common alternatives to dental crowns.
Dental Onlays
Sometimes called “partial crowns,” dental onlays sit on top of the tooth rather than fully encasing it like a crown. Usually, your dentist might recommend an onlay for damage that doesn’t affect the entirety of your tooth. This procedure will preserve more of your natural tooth structure and does not require extensive reduction or reshaping.
Choose for:
- Less invasive protection
- Preserving natural tooth structure
- Targeted coverage
Veneers
Although both crowns and veneers are bonded to your teeth, they serve very different purposes.
While the primary purpose of a crown is to protect the structure of your tooth, veneers are designed to address the appearance of your smile. They are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of your teeth and are typically used to address aesthetic concerns such as discoloration, minor chips, and uneven spacing.
Choose for:
- Improving the look of your smile
- Primarily cosmetic issues, not structural
Book Your Appointment Today!
If you are looking for a dental crown and live in the Kitchener and Waterloo area, Chiu Dental is here to help! Our experienced team is ready to provide you with all the knowledge you need to make the right choice for your smile.
Plus, we are currently accepting patients! Ready to increase the longevity of your oral health? Book your appointment online now. If you have any questions before booking, give us a call. We’re always ready to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.