What Can I Get Instead of a Crown?

Dental crowns are used to restore the natural appearance of your teeth by replacing missing or damaged tooth structures.

The goal of getting dental crowns near you is to provide long-lasting protection for your teeth and mouth.

However, many other types of dental procedures can address the same problem, so it is vital to find the one that is best for you.

What are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are covers that are placed over teeth. They protect a tooth that is weak, cracked, or otherwise damaged. Crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of a tooth that is discolored or misshapen.

In some cases, crowns may be used with other treatments like root canal procedures, dental implants, and bridges.

Dental Veneers

Teeth veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover your teeth’ front surface. They can be used as an alternative to dental crowns to improve the appearance of your smile. These shells come in either porcelain or composite versions.

Provisional Dental Crowns

Provisional crowns are temporary crowns used to protect a damaged tooth until a permanent crown can be made. They’re made out of porcelain and bonded to the tooth. The provisional crowns are only used for a few weeks or months while your permanent teeth are being prepared for them.

Dental Bonding

Tooth bonding uses a tooth-colored resin applied to enamel and then hardened with a UV light. It can also be used to improve the appearance of a tooth, make it look longer, change its shape, or close gaps. However, bonded teeth are not as strong as a crown and are more likely to stain and chip than a crown.

Dental Inlays and Onlays

Dental inlays and Onlays are options when the damaged part is small for a crown and too big for a filling to fit. They are made of porcelain or composite resin and are custom-made to suit the individual tooth.
Inlays are applied when the decay or damage is confined to the tooth’s center, while Onlays are used if the damage extends to the tooth’s cusps or pointy parts. Inlays and Onlays are an alternative to dental crowns, which cover the entire tooth.

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings repair moderately decayed and damaged teeth. These restorations come in different types, including amalgam, composite (tooth-colored), and gold. In addition, there are several newer types of dental fillings, such as zirconia and ceramic. Each type of dental filling has its advantages and disadvantages.

Amalgam fillings (silver) are made from a mixture of different metals and mercury. It is affordable but presents a few risks because of the mercury content.

Composite fillings are tooth-colored and are less visible but are a bit expensive.

Gold fillings are the most durable. Zirconia and ceramic fillings are newer types of dental fillings that are becoming more popular.

Is It Better to Pull a Tooth or Get a Crown?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best course of action will vary depending on the individual tooth in question. However, preserving your natural tooth rather than pulling it is usually better.

Crowns are inexpensive and convenient solutions to decayed and damaged teeth. Pulling your teeth is more expensive, invasive, and has a higher risk of complications like bone loss.

Also, once you pull your teeth, you will require other cosmetic treatments like dental implants and bridges, which are expensive.

Do Teeth Decay Under Crowns?

While crowns are effective in protecting the tooth, the teeth underneath can decay without proper care. Bacteria can sneak in through the tiny spaces in between and affect the enamel.

Maintaining proper hygiene and getting regular fluoride treatments that can strengthen the teeth and make them less prone to decay is crucial.

It is also vital to visit a dentist in San Diego regularly for cleaning and assessment of the condition of the crowns.