Pros and Cons of Dental Crowns - Everything You Need to Know
Looking after and caring for our teeth is simple on paper, but the truth of the matter is that things are actually very different in reality.
Brushing and flossing daily is a good start, but there is so much more to good dental hygiene than that. Some people for example, may find that their teeth become chipped, damaged, or broken, which can then leave them feeling self-conscious about their appearance. If this is indeed the case with you, a dental crown could be the solution.
Dental crowns are very common in the world of dentistry, yet it has to be said that they’re not without their drawbacks. If you’re thinking of having a dental crown fitted, it is worth noting that there are some things to consider beforehand.
Here’s a look at the pros and cons of dental crowns.
What are dental crowns?
A dental crown is basically a cap which is placed over the top of chipped and/or damaged teeth to give the tooth a smooth, natural, much more aesthetic look and appearance.
Designed to look just like a real tooth, dental crowns are made from a number of materials, including metal and porcelain, and can really give the teeth a more natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Once the desired crown has been chosen, your dentist will then prepare the tooth as necessary, and will proceed to cement the crown in place.
Different types of dental crown
As mentioned, there are many different types of dental crown for people to choose from, with some of the most popular examples including the following:
Ceramic
Ceramic dental crowns are great for providing a natural look and appearance as they can match the appearance of the teeth much easier than other materials.
Ceramic crowns are also great for people with metal allergies, although they aren’t the strongest in the world, so just bear that in mind.
Metal
Metal crowns can be made from a number of suitable metals, including gold, silver, nickel, palladium, and chromium.
These crowns are the strongest of the strong, they rarely break or chip, and they are easy to fit. The only downside is that they don’t look natural.
Resin
All-resin dental crowns are cheaper than most other crowns and are great for a quick fix. They are weaker than other crowns however, so they are likely to deteriorate quicker and will therefore need replacing much sooner than other crowns.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal
If you want the strength of a metal crown, without having to worry about the tooth looking unnatural, a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown is perfect.
Great for front and back teeth, these crowns are designed to last, and are also very comfortable.
Pressed ceramic
A pressed ceramic crown has a tough inner core, making it much more durable and hard-wearing than a basic ceramic crown.
These crowns are actually capped with porcelain to give arguably the most natural looking appearance you could wish for.
Pros and cons of dental crowns
While there are heaps of benefits associated with getting a dental crown, there are also negatives to consider as well.
Here’s a look at the pros and cons of dental crowns.
Pros of dental crowns:
- Improves the appearance and aesthetics of the teeth
- Helps to protect weak teeth from breaking
- Helps to hide cracks, chips, breaks, and discolorations
- Helps to support dental bridges
- Different materials to choose from
- Affordable options
- Can help save teeth unable to support fillings due to partial decay
- Cover and protect a tooth with a large filling
- Restores a broken, chipped, or damaged tooth
Cons of dental crowns:
- Possible allergic reaction depending on the material used to make your crown of choice
- Pain and discomfort after the procedure when biting down, usually caused when the crown sits too high. This can easily be fixed by your dentist
Can your teeth rot under a dental crown?
Yes.
Teeth under dental crowns can still rot and decay due to harmful bacteria, which can cause cavities over time. It is therefore vital to ensure that you practice good oral hygiene if you have dental crowns.
Is it worth getting a dental crown?
Yes!
Dental crowns protect the teeth, they improve facial aesthetics, they look natural, they’re affordable, and they can help improve people’s self-esteem.
Can dental crowns cause health problems?
Potentially.
Sometimes people may be allergic to the materials used to make certain dental crowns, which could then trigger an allergic reaction.
Book your dental crown assessment today
If your teeth are cracked, chipped, damaged, or broken, don’t let it get you down, do something about it and get in touch with us here at Tuart Hill Dental today.
We can fit dental crowns, bridges, caps, and much more besides, all for very affordable prices. We have a wide selection of dental crowns to choose from, so finding your perfect crown has never been easier!
