The Pros and Cons of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns, or tooth crowns, can be a great solution for people with damaged teeth, as they can restore both the appearance and functionality of the tooth. Although dental crowns are a common, popular, and safe procedure, like any treatment, they have their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

We’ll explore the pros and cons of dental crowns, so you can understand the different options available and decide whether dental crowns are the best choice for your oral health.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that’s placed over a damaged or decayed tooth. It’s designed to restore the tooth’s strength, shape, size, and appearance while improving its overall functionality.

Cosmetic dentists frequently employ dental crowns to safeguard and maintain the integrity of teeth that cannot be repaired with fillings or other dental procedures.

What are the Different Types of Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns can be made from various materials, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages:

Porcelain or Ceramic Crowns:

• Advantages: Porcelain or ceramic dental crowns offer excellent aesthetics, as they closely resemble natural teeth in colour and translucence. This makes them an ideal choice for front teeth.
• Disadvantages: Porcelain and ceramic crowns are more prone to chipping and cracking, particularly when used for molars. These materials may also be less durable than other options.

Metal Crowns (Gold or Silver Alloys):

• Advantages: Metal crowns are incredibly durable and can withstand strong chewing forces without chipping or breaking.
• Disadvantages: The metallic appearance of these crowns makes them less aesthetically pleasing, which may be a concern for some patients, especially for visible front teeth.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns:

• Advantages: PFM crowns combine the strength of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain, offering both durability and aesthetics. They are suitable for both front and back teeth.
• Disadvantages: Over time, a thin metal line near the gumline may become visible, affecting the crown’s appearance, not as aesthetic as all ceramic crowns, and not as strong as all metal.

Zirconia Crowns:

• Advantages: Zirconia crowns stand out for their remarkable strength and durability, rendering them a superb option for both anterior (front) and posterior (Back) teeth. They provide natural-looking aesthetics and are highly resistant to chipping and cracking.
• Disadvantages: One drawback of zirconia crowns lies in their tendency to be more opaque compared to other materials, potentially affecting their translucence and overall appearance. Nevertheless, recent technological advancements have resulted in more translucent zirconia options.

What are the reasons for getting a dental crown?

There are several reasons why your dentist at Commercial Road Dental might recommend a dental crown:

• Tooth protection: Crowns are used to protect weak or damaged teeth from further damage, especially when tooth structure is compromised due to decay, fractures, or large fillings.
• Restoration of broken teeth: Dental crowns can restore teeth that have been broken or fractured, allowing them to function normally.
• Cosmetic enhancement: Dental crowns can improve the appearance of discoloured, misshapen, or poorly aligned teeth, enhancing your smile.
• Root canal treatment: After a root canal procedure, a dental crown is often placed over the treated tooth to strengthen it and prevent future infection.

The Pros of a Dental Crown

Dental crowns are a restorative solution for damaged or decaying teeth, offering a way to resume normal activities and achieve a beautiful smile.

• Restoration of tooth function and aesthetics: Dental crowns restore damaged or weakened teeth, allowing you to chew and speak confidently while improving your smile’s appearance.
• Enhanced tooth strength and durability: Crowns provide a protective barrier for weakened teeth, preventing further damage and extending their lifespan.
• Long-lasting solution: When properly cared for, dental crowns can last many years, providing a reliable and permanent dental restoration.
• Natural tooth appearance: Porcelain and ceramic crowns can be colour-matched to your existing teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural look.
• Improved chewing and speaking abilities: Dental crowns restore the functionality of damaged teeth, allowing you to eat and speak comfortably.
• Prevention of further tooth damage: Crowns protect teeth from further decay, and also cracking.
• Support for dental bridges: Dental crowns are often used to anchor dental bridges, replacing missing teeth and maintaining proper alignment.

The Cons of a Dental Crown

However, as with any dental procedure, there are some disadvantages of dental crowns to consider as well:

•  Cost: When getting a dental crown, high-quality materials can increase the cost, which may also vary based on the complexity of the procedure. Talk to one of the dentists at Commercial Road Dental to learn about the cost today.
• Tooth Sensitivity: After the placement of a crown, some individuals may experience heightened tooth sensitivity, a sensation that typically diminishes over time.
• Multiple Appointments: The process of obtaining a dental crown may necessitate more than one dental visit, posing an inconvenience for certain individuals.
• Potential for Damage: Despite their durability, crowns can still chip or break. Prolonging their lifespan involves avoiding excessive force and habits such as teeth grinding.
• Possible Allergic Reactions: Metal crowns have the potential to induce allergies in some individuals. It is crucial to discuss material options with your dentist, especially if you have known allergies.

What to consider when getting a dental crown

When deciding whether to get a dental crown, it’s essential to carefully weigh up the pros and cons, taking your specific dental needs and circumstances into account.

If you’re thinking of getting dental crowns, consider the following factors:

• Your budget: When it comes to dental crowns, the cost varies depending on the material used and the complexity of your case. Therefore, it is important to consider your budget and have a discussion with your dentist at Commercial Road Dental about the cost of different options available.
• Material choice: Talk to your dentist about the pros and cons of different crown materials to make an informed choice based on your preferences and needs.
• Maintenance: While easy to care for, dental crowns require regular oral hygiene and dental check-ups to ensure their longevity, so it’s important to be aware of the maintenance involved.
• Alternative treatments: In some cases, other dental treatments such as veneers or fillings may be more appropriate for your specific dental condition. Discuss these options with your dentist at Commercial Road Dental to make an informed decision on the best treatment for you.

As with any dental procedure, it’s essential to consider the advantages and disadvantages, as well as your specific circumstances, before deciding to get a dental crown. Commercial Road Dental dentist can provide you with more information about whether a crown is the best option for you, as well as answer any questions you might have about this procedure.

If you’d like to chat with your dentist about dental crowns, book an appointment at your local Adelaide dental practice today.