Dental Crowns Vs. Dental Fillings

Thanks to modern dentistry, there are many options to fix a damaged tooth. Depending on the harm, our dentist in McKenzie Towne will offer one or another.

After your dentist eliminates extensive decayed tissue, the remnant dental structure is brittle. If you place a dental filling to restore the dental piece, it will likely crack because composite resin does not withstand heavy chewing force.

Your dentist must evaluate how much dental structure there will be left after removing the damaged tissue to determine if you qualify for fillings or if it’s best to acquire dental crowns in McKenzieTowne.

We will discuss the benefits of both options so you can inform yourself before visiting a dental clinic near you for treatment.

What are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are usually tooth-colored materials that, as the name suggests, fill a cavity after your dentist removes tooth decay. Decades ago, they were made of metal (amalgams) and became very popular. Nowadays, aesthetics is too valuable. We opt for tooth-colored ones, which are made of plastic.

 Benefits of Dental Fillings

  • Aesthetics – They look and feel natural and blend with your dentition.  
  • Cost-effective – Dental fillings are way less expensive than dental crowns. 
  • One appointment – Our dentist near you takes a single appointment to place them.
  • Protect your tooth – They seal the dental piece to prevent dental cavities.
  • Easy maintenance – You may brush and floss your dental fillings like your natural teeth.

Disadvantages of Dental Fillings

  • Not as durable – They may last up to seven years, while dental crowns may last for two decades. 
  • Don’t withstand heavy forces – Which is why you cannot restore large cavities with them.
  • Get stained – Composite resin is not stain-resistant. Over time, they get darker due to the consumption of colored drinks and foods.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a cap that covers your tooth to strengthen it and restore its function. It is perfect for severely damaged teeth that cannot be fixed with dental fillings due to the risk of cracking.

Benefits of a Dental Crown

  • Aesthetics – Dental crowns look as natural as the rest of your teeth. Some people acquire dental crowns to enhance their smiles, even if they don’t have cavities.
  • Durability – A dental crown may last up to two decades with proper care.
  • Easy to care – You must brush and floss your teeth daily, like always. You don’t need to take special care of a dental crown.
  • Stain-resistant – Porcelain resists staining. You can eat and drink whatever you want without fearing that your dental crown will discolor.
  • Resistant – These are the best devices to restore a tooth with critical damage because they cover the entire crown of the dental piece, making it stronger.

Disadvantages of a Dental Crown

  • Expensive – You get what you pay for. A dental crown is more expensive than dental fillings, but they also offer more advantages. They may last for decades, and they withstand occlusal forces better.
  • Two appointments – If you are looking for dental crowns near you, you must know that you will need two appointments; unless you choose same-day crowns, which are more expensive but are ready in a single visit.

Same-day crowns are popularizing because the patient also avoids impressions with putty, which are unpleasant. In this procedure, the doctor takes them with a scan. Then, the dental professional uses a CEREC machine that manufactures the crown in about two hours.

You may contact our dental professionals to determine what restorative and cosmetic option is best for you.

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