Are Dental Crowns Better Than Dental Bonding?
Dental crowns and dental bonding are cosmetic procedures carried out on cracked, chipped, or deformed teeth to restore their original look or make them more attractive. This article aims to provide you with more information on both procedures so that you can make an informed decision on which of the two cosmetic procedures you would prefer.
What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps placed on top of damaged teeth to protect and restore their original shape. Before getting this procedure done, our dentist in Coppell, TX, has to remove root canals and tooth decays from the damaged tooth. Next, a tooth mold is made to ensure that the dental crown will fit perfectly. The dentist will fit you with temporary restorations to protect the tooth until the crown is ready to be fitted.
Types of dental crowns
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Gold Crowns
These are strong, durable dental crowns made from a combination of nickel and chromium. Gold crowns are very strong and resistant thus can handle a lot of force, coupled with the fact that their color doesn’t match adjacent teeth makes them better suited for back teeth restorations such as molars. However, the main drawback of gold crowns is that the gold alloy might trigger an allergic reaction in some individuals.
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All Porcelain Crowns
These are natural-looking dental crowns made from porcelain material. They do not contain any metals or toxins, making them very popular as they are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. The main downside of dental crowns is that they are weaker and more expensive than metal crowns.
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Stainless Steel Crowns
These dental crowns are mostly used as temporary replacements until the molded crowns are ready to be fitted. Dentists use temporary crowns to protect teeth structures during the waiting period.
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Metal Crowns
They are the strongest dental crowns made from multiple metal alloys. Unlike other dental crowns, metal crowns are not abrasive. This means patients don’t have to worry about the crowns damaging the surrounding teeth. In addition, their strength and less natural appearance make them more suited for molars. The main disadvantage of metal crowns is that they corrode over time and may not be a good fit for people with metal allergies.
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Porcelain Fused to Metal (PFM)
Porcelain fused to metal crowns is dental crowns made from metal and porcelain. This has resulted in additional strength while achieving a more natural look. The main disadvantage of PFM crowns is that they are abrasive.
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All Resin
All resin dental crowns are dental crowns made up entirely of resin. They are very affordable and aesthetically pleasing, with the main downside being that they are weak thus less durable. In addition, due to their weak nature, all resin dental crowns will chip, crack and wear faster; thus are better suited for frontal teeth.
Advantages of Dental Crowns
- Dental crowns can be very comfortable if fitted by professionals as they are not prone to shifting.
- They can restore worn out teeth back to their original shape and size
- When applied on teeth affected by tooth decay, they can protect them from damage
- With a lifespan averaging 5-15 years, dental crowns are one of the most durable dental restorations
- It helps improve the appearance of your teeth
Disadvantages of Dental crowns
- Tooth filing is required before dental crowns can be fitted. This results in the tooth being dependent on a dental crown as an irreversible procedure.
- If not properly fitted, the dental crown can become loose. To prevent this visit, a professional
- Patients will often experience discomfort shortly after the procedure
- Dental crowns are expensive compared to other dental restorations such as dental bonding
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a procedure used to change the shape, repair, or shorten the gap between teeth. This is achieved by applying tooth-colored composite resin on the damaged teeth. Dental bonding is relatively cheap compared to other cosmetic dental procedures such as veneers and crowns, making it affordable.
Benefits of Composite Bonding
- Enables you to have a confident smile
- Treatment is safe and fast
- Affordable compared to other options such as crowning
- It doesn’t involve needles as anesthesia is not required for treatment to take place
Disadvantages of Composite Bonding
- Composite bonding is less durable compared to crowning and veneers
- It is not resistant to stains. This will require you to brush and floss your teeth regularly
- Chewing on hard surfaces is not recommended since composite bonding is more susceptible to damage
Conclusion
Dental crowns and dental bonding both have their pros and cons. Are you still not sure of which procedure to go for? Our dentist can help you determine the right dental treatment for your condition after consultation. Visit Our dentist near you at Compassion Smiles Dentistry in Coppell, TX.