A perfect smile is ideal but not always natural. Sometimes you will have to rely on the assistance of a dentist to get a picture-perfect smile.
One of the ways that they help you achieve the smile you desire is by using dental implants or crowns.
Read on to learn more about dental implants and dental crown treatments.
What’s The Difference?
Have you ever had a chipped tooth or known someone that has a chipped tooth? To fix this problem, a dentist may have recommended a crown. This is because the majority of the chipped tooth is still healthy. So, a dentist will recommend the crown to cover the damages of the chipped tooth. If the tooth has been chipped for years and is full of decay, a dentist could still recommend a crown.
However, they may encourage a patient to consider getting a dental implant. The dental implant does incorporate a crown. But the difference is that a dentist will remove the entire tooth to make way for the post fitted into the jawline. Essentially, a dental implant is a replacement tooth, while a crown is a cap over a broken or damaged tooth.
Pros and Cons of Crowns
If the root of your broken tooth is still healthy, then a dentist may recommend that you get a crown. A crown will help restore your beautiful smile, especially if one of your incisors in the front gets chipped. You can get crowns in various materials, including porcelain, ceramic, gold, resin, or stainless steel. Each of these materials can differ in costs, but the good news is that insurance may cover the crown.
Unfortunately, crowns have some drawbacks. One is that a patient may experience greater sensitivity. Another issue with crowns is that they can develop a lot of bacteria over the years. In worse-case scenarios, a crown could even fall out. Below is a snapshot of the pros and cons that a patient may experience with crowns.
Pros
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- Cheaper than implants
- May be covered by insurance
- Quick procedure
- Different materials are available
Cons
- Lasts 15 years or less (considerably less time than implants)
- Sensitivity issues
- Need for more repairs in the future
- May irritate the gums
Pros and Cons of Implants
If you have a missing tooth, a dentist may recommend a dental implant. Also, if you already have a crown but it keeps getting infected, a dentist may recommend an implant. One of the good things about implants is that they are like natural teeth. So, you never have to worry about them falling out, as with crowns.
Unfortunately, this procedure is costly, and if you need more than one tooth replacement, this can get rather expensive. Also, since it is a cosmetic procedure, insurance typically doesn’t cover it. Another problem is that this procedure isn’t for everyone because there is a 10 percent failure rate. Here are some more pros and cons to consider about dental implants.
Pros
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- They are like natural teeth
- Prevent cavities
- Lasts up to 25 years
- Have the same bite force as regular teeth
Cons
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- The procedure is long, taking many months
- Take a while to heal
- They’re expensive and not covered by insurance
- Risky because it is a surgical procedure
Which One Will You Need?
Ultimately, a dentist will be able to offer you a treatment plan that provides their best guess on which of the two you should get. Each procedure provides different benefits and disadvantages. Most importantly, each procedure is a different cost, with dental crowns costing several thousand dollars less than dental implants.
If you can afford the dental implants, it is a good idea to get them if you don’t want to deal with decay or other problems that could arise over the years from a crown. Keep in mind that, a dentist may offer affordable dental financing to those who qualify.
Are you ready to determine the best option for your chipped, decaying tooth? Need to redesign or restore your faltering smile? Our dental consultants in Walled Lake are prepared to discuss your options and help you make the right decision. Dr. Hechtman has 40+ years’ experience in general and restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, children’s dentistry and more. Call to schedule your FREE consultation today to learn more about crowns and dental implants.