Dental crowns have long been a popular way to restore damaged teeth. They are not, however, necessarily the only or best choice for every patient. Smile Dental in St. Clair, Toronto, believes in providing our patients with all of the information they need to make informed dental decisions. That is why we are looking into dental crown alternatives that may be more suitable for your requirements.
Click to use DENTAL CROWNS IN TORONTO
Understanding Dental Crowns
Before we get into the alternatives, let’s go over what dental crowns are and why dentists use them. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth to protect it, restore its shape and size, strengthen it, and improve its appearance. In addition to covering a dental implant, protecting a weak tooth from breaking, and holding together parts of a cracked tooth, crowns serve other purposes.
Dental Crown Alternatives
Dental crowns offer a viable solution for many dental issues, but they may not be necessary or preferable in every situation. Here are some dental crown alternatives you might consider:
Inlays and Onlays: The Conservative Approach
Inlays and onlays are frequently referred to as “partial crowns.” They offer a conservative approach to tooth restoration, maintaining as much of the natural tooth as possible. Dentists use inlays when the damage is limited to the tooth’s cusps (the pointed parts). However, they use onlays when the damage is more extensive and involves one or more of the tooth’s cusps.
Also Read: Are Dental Crowns Painful? What To Expect During The Procedure At Smile Dental, St. Clair, Toronto
Benefits of Inlays and Onlays
- Less tooth structure is removed compared to full crowns, preserving more of your natural tooth.
- With the appropriate maintenance, they can last a very long time due to the use of durable materials such as porcelain or composite resin.
- Depending on the extent of the tooth damage, they can be a less expensive option than crowns.
Veneers: The Aesthetic Choice
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite material that are custom-made to cover the front surface of the teeth. Dentists primarily use this dental crown alternative for cosmetic purposes, such as correcting the colour, shape, size, or length of teeth.
Benefits of Veneers
- They require less removal of the tooth surface compared to crowns.
- Veneers can significantly improve the appearance of your teeth, making them an excellent choice for cosmetic improvements.
- Veneers can last for many years with proper care, making them a long-term solution for aesthetic issues.
Bonding: The Quick Fix
Dental bonding is the process of using a tooth-coloured composite resin to repair a decayed, chipped, broken, or discoloured tooth. Dentists can complete bondings in one appointment and they are less invasive than crowns.
Benefits of Bonding
- It’s a quick process that typically requires no removal of tooth enamel.
- Bonding can be an inexpensive solution to minor cosmetic and structural issues.
- You can match the composite resin used in bonding to the colour of your natural teeth, resulting in a seamless appearance.
Also Read: The Domino Effect Of Delaying Dental Crown Treatment: Risks And Consequences
Dental Crown Alternatives: Making the Right Choice
The extent of tooth damage, aesthetic considerations, and your overall dental health all play a role in deciding which treatment option is best. At Smile Dental in St. Clair, Toronto, our team is here to guide you through these options and ensuring that you receive the treatment that best matches your needs.
If you’re considering dental crown alternatives, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us. Our skilled dentists will evaluate your situation, discuss your options, and assist you in making an informed dental care decision. Remember, the best treatment is one that not only addresses your immediate concerns but also protects your long-term oral health.
