Dental crowns are among the most common restoration dentistry procedures performed in the United States. Simple and effective they’ve been a mainstay of the dental industry for decades, but new innovations have introduced additional options that can do the same job as well or better. Each of these choices has pros and cons to consider when deciding which is appropriate for you. If you’ve been considering getting restoration work done and were wondering what alternatives there are to receiving a dental crown, this article is for you.
Why You Might Need a Dental Restoration
There are only a few reasons you may be considering getting a crown. The most common is that you have a tooth that’s experienced significant decay, and restoration work is necessary to save it. Installing a dental crown requires the removal of the majority of the healthy dental tissue above the gum line to create a space where the crown replacement can be mounted. In many cases, the damaged area is significantly smaller than the amount of tooth you’d need to remove to place a crown. For years this has been the only solution available, running contrary to the preferred dental practice of retaining as much natural tissue as possible.
What’s The Alternative To Dental Crowns?
With the ongoing advancement of dental medicine, there have been new materials and techniques invented that provide alternatives to crowns. These innovations provide a new way of treating conditions that previously would have required a crown. As a result, more patients are being able to keep more of their natural tooth, resulting in better oral health in the long term.
Onlays and Inlays – A New Solution For Crowns
These are the preferred approach and are available in a variety of materials. Porcelain is the most popular variety, both for its ability to withstand the wear and tear put on teeth and its aesthetic qualities. These restorations accomplish the same end goal without destroying healthy tooth material in the process. It’s important to understand the Onlays and Inlays won’t be the right solution for every patient. The amount of healthy tooth remaining must be able to support the restoration without leaving it vulnerable to future damage.
Porcelain Veneers
One other option that bears mention is the use of porcelain veneers. Traditionally used for cosmetic treatments, porcelain veneers are sometimes a viable alternative to getting a full crown done. They additionally have the benefit of being able to address multiple minor concerns simultaneously, including cracks, chips, gaps, minor misalignment, and in some cases, restoration.
When you’re looking for alternatives to receiving a dental crown, it’s time to call Dr. Victor Bustos at 3D Dentistry in Bradenton, FL. They provide comprehensive preventative, restoration, and cosmetic dentistry care for patients in their community and beyond. Restorations dentistry is evolving, and you may have more options than you think for restoring a beautiful smile. The sooner you address your restoration needs, the more options you’ll have available. Call today for an appointment before damage or decay gets too far!
