Among the most common dental restorations for damaged teeth, crowns are one of the most effective solutions. It can be for a cracked tooth, a big cavity, or a weak tooth after a root canal. Like any dental treatment, crowns have their advantages and disadvantages. If you’re considering getting one, it is essential to understand both the good and the not-so-good sides of dental crowns.
Let’s jump into the major advantages and disadvantages so you can make an informed decision.
Advantages of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns have many benefits, making them a popular choice for tooth restoration. Here are some of the main advantages:
1. Protects and Strengthens the Tooth
One of the most excellent advantages of a dental crown is that it offers additional strength and reinforcement to a broken or weakened tooth. If you have a cracked, broken, or worn-down tooth, the crown can help prevent further damage. It’s a protective shield from further fracturing and hardening the tooth.
2. Restores Tooth Function
When a tooth is damaged, it may be hard to chew or bite. A crown helps restore the tooth’s function, and you can eat comfortably again. The pressure is spread evenly, which makes chewing easier and more effective.
3. Improves Appearance
The crowns are designed to resemble natural teeth. They can make an aesthetically pleasing smile for a tooth that is also discolored, misshapen, or worn down. Modern materials, such as porcelain or ceramic, can make crowns blend almost seamlessly into your teeth for a more attractive smile.
4. Long-Lasting Solution
A well-cared dental crown can serve several years, sometimes even a decade more. So long as they are properly cared for and checked regularly, crowns can be reliable and last long. Therefore, investing in crowns makes it worthwhile to restore one’s teeth to an almost new condition.
5. Custom-made for a Perfect Fit
Each crown is tailored to match your natural teeth’s shape, size, and color. That way, it does not feel awkwardly situated in your mouth, nor will it disturb your bite. After being fitted, it feels like a normal tooth.
6. Covers Large Fillings and Weak Teeth
A large filling may make a tooth weak and not capable of functioning correctly. Over time, large fillings weaken the tooth and can cause cracks. A dental crown covers and protects the tooth so that no other problems occur.
7. Dental Bridges anchorage
Many crowns will be used for anchoring purposes in dental bridges. If a person has several missing teeth, a bridge made of crowns can fill those gaps and, at the same time, restore function along with appearance.
8. Resistant to Staining
Porcelain or ceramic crowns are also more resistant to stains than their natural counterparts. They do not easily stain and turn yellow with coffee, tea, or any other staining foods.
Disadvantages of Dental Crowns
While dental crowns have so many benefits, they also carry a few downsides. These are some things to consider before getting one.
1. Tooth Reduction is Required
To place a crown, the dentist needs to reshape the natural tooth, partly removing its structure to accommodate the crown. Once the natural tooth has been shaved down, it cannot be restored to its original form.
2. Can Cause Sensitivity
Most people have teeth sensitivity after receiving a crown. This often results from eating or drinking hot and cold foods as a result of the exposure of a small portion of the original tooth at the gum line. In most instances, this goes away, but it is unbearable for some.
3. May Not Last Forever
Although crowns are durable, they do not last forever. Eventually, they will wear out, loosen up, or crack. The life span of your crown will depend on the type of material and the care it gets. A replacement may be in order within a few years of getting one.
4. Potential Risk of Decay
Although the crown itself will not rot, the underlying natural tooth is still susceptible to cavities. If bacteria collect along the edges of the crown, decay can form, causing additional dental problems. Brushing and flossing regularly prevent this issue.
5. Possible Gum Irritation
A person might have an inflamed gum irritation after crowning. It happens if the crown is not perfect in size or one develops a reaction to the materials. Maintaining proper oral hygiene and visiting a dentist regularly would be a preventive measure against this type of irritation.
6. May Loosen or Fall Off
Although rare, sometimes a dental crown may become loose or fall off as a result of cement weakening over time. Its poor bonding, chewing on hard foods, or excessive grinding of the teeth can lead to this condition. When a crown falls out, it has to be replaced or reattached by a dentist soon.
7. Can Be Expensive
Dental crowns are not the most affordable form of tooth replacement. The expense varies with the type of material and the extent of the treatment. In a few instances, the cost might be partially covered by dental insurance; however, crowns are expensive if one doesn’t have any.
8. Allergic Reactions (Rare Cases)
This may be a rare occurrence, but some patients will react to materials used in making dental crowns, especially those containing metal. If you are known to be allergic to metal, discuss porcelain or zirconia options with your dentist.
Should You Get a Dental Crown?
Having read about the advantages and disadvantages of dental crowns, you must be wondering if they are something you should go for. Of course, everything depends on the specific needs and requirements of your teeth, as well as the budget and your personal preferences. If you have a damaged or weak tooth that requires some extra support, then a crown is a perfect solution. However, if the cost or reduction in the size of a tooth is a consideration, then fillings, inlays, or onlays may be a better alternative.
One should always consult his or her dentist on the best treatment plan. Depending on your needs, they can assess your condition and recommend the best course of treatment.
Conclusion
Dental crowns are one of the best methods of repairing and protecting damaged teeth, improving appearance, and enhancing oral functioning. They are very strong, natural-looking, and long-lasting, hence an option people usually prefer. However, they have some disadvantages, such as tooth reduction, potential sensitivity, and, of course, the cost.
Before getting a crown, you should weigh whether it is right for you. Maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist regularly help you make the most of your crowns and shine with a happy smile for ages.
