Dental crowns are usually used to restore damaged teeth, but they are not the only option. Some people prefer alternatives that are less invasive, more affordable, or better suited for their specific dental needs. Fortunately, there are several great alternatives to crowns that can restore your teeth while maintaining their natural appearance and function.
In this article, we’ll explore five of the best alternatives to dental crowns, explaining how they work and when they might be a better choice.
Is there an alternative to dental crowns?
Dental Crown is the best solution to damaged teeth. However, it may not be suitable for everyone due to various reasons. You may have a short time or low budget. So, what do you do in that situation?
Do not be worried, thanks to advanced technology, there are many other options that can provide almost similar results but take less time and need less budget to complete the process.
What are the Alternatives to Dental Crowns Cheap & Effective
Here are some common alternatives to dental crowns that your dentist may bring up.
1. Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is one of the most suitable alternatives to dental crown if you are looking for quick and affordable options. You can consider it if you have minor tooth damage.
A tooth-colored resin material is applied in this process to the affected tooth, shaped to match its natural form, and hardened with a special light. This process restores the tooth’s appearance and strength without requiring extensive reshaping.
Why Choose Dental Bonding?
- The procedure requires little to no removal of the natural tooth structure.
- It’s one of the most affordable dental restoration options.
- The entire process usually takes less than an hour per tooth.
- The resin is similar to teeth color, blending seamlessly with your other teeth.
However, remember that bonding is suitable for minor cracks, chips, or gaps in teeth. It may not be very effective if you have large cavities. The resin material is durable but not as strong as other restorations like crowns or veneers.
2. Porcelain Veneers
Another good option to consider instead of dental crowns is porcelain veneers. In this process, custom-made shells are used to cover the front surface of your teeth.
Usually, these shells are used for cosmetic improvement. But if you have minor teeth issues, you can consider them as alternatives to dental crowns.
Why Choose Porcelain Veneers?
- They provide a bright, flawless smile by covering stains, chips, or minor misalignments.
- Veneers are highly durable and can last over a decade with proper care.
- They require less enamel removal compared to crowns.
- Unlike natural teeth, porcelain veneers don’t easily stain from food or drinks.
Porcelain veneers are the best option for cosmetic enhancement but not the best when you need structural reinforcement. Another thing to remember is that you can only consider it when you have issues with your front teeth. So, before going with porcelain veneers, you should consult your dentist.
3. Inlays and Onlays
You can also consider inlays and onlays for restorations that fit into or onto a damaged tooth. They are often used when a regular filling is not enough, but a full crown is unnecessary. Inlays fit inside the grooves of a tooth on the other hand, onlays extend over one or more cusps.
Why Choose Inlays and Onlays?
- Unlike crowns, they don’t require removing a large portion of the tooth.
- They are made from durable materials like porcelain, ceramic, or composite resin.
- They blend in with the tooth color, making them aesthetically pleasing.
- With proper care, they can last up to 20 years.
They are ideal for teeth with mild decay or damage that is too severe for an easy filling but does not require a full crown. If a tooth has enough healthy structure remaining, inlays and onlays can restore it effectively without unnecessary tooth removal.
4. Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is a good alternative for replacing a missing or severely damaged tooth. It consists of one or more artificial teeth anchored in place by crowns on the surrounding natural teeth or by dental implants.
Why Choose a Dental Bridge?
- A bridge used to fill in the gap left by a missing tooth, allowing normal chewing and speaking.
- It helps keep adjacent teeth from moving out of place, which can happen when a tooth is missing.
- Unlike the dental implants, bridges do not require surgery.
- With a proper care, they can last 10-15 years or more.
However, you should only use this alternative when you have missing teeth. Bridge only works when you have strong teeth around the missing or damaged teeth. Otherwise, crowns are better than bridges.
5. Tooth-Colored Fillings
Finally, the last one on our table is tooth-colored fillings. You can also consider it instead of crowns. They are a simple yet effective way to restore teeth that have minor decay or damage. They are made from a blend of plastic and fine glass particles, allowing them to match the natural color of teeth.
Why Choose Tooth-Colored Fillings?
- They require less drilling and preserve more of the natural tooth.
- The material blends well with the surrounding teeth for a natural look.
- Filings can be completed in a single visit. You can save a lot of time.
- Fillings are durable and, make chewing easy and last for many years.
We recommend tooth-colored fillings only for mild cavities or minor tooth damage. If you need a larger restoration, then it may not work effectively.
VIENNA IMPLANT & Family Dentistry: Best Treatment Centre for Dental Crowns
Dental crowns may cost you thousands of dollars. So, choosing the best dentist is essential for better results and cost savings. When it comes to the best dentistry for dental crowns, there is no better option than VIENNA IMPLANT & Family Dentistry.
We recommend them because they offer top-quality services and use modern techniques and tools to complete the entire process smoothly. At VIENNA IMPLANT & Family Dentistry, expert dentists will handle your case. They specialize in creating crowns that not only look natural but also fit perfectly.
They ensure the use of high-quality materials, which means that the crowns are durable and long-lasting. You will have various options, including porcelain and metal crowns, so patients can choose what works best for them.
Final Thoughts
Dental crowns are a great way to restore teeth but are not always the best option. Depending on the condition of your tooth, you might find that dental bonding, veneers, inlays and onlays, bridges, or tooth-colored fillings work better for your needs.
Each of these alternatives has its own benefits and is suited for different situations. If you’re unsure which one is right for you, it’s always best to consult with your dentist. They can help you choose the best option based on your dental health, budget, and long-term goals.
By exploring these alternatives, you can restore your smile while keeping as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. Whatever option you choose, proper dental care and regular check-ups are essential for good teeth health.
