Before getting to an alternative to a dental crown, let us find out why would you need a dental crown in the first place? There are many reasons to this question, among them the top three are:
- If you have a fracture or highly decayed natural tooth, a dental crown can help to make it stronger.
- There can be cases when you may not be happy with your smile due to a chipped or discolored tooth. Here you can use crowns for aesthetic reasons.
- Your previous restoration is falling, and now you need a more permanent solution to it.
Alternatives to Dental Crown
Most of the time, when a dentist recommends a dental crown is because you need it. However, there are some other options as well, such as:
- Phasing Treatment:
In some cases, you can go for a filling instead of getting a crown. Although it is not a long-lasting solution, it can buy you some time before you decide to get a firmer treatment.
- Porcelain Onlays:
It is a safer approach as it tends to preserve most of the natural tooth structure and leads to a healthier mouth in the end. The porcelain onlay is bonded onto the tooth’s enamel. This helps to avoid fracture and saves most of the enamel. Though this procedure is very rare and requires high skills and time, when the right dentist performs it, it can be a great alternative to a dental crown.
- Provisional Crowns:
A provisional crown is bonded to the tooth and can buy you some time to get a more definitive treatment. It is only a temporary solution and can last for only 3 to 9 months.
To help decide which alternative is best for you, call Smiles on Greatwood Dentistry at 281-937-7530 and talk to our experts.