When it comes to teeth replacements, we have come a long way in the last 3 decades. Gone are the questions which our grandparents and parents asked dentists about their missing or extracted teeth. Now, the questions are totally different. We want to have the perfect smile; the one which can look great while feeling natural and real at the same time.

Today it’s important to understand the difference between dental crowns and implants. As long as you’re not informed you’re not able to make a decision on the best treatment for your teeth. This is important for your dental health and well-being, but also your wallet and long-term dental well being. 

Dental Crowns Explained

A tooth-shaped cover which is placed over your tooth for various reasons is known as a dental crown. Dentists use it to restore the shape, size, strength and improve the appearance of their patient’s tooth.

They are cemented into their place, lie above the gum line, and fully cover the upper half portion of the tooth. If you are worried about aesthetics, you may want to know that dental crowns are visible on your teeth.

Your dentist might recommend having a dental crown when your teeth show one of the following signs. First, when decay has weakened your tooth, and there is a chance that the whole tooth or some part of it might break down, dental crowns are your best bet.

Second, dental crowns are a must-have if you want to restore the appearance of a broken tooth. Next, you might also want a dental crown if your tooth requires stabilizing – as crowns stabilize teeth with a filling. Also, if your dental bridge requires some fixing, a dental crown would fix it in place.

Finally, and most importantly, if you want to ameliorate the appearance of your teeth, dental crowns deserve your attention.

Pros of Dental Crowns Leave no dark line behind Are non-allergic Cosmetically Beautiful Could be implanted in one visit to the dentist

Cons of Dental Crowns Increase the sensitivity of teeth to hot and cold fluids Expensive

Dental Implants – What Are They?

Dental implants are a support for teeth – whether the latter is natural or restorative. They are surgically placed into your jawbone and could be anything from a screw or blade to a titanium cylinder.

Regardless of the metal used in the implant, it would be compatible with your body, and over a passage of time, will acquire the same physical and chemical properties as your jawbone after undergoing a process called Osseointegration.

Once your dentist has fused the implant securely to the jawbone, they will cover the implant with a prosthetic tooth. The connection which will result due to this union will be more natural and beneficial for your tooth.

Pros of Dental Implants No bone loss Function and look like real teeth Require the same care as your real teeth

Cons of Dental Implants Require several visits to the doctor Lower success rate in smokers

Dental Implant vs. Dental Crowns: Differences

So far in this article, we were concerned with the technicalities relating to both these treatments. From here on, we present a simple, layman view which would help you better in making the right choice.

Durability

Dental implants are clearly more durable than dental crowns. Their protection level is so supreme that it allows them to last a lifetime.  Also, since they undergo a process called Osseo Integration and are made of as strong a material as titanium, they fuse with your jawbone and are resistant to gum and decay problems.

On the other hand, the average life of a dental implant is just over a decade. That is, because, a small portion of your tooth will remain visible from underneath the implant. Its exposure will cause the whole teeth to wear over time, hence forcing the implant to fall.

Aesthetics

Unfortunately, there’s no universal consensus on whether a dental implant or a dental crown is more pleasing to the eye. You might consult your dentist for the best advice on the matter, however, since they specialize in a particular field, even their answer might not be unbiased.

Still, if you ask us, it is the dental implant which provides a better-looking result. And there is no rocket science involved behind it. Instead, an implant looks better because it blends with the tooth perfectly, hence making it difficult over time to differentiate it from your natural tooth.

Procedure Costs

For some people out there, factors like durability and aesthetics might matter. For the majority, myself included, it is the cost of both which will play the deciding factor. So, which one of dental implant and dental crown costs less?

Fortunately, we have an answer: dental crown. And the reason is the same as you might suspect. Dental crowns cost less because a dentist can install them in one go. You don’t need to visit the dentist several times, nor do you have to pay huge fees for the follow-up checkups.

Having said that, while the up-front cost of dental crowns is less, they might cost more than dental implants in the long run.

For, if you have read closely, we mentioned earlier than dental crowns are less durable than their implanted counterparts. That means that, at some time in future, you might have to replace them. That factor takes their cost above that of dental implants.

Easy Dental – Emergency Dentists in Brisbane that consult on a full range of procedures, 7 days a week.

Conclusion

So, what have you decided; dental crown or dental implant? While this article has turned you into an informed patient, we recommend consulting your dentist before making an informed decision. It is for the simple reason as they know your mouth better than anyone else. And they also have the expertise and experience to guide you better.

Regardless of what you may choose – dental implant or dental crown – we wish you a perfect, broad, and genuine smile.