December 30, 2024 | Tri Le Millions of Americans have had dental crowns placed on their teeth for various reasons–to protect a decayed tooth, to hold a cracked tooth together, to cover an implant, and more. However, despite their multi-purpose functionality, there are instances in which a crown is not the answer, whether due to health issues, budget, or simply preference. Depending on the situation, crown alternatives such as bonding, inlays, or fillings may be applicable. A dentist can help you decide which is the best option for you, but read on to find some helpful details that can help you make an informed choice. Factors to Consider When Choosing A Crown Alternative Budget Some dental restorations cost more than others, and some are covered by insurance while others aren’t. For example, most dental insurers don’t cover veneers–a relatively pricey procedure–as they are considered cosmetic. For the same reason, dental bonding may not be covered, although it is a much more affordable procedure. However, if the bonding is deemed necessary for oral health, insurance may cover some or all of the cost. Personal Preference Different patients have different priorities with their restorations. You may be most concerned about the aesthetics of your smile and desire the treatment most likely to meet your expectations regarding appearance. But other patients, such as those with issues with teeth that aren’t very visible in the mouth, may be content with restoring functionality and not concern themselves as much with aesthetics. Current Oral Health In some cases, tooth decay or another health issue will preclude getting a particular treatment. Dental fillings, for example, can be a crown alternative, but only when tooth decay is not too excessive. Likewise, patients with too little enamel or with allergies to the materials used are not good candidates for veneers. Discussion with your dentist will help identify these kinds of issues for the various crown alternative options. Treatments and Recovery Your patience for undergoing treatment and healing are considerations, as well. You may decide you want to feel back to normal within hours, not days or weeks, and select a treatment based on that criteria. For example, bonding requires no anesthesia and has no significant recovery time. On the other end of the spectrum, inlays and onlays typically take up to two weeks to completely heal, with mild discomfort common over the first few days. Understanding Your Crown Alternative Options The following will be the primary treatments available in place of a crown… Dental Veneers Ideal for: Minor chips, cracks, or discolored or misshapen teeth. Description: A veneer is a thin shell made of porcelain or composite material (the same used in dental bonding) that is cemented to the front surface of a tooth. Although it is a cosmetic procedure, it involves removing a tiny amount of enamel from the tooth, and sometimes tooth and/or gum contouring in preparation for placing the veneer. It involves two office visits: the first, to take an impression of the tooth from which your custom veneer is made in a lab. Once it is made, you return to the office to have it bonded into place. You may have temporary veneers placed in the interim. How it compares to crowns: More of the natural tooth is preserved with veneers than with crowns, but veneers only affect the tooth’s appearance. A crown covers and strengthens the entire tooth, which is often one that has been weakened by decay or injury, while also improving appearance. Recovery: Healing times can vary from returning to normal activities the same day of placement, to gum and tooth soreness and/or sensitivity for up to three weeks. Learn more about veneers. Dental Bonding Ideal for: Budget-friendly, quick fixes of chips, gaps, cavities, and discoloration. Description: Dental bonding is one of the most common procedures in cosmetic dentistry. After roughening the tooth, the dentist applies and molds a color-matched resin to the tooth and cures it with a blue light. It’s a painless, quick procedure that can last for 10 years or more before needing to be replaced. Recovery: Because bonding is non-invasive, you’re immediately able to go back to normal eating, working, and exercise activities. How it compares to crowns: Bonding is less expensive and less invasive than getting crowns, but it also doesn’t last as long: crowns can frequently last upwards of 15 years. Bonding is also less durable than a crown and doesn’t provide as much protection of damaged teeth. Learn more about bonding. Dental Inlays and Onlays Ideal for: Moderate damage to the chewing surfaces of teeth. Description: Inlays are custom-made pieces of porcelain, gold, or metal that are glued to the center of a tooth to fill in a cavity or other damage that is too extensive for a filling. Onlays are similar but larger pieces designed to cover a larger cavity that extends over the cusps (or elevated parts) of a tooth. Recovery: There may be some minor discomfort over the first few days following the procedure, during which you should avoid foods that are hard, sticky, sugary, or highly acidic. By the end of the second week you should be fully recovered. How they compare to crowns: Onlays are often referred to as “partial crowns” because they are so similar in purpose. They’re appropriate for teeth with a damaged cusp (or cusps), whereas a tooth that’s damaged throughout needs the fuller protection of a crown. If the damage is contained to the center of the tooth’s biting surface, an inlay–the smallest of the three restorations–can be sufficient to restore it. Dental Fillings Ideal for: Treating small to moderate cavities or minor tooth damage. Description: Arguably the most commonly performed of all dental restorations, fillings are typically gold, porcelain, or composite resin material used to fill in tooth areas with cavities. Preparation involves removing decayed material, and after filling the area the dentist will cure, polish, and smooth the filling. Costs and duration of the filling varies depending on the material used, with gold being the most expensive but longest-lasting at upwards of 20 years. Composite fillings are quite affordable by comparison but last between 5 and 15 years. Recovery: You may have some tooth sensitivity for a few days after getting a filling, but this should resolve within a week or two at the most. Following the same good oral hygiene habits as those after getting onlays is recommended for recovery from fillings. How it compares to crowns: Fillings can’t be used for anything more than relatively minor tooth damage; that is the purview of crowns. The trade-off is that fillings are less complex and less expensive to perform. Learn more about fillings. Dental Crown Alternatives Summarized Crown alternative Ideal for Description How it compares to crowns Dental veneers Minor chips, cracks, or discolored or misshapen teeth. A thin porcelain or composite shell bonded to the front of a tooth, requiring enamel removal and preparation. Enhances appearance and typically requires two visits. Preserves more natural tooth structure but impacts only appearance. Crowns strengthen the entire tooth. Dental bonding Budget-friendly fixes for chips, gaps, cavities, and discoloration. Quick, painless application of resin to repair and restore teeth. Results last up to 10 years. Less durable and protective than crowns but more affordable and less invasive. Dental inlays and onlays Moderate damage to the chewing surfaces of teeth. Custom-made materials that repair cavities or larger damage, extending over tooth cusps if needed. More coverage than fillings but less than crowns, ideal for specific areas of damage. Dental fillings Small to moderate cavities or minor tooth damage. Material used to fill decayed areas of a tooth after preparation. Options include composite resin, gold, and porcelain. Addresses minor damage and is more affordable but offers less protection than crowns. Find the Right Restoration at Bunker Hill Dentistry Bunker Hill Dentistry in Houston, TX offers a comprehensive range of dental restoration services, including crowns and tailored alternatives, to meet your unique needs. Schedule a consultation today to explore your options and restore your confidence! Schedule an appointment Tri LeA practicing dentist since 1987, Dr. Le has been running successful dental practices in Texas with his wife Ann since 1990. A member of the ADA, AACD and AADSM, Dr. Le has also contributed to several leading dental journals.
