Dental Fillings vs. Dental Crowns
When it comes to restorative dentistry treatments that have stood the test of time, you’ll be hard pressed to find two that can play in the same league as dental fillings and dental crowns. For hundreds of years, dentists have been using variations of these two treatments to repair and rebuild damaged teeth. Modern dental fillings and crowns are more effective and cosmetically appealing than ever before, combining the strength and durability of metal restorations with the natural appearance of ceramic restorations. Truly, art and science have never met at so high a point of intersection.
What many people do not realize is that there is a significant difference between dental fillings and dental crowns. The two treatments are neither similar nor interchangeable. Dr. Craig Goldin and Dr. Marcy Goldin discuss the issue of dental fillings vs. crowns with patients of their Troy dental practice during consultations to determine which treatment is best suited to their particular cases.
Are you a good candidate for a dental filling or a dental crown? To find out, schedule your initial consultation at The Cosmetic Dentistry Institute today.
Comparing Dental Fillings to Dental Crowns
Dental fillings and dental crowns are similar primarily in their general purpose: to make a structurally compromised tooth whole again. Otherwise, they are two very different treatments that would be used in two very different circumstances:
- Dental fillings: Modern dental fillings are made of tooth-colored materials so that they blend inconspicuously into the smile; however, they serve the same purpose as their silver amalgam counterparts of the past. In other words, they are used to replace tiny sections of missing tooth material that have been removed due to damage. Usually, this minimal amount of tooth material is removed to prevent the spread of tooth decay or damage from trauma. Fillings are bonded into place. If the missing portion of the tooth is too extensive, the remaining tooth structure will not be able to support a dental filling.
- Dental crowns: Dental crowns are custom-crafted to cover the entire visible surface area of a damaged tooth. They are essentially shells that are fabricated from the finest materials to resemble natural teeth; they are customized to complement a patient’s surrounding teeth in terms of their size, shape, color, and even texture. When placed over the remaining structure of the natural tooth, the dental crown reinforces the tooth while protecting it from further harm. It restores form, function, and health to the mouth, keeping the bite intact and the smile whole. With proper oral hygiene regimens and regular visits to our office for cleanings and exams, dental crowns can last for a decade or even longer.
Dental crowns are generally used when the damage to a tooth is too extensive for the remaining tooth structure to support a dental filling.
Learn More about Dental Fillings vs. Crowns
To learn more about dental fillings and dental crowns, or to schedule your initial consultation at our practice, please contact The Cosmetic Dentistry Institute today.