Dental crowns are a tooth restoration procedure that applies porcelain or metal covering to the top of an affected tooth. This covering is typically used to protect an injured or weakened tooth from breaking down further or for fixing teeth with major cosmetic defects. Dental fillings are a tooth restoration procedure that recoats damaged areas in a patient’s teeth with repairing materials such as composite resin, porcelain, gold alloy, or amalgam. Dental fillings help to improve minor tooth damages that do not require a crown, such as a tooth decay, chips, and cracks.
Dental crowns are more robust and durable than dental fillings and are typically used to protect teeth with big cavities or multiple fractures. Crowns can be made from porcelain or metal, depending on a patient’s preference. Porcelain is more common as it looks like natural teeth and is often less visible than metal crowns.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns and fillings differ in terms of the materials they are made of, and the procedures used to place them in the mouth. Crowns are typically made from transparent or opaque material, while fillers are generally made from composite resin, porcelain (ceramic), gold alloy, or amalgam. Dental crowns are more labor-intensive and expensive than dental fillings, as a dentist in San Marcos must make a new impression (or cast) of the tooth before beginning the procedure. The final product of a dental crown is also more costly than a dental filling as it needs to be polished and sealed with additional materials, including porcelain, to prevent it from scratching easily. A dental crown generally replaces the entire tooth surface and covers a tooth entirely. In contrast, a dental filling is typically used in small areas of damaged teeth or for more minor dental problems.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings come in different materials, including gold alloy and amalgam. Dental fillings are typically made from inert metals and are commonly used to fill small areas of tooth decay or damaged teeth as a permanent solution. Dental fillings can be done in absolutely any shape imaginable, depending on the patient’s needs. Dental fillings are less expensive than crowns, as there is no need to make new impressions before starting the procedure. Dental fillings are the best option for teeth that do not have extensive damage and still have an overall good structure, but have maybe had a cavity that needed to be removed. Though dental fillings can be used for a more extended period than a crown, they are typically needing to be replaced after years go by because the material can be worn down over time.
Bottom Line
Choosing dental crowns or fillings should depend on an individual’s needs, personal preferences, and the damage to the teeth. A patient should work closely with their Dentist in San Marcos in order to make the choice that is right for their specific dental situation. The Dentist will recommend what they think would be best in your situation and its best to go with that suggestion.
