Dental crowns are widely considered to be one of the best ways to replace or restore a tooth. They offer a high standard of stability and are easy to maintain, making them ideal for people who are experiencing difficulty chewing or speaking due to damaged teeth. However, dental crowns are not the only way to restore teeth, and in many cases, alternatives such as dental veneers and inlays are a more appropriate solution. In this blog, Ipswich Family Dental explores some of the popular alternatives to dental crowns.
Is There an Alternative to Dental Crown Implants?
If you are looking for an alternative to dental crown implants, one the following options might be the solution you need.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are most commonly used to cover discolouration, chips and misaligned teeth. The benefits of veneers include:
- Veneers can drastically improve a patient’s smile
- The procedure is simply and requires very little preparation before the veneers are installed
- Veneers are custom designed to match the shape and colour of surrounding teeth
- If cared for properly, veneers can last for up to 15 years
- They are easy to maintain, resistant to decay and are more resistant to stains than natural tooth enamel
Veneers are a cost-effective and minimally invasive way to significantly restore the aesthetics of your teeth.
Dental Inlays and Onlays
Dental inlays fill the space between the rounded cusps at the centre of the tooth. They are typically made of gold, porcelain or composite resin, and are bonded into place to strengthen the tooth.
The benefits of dental inlays and onlays include:
- Effective tooth restoration where other procedures fail
- Onlays and inlays can be shaped and coloured to perfectly match your teeth
- Materials such as porcelain do not change in size due to temperature, which reduces the potential for damage
- Inlays and onlays can last for up to 30 years
Although onlays are similar to inlays, they can be used to cover the entire chewing surface of a damaged tooth, much like a dental crown.
Dental Implants
A dental implant is made up of a screw and a crown. The screw is surgically inserted into the jawbone to provide support, and a crown is installed on top of it. Implants have a range of benefits, such as:
- Durability
- Known to enhance and preserve jaw bone density
- The strong titanium restores complete functionality to teeth
- Restores the shape of the face
If you’re looking for a dental crown alternative, a dental implant is one of the most popular options around.
Bridges
A dental bridge can replace an entire row of teeth and offers numerous benefits, including:
- Natural looking replacement for missing teeth
- Holds neighbouring teeth in place
- Bridges improve chewing and speaking
If you are looking for an effective treatment for multiple missing teeth, a bridge is likely to be the best alternative for you.
Dental Crowns, Bridges and Inlays for Damaged Teeth
Ipswich Family Dental specialises in the treatment of missing, damaged and discoloured teeth. Contact us online to explore a wide range of dental crown alternatives, or schedule an appointment with us to restore your natural smile!
