What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Dental Crowns?

What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are often recommended for a variety of dental issues. They are considered one of the key forms of restorative dentistry, as the dental crown procedure is highly effective when it comes to repairing both teeth and smiles. While they do offer numerous benefits for the majority of patients, it’s important to understand that, just like with any dental treatment, dental crowns may come with certain drawbacks. In this guide, we’ll explore both sides to help you make an informed decision.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

• Protect Weakened Teeth

One of the primary benefits of dental crowns is their ability to protect and strengthen teeth that have been weakened. Teeth can be compromised by decay, trauma, or wear and tear over time. A dental crown essentially acts as a cap, covering the damaged tooth and providing a new outer shell. This protective cover helps to prevent further deterioration, infection, or breakage of the tooth.

By shielding the weakened tooth, a dental crown not only prolongs the life of the original tooth, but also helps maintain the overall health of your mouth.

• Enhance Appearance

Dental crowns are also an excellent way to restore the natural appearance of damaged teeth. They are custom-made to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth, blending seamlessly into your smile.

This aspect of dental crowns is particularly beneficial for teeth that are discoloured, misshapen, or have significant aesthetic flaws. Crowns offer a cosmetic solution that can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile.

• Improve Chewing

Another significant benefit of dental crowns is the improvement they offer in terms of functionality. Damaged, decayed or missing teeth can significantly restrict your ability to chew food properly. When you lose the ability to chew symmetrically, this can lead to additional strain and wear and tear on one side of the mouth. There are also painful conditions associated with this, such as TMJ.

By restoring the natural shape and strength of the tooth, a dental crown enables you to chew more effectively and comfortably. The restoration of this function can have a positive impact on your overall quality of life, allowing you to enjoy a wider variety of foods again.

Drawbacks to Dental Crowns

• They Can Decay without Proper Care

While crowns are an effective solution for protecting damaged teeth, they do require proper care and maintenance. It’s important not to forget that the crown acts like a cap, covering your original tooth. If not cared for properly, the tooth underneath the crown can still be susceptible to decay. It is crucial to follow your dentist’s advice when it comes to aftercare – particularly in the days and weeks following dental crown procedures.

Longer-term care plans usually involve the recommendation to stick with regular brushing and flossing around the crown, as well as 6-monthly dental check-ups at a minimum. Neglecting these practices can lead to problems down the line, potentially compromising the effectiveness of the crown.

• Dental Crowns May Not Suit Everyone’s Needs

Dental crowns, while versatile, may not be the best solution for every patient. As with any smile correction treatment, they are neither the simplest nor the lowest-priced option. For instance, if you’re looking for a treatment that requires fewer sessions, or if you’re on a tight budget, you might want to consider other options, such as dental veneers or implants.

Dental implants, in particular, can be a more suitable choice for patients looking for a long-term solution for missing teeth, as they replace both the tooth and its root, providing a sturdier and more permanent solution.

• Sensitivity and Discomfort

After having a crown placed, some patients might experience sensitivity or discomfort, particularly to hot or cold temperatures. This usually subsides over time, but it’s something to be aware of. During the treatment, you should feel no pain – as you will be adequately anaesthetised and numbed by your dental professional.

Additional Things to Consider Before Getting Dental Crowns

The truth is, there are ups and downs to any dental treatment or procedure. It’s up to you, alongside your dentist, to determine whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Each patient we see comes to us with a unique situation, so it’s tricky to apply dental advice across the board. However, we know dental crowns do offer a reliable solution for restoring and protecting damaged teeth, enhancing the appearance of your smile, and improving dental functionality.

Like most dental procedures, you will have to carefully consider whether the treatment is for you. A range of factors can go wrong, but these are less frequent events. Consider the potential for decay if not maintained properly and the fact that they might not be suitable for everyone’s needs before you go ahead with the procedure!

Dental Crowns by Ringway Dental

If you’re considering dental crowns or any other dental treatments, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our team at Ringway Dental. At Ringway Dental, we are committed to providing personalised care and helping you choose the best treatment for your individual situation. We believe in empowering our patients with all the information they need to make informed decisions about their dental health.

Our experts will assess your situation, discuss your options, and guide you towards the best choice for both your dental health and aesthetic goals. Contact us today to take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile!

You can call us now on 0161 437 2029, or fill out our contact form online.

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