4 Best Alternatives For Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are one of the most common procedures for damaged teeth today. A dental crown is a “cap” placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength. Crowns can be made of different materials, including porcelain, ceramic, or metal. Dental crowns are a popular choice among dental patients. However, not everyone is comfortable with having a metal crown in their mouth. If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional dental crowns, here are four options worth considering.

Best Alternatives to Traditional Dental Crowns

Porcelain Onlays

Porcelain onlays, a compelling alternative to traditional dental crowns, offer a solid and durable solution. Custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly, they blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, enhancing your smile.

Onlays, used to repair teeth damaged by decay or a previous dental procedure, provide a strong and durable solution. They can also fix cracks, chips, and other damage to the tooth, strengthening teeth that cavities have weakened.

If you are considering placing porcelain onlays in your mouth, rest assured that consulting a qualified dental professional with experience and adequate skill level is the best way to ensure a successful procedure.

Provisional Crowns

It is common practice for dentists to create a temporary crown onsite. Until the permanent restoration is ready or the patient has the financial means for a more permanent solution, the temporary crown is attached to the tooth using a special dental adhesive.

However, it’s important to note that the transient nature of the provisional crown is a drawback. Typically lasting three to nine months, prolonged use increases the risk of tooth loss.

Veneers

Dental veneers are a thin layer of porcelain bonded to the front surface of teeth to change their color, shape, size, or length. They can improve the appearance of discolored teeth, chipped teeth, uneven teeth, or too-small teeth.

Porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment because they can improve the appearance of teeth with minimally invasive treatment. It can make it look like healthier teeth. The procedure typically takes two appointments and involves removing a minimal amount of tooth enamel to make room for the veneer. Veneers are then bonded to the tooth using a strong adhesive.

Veneers are preferable to crowns because they are created from thinner shells of porcelain and may thus better cover flaws in the front teeth. Teeth that are chipped, worn down, or discolored are perfect candidates for this alternative treatment. Teeth veneers, like dental crowns, are cap-like restorations that are glued to the front of teeth to strengthen them and/or alter their appearance.

In-office lab Indirect Resin Crown

If you need a dental crown quickly, but don’t want to commit to a permanent crown, indirect resin crowns made in the office lab are a great option. An indirect resin crown is a dental restoration that is made using a mold of the tooth. It is usually made from composite resin, a plastic type. 

The indirect resin crown is then bonded to the tooth using dental adhesive. As the name suggests, the dentist creates indirect resin crowns on the same day they are placed.

What is better than dental crowns?

Dental crowns are an effective and popular treatment for many dental problems, but are not the only solution. In some cases, other treatments may be more effective or more appropriate. Here are a few examples:

Dental veneers

Dental veneers are thin sheets of porcelain custom-made to fit over the front surfaces of teeth. They can improve the appearance of teeth and protect them from damage.

Dental implants

Dental implants are artificial roots surgically implanted into the jawbone. They provide a secure foundation for artificial teeth (crowns, bridges, or dentures).

Can I get a permanent filling instead of a crown?

The general answer to this question is yes—you can get a permanent filling instead of a crown. However, there are some caveats that you should be aware of before making a decision.

Permanent fillings, also known as inlays or onlays, are made of materials such as gold, porcelain, or composite resin. They are custom-made to fit the specific cavity in your tooth and bonded into place. Because they are made to order, they tend to be more expensive than standard fillings.

Crowns, on the other hand, are also known as caps. They fit over the entirety of your tooth and provide it with extra support.

Is there an affordable option other than a crown?

Dental crowns are usually made from ceramic or porcelain, which is expensive. A few cheaper options are available if you need a dental crown. However, you can find a more affordable option if you shop around and compare prices from different dentists or dental labs. You could also ask your dentist if they offer payment plans or discounts for dental crown procedures.