Dental Implants Vs. Crowns – What’s the Difference?

When it comes to your teeth, no one wants them to look bad or, more importantly, experience pain from issues with them. You may be wondering whether you would benefit most from a crown or an implant. They sometimes are used to treat similar problems but are very different procedures. Check out dental implants vs. crowns for yourself and see which solution is right for you.

What is a Crown?

Dentists use crowns to place a tooth-shaped cap on top of an existing tooth. Crowns are cemented in place and encase the tooth above the gum line. There are several reasons a dentist will use a crown, including:

• They use crowns for several reasons, such as restoring the shape of a decayed tooth to look more like your other teeth.
• Dentists use crowns to strengthen teeth sometimes.
• Crowns hold a dental bridge in place.
• Dentists use crowns to cover a dental implant.
• Crowns cover discolored teeth.
• Crowns cover teeth that are broken or cracked to protect them from further damage.

Dentists use crowns when the damage does not call for an implant but requires more than a filling.

What Kinds of Crowns are Available?

There are several types of crowns available. Your dentist will decide what type of crown is best for your needs.

Stainless Steel Crowns – Stainless steel crowns are usually used on permanent teeth as a temporary crown until a permanent one from some other material. However, children commonly get stainless steel crowns. Crowns will naturally come out when they lose their baby teeth.

Metal Crowns – Alloys like high content gold or platinum made into crowns typically hold up to chewing and last longer than some crowns that wear down over time. Metal crowns seldom break or chip, but their color and the price of gold often make them less desirable.

Porcelain -Fused-to-Metal Crowns – Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns matched to the color of the rest of your teeth look the most natural. They can chip or break off. These crowns are considered a good choice for front teeth or back teeth.

All-Resin Crowns – The least expensive crown is the all-resin crown. Unfortunately, these crowns break down over time and are prone to fractures.

All-Ceramic and All-Porcelain Crowns – Crowns made out of ceramic and porcelain are good options for people allergic to metals. They also look good and are great for front and back teeth.

What is a Dental Implants?

Dental implants are long-lasting and have a screw that is embedded directly in your jaw. The implant is the foundation where new custom-made tooth replacements are installed. These titanium dental crowns feel and look like your natural teeth. They can replace a single tooth or all 28 teeth.

You can wear them without worrying about eating or talking and them coming loose. The screw-like posts replace and do what the roots used to do. Dentists use dental implants for a variety of reasons, including:

• Dentists recommend dental implants to people who have broken or cracked a tooth.
• Dentists recommend a dental implant to people who have lost a tooth or several like from a car accident.
• Dentists recommend dental implants benefits people looking for a more permanent solution.
• Sometimes dentists recommend dental implants to people who have an infection.
• Dental implants can help improve speech.
• Sometimes dentists recommend dental implants to people who do not want to wear or cannot wear dentures.
• Implants function as a replacement for your lost root, stimulating your jawbone the way a natural root would prevent bone loss.
• Dental implants restore the shape of your face.
• Dental implants are often used to treat more severe damage than crowns.

Dental implant benefits last many years if properly cared for and do not have to be taken out daily and cleaned like dentures. They are more durable over a longer time than crowns making them a better choice for many people.

What Kinds of Implants are Available?

There are two types of dental implants. The first one is the endosteal implants, and the dentist places them on the jawbone. The second type of dental implant is called a subperiosteal implant.

The dentist places it under the gum. Sometimes it is placed on or above the jawbone, which provides an option for patients who do not have a healthy jawbone and do not want to have a bone augmentation to rebuild it.

Dental Implants Vs. Crowns

There are many good reasons to choose both depending on your situation and the recommendations of your dentists.

Pros and Cons

• Dental implants last much longer than crowns, making them a more permanent solution. Implants often last 15 years or more. If properly taken care of, they may last a lifetime.
• Crowns typically last between five and fifteen years.
• The cost of dental implants is much more than a crown. However, over time you’ll save money with dental implants.
• Crowns costs usually between $800 to $1700. Dental implants at Atlantic start at $1380.
• Dental implants need a crown on top.
• Crowns use existing teeth.
• Maintaining a dental implant is much like natural teeth.
• Crowns do have to be replaced after so many years because they wear down.
• Dental implants can be long, often taking up to six months of healing before continuing the procedure.
• Crowns usually only need two or three quick dental visits.

Both dental implants and crowns add value to the lives of those who need them. However, it may be hard to know which to choose. If you are undecided, you should talk to the professionals at Atlantic Dental Group who can help you decide if a dental implant or just a crown is best for your teeth’ situation. After visiting with our dentists, you will have a better understanding of both solutions and be able to choose what is best for your teeth.

If the cost of dental implants is a problem, be sure to contact us as soon as you can so we can help you figure out your insurance and any other options available to you.

Dental Implants Vs. Crowns – Both Are Great

Your teeth not only affect your self-esteem but your health. If you have cracked, missing, or painful teeth, you need to see a dentist to find out how to restore them to protect your health. Whether you need a crown or a dental implant, you need to see a dentist as soon as possible and get the care your teeth need.