Pros and Cons of Dental Crowns: Are Dental Crowns Necessary?

If you have a tooth that’s chipped, cracked or damaged in some way that normal fillings or dental veneers cannot restore, then dental crowns could be an excellent option. There are many advantages to dental crowns, but as with every treatment in dentistry, this restorative procedure comes with its own set of disadvantages as well depending on whether it’s suited for you.

What are dental crowns?

Let’s start off by briefly covering what dental crowns are. Dental crowns are prosthetic devices that cap over and cover cracked, discoloured, decayed or misaligned teeth. They are also commonly used to protect a vulnerable cracked tooth after root canal treatment or to restore dental implants, another procedure that helps restore missing teeth.

Dental crowns are commonly used to restore and protect damaged or weakened teeth, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution. When a tooth is extensively decayed, cracked or broken, a dental crown may be recommended by the dentist to cover the entire tooth and restore its strength and function. The crown procedure typically involves multiple steps, starting with the preparation of the tooth receiving the crown. During this process, the tooth is shaped to accommodate the crown, and any decay or damage is removed. A temporary crown may be placed to protect the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is fabricated in a dental laboratory using computer-aided design (CAD) technology.Do not confuse dental tooth crowns with veneers. While both serve to improve your smile, crowns carry added functional purposes that veneers do not. You may read more on the differences between dental crowns and dental veneers here. 

Typically, after the tooth is prepared for a crown, a temporary crown will serve as placeholder until the final crown is ready, usually within two to three weeks. These temporary crowns are designed to provide protection and maintain the aesthetics of the smile until the permanent crown can be placed. However, temporary crowns may feel loose or become dislodged due to personal mouth-related habits or chewing forces. In such cases, it's essential to contact the dentist's office immediately to address the issue and prevent further damage to the underlying tooth.

We offer same day or next day crowns where there is no need for a temporary crown. The final crown is made at our in house dental laboratory where we can ensure quality control and a more efficient turnover, resulting in more convenience to our patients to complete the treatment.

What are the advantages of dental crowns?

The main advantages of dental crowns include:

• Improve the appearance of your teeth

Dental crowns can help reshape and improve the colour of your teeth. With advances in restorative dentistry like CEREC technology, crowns are now custom-made according to your unique face shape, bite and natural teeth. Patients can also choose from their desired material, with the most popular being porcelain crowns and ceramic crowns due to their lifelike appearance. Porcelain crowns are also much more stain-resistant compared to white filling or composite. The best part? You can get your crowns on the same day (same day crowns) without waiting 2 weeks and the need for a temporary dental crown. Our same day crowns are high quality as they are made right here in Singapore in our in house dental laboratory. The dental technicians collaborate closely with our dentists to craft a custom crown tailored to the unique condition of each individual tooth.

• Protection and support

As aforementioned, both veneers and crowns do a good job in correcting any cosmetic flaws on your teeth. But if your need for dental restoratives stem from bigger issues like tooth decay, then crowns can provide the help veneers cannot. Think of dental crowns as tooth-shaped helmets — because of the protection it gives the weak tooth, the tooth can gain its strength back without becoming further damaged. This explains why crowns are often put in place after someone undergoes root canal treatment. Crowns can also protect a tooth from further decay.

• Restoration

Dental crowns can be used to restore a tooth back to its original size and shape. When teeth are worn out and left untreated, the biting force will be different which can cause other teeth around it to shift in position. Teeth that are not able to bite together as they should will also cause imbalance in chewing and jaw position. Not fixing a broken tooth could lead to biting issues down the road.  

• Comfortable

When placed over teeth, dental crowns will not shift, unlike dentures which tend to have some movement. This means crowns are a lot more comfortable compared to dentures. There is no restriction on types of food that you can eat. Crowns are also used in dental implants, which are dental prostheses used to replace missing teeth.

• Long lasting

Studies show that dental crowns last longer than any other dental restoration, with an average lifespan of 5-15 years. Why this big gap? There’s a lot of factors that come into play. Our article on the longevity of dental crowns will explain more.

What are the disadvantages of dental crowns?

• Destruction

To prepare an entire tooth for a dental crown, some filing down is needed to get the tooth into the right shape and to give enough space to fit the crown in. This process is irreversible.

• Mild discomfort

Some patients may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold shortly after the dental crown procedure, but this is not uncommon. Using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help reduce this. Some patients may also experience pain or sensitivity when biting down, but this is usually caused by a crown that’s too high which obstructs the teeth on the opposite jaw. Certain bite patterns that only appear during chewing can also cause you to feel discomfort with a new crown. Your dentist should be reviewing your crown and adjust the height of the crown to easily resolve this issue.

• Expensive

Dental crowns tend to be more expensive compared to other tooth restorations which may put some patients off. As dental crowns serve to reinforce the tooth and protect it from damaging forces, we encourage patients to see this as long term investment for their teeth. A one-time procedure done well is better than multiple repeated treatments or even running the risk of losing the entire tooth if it breaks due to lack of protection. Extractions and teeth replacement treatment such as dental implants or dental bridges are more costly.

Conclusion

Permanent crowns come in various materials, including metal, ceramic, or porcelain-fused-to-metal, offering different benefits and aesthetics. Metal crowns, such as those made of gold or zirconia, are known for their strength and durability, rarely chipping even under significant chewing forces. On the other hand, ceramic crowns provide a tooth-colored option that blends seamlessly with natural teeth, making them ideal for front and back teeth. Ceramic crowns also allow for more of the tooth to be intact during teeth preparation for the crown.

Metal allergies should be considered when selecting the crown type, as some individuals may be sensitive to certain materials, ceramic crowns are generally compatible with biological tissues.

Maintaining good oral health is crucial for the longevity of dental crowns. Regular brushing, flossing, and the use of anti-bacterial mouthwash can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which can compromise the integrity of the crown. Additionally, avoiding chewy foods or habits that put excessive strain on the crown can help prevent issues like a loose crown or chipped crown.

Overall, dental crowns offer a reliable and long-lasting solution for restoring damaged teeth and preserving oral health. It’s up to you to weigh the pros and cons of dental crowns, but we recommend discussing your options with your dentist to ensure you get the best possible treatment. If you need any advice, our dentists are happy to help. 

Find out more about Dental Crown with Dental Designs today!

References

1. Wingo K. (2018). A Review of Dental Cements. Journal of veterinary dentistry, 35(1), 18–27. https://doi.org/10.1177/0898756418755339
2. Mitchell, C. A., & Orr, J. F. (2005). Engineering properties and performance of dental crowns. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Part H, Journal of engineering in medicine, 219(4), 245–255. https://doi.org/10.1243/095441105X34248