Dental Crowns or Implants: Which One is the Best Choice for You?

When it comes to restoring the teeth, there are several dental procedures that provide lasting results. The most popular are dental crowns and dental implants. Although these procedures are different from each other, the end result is the same: it helps restore a perfect smile. So which dental treatment is the right for you? To determine which treatment suits your needs the best, you need to understand the pros and cons of each procedure. To check which treatment is the right one for you, read our guide below:

What are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a type of porcelain prosthetic used to restore worn out teeth or chipped tooth to their original shape. The crown is designed to mimic the original color and shape of the rest of your teeth for seamless integration. The prosthetic is fitted to the existing tooth not just to restore shape but also to strengthen it. This treatment is also suitable for patients with jaw fracture or those that require large fillings. A dental crown is also suitable for those who require dental restoration following a root canal.

Pros and Cons of Dental Crowns

Pros: No Harsh Lines

Porcelain crowns provide seamless integration because it imitates the natural color of the tooth enamel. Therefore, it’s more natural-looking than porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.

Pros: Even Teeth Shape

This treatment provides even-shaped teeth. It improves a patient’s smile because the crown’s size, color, and shade mimic that of the existing teeth.

Pros: Zero Allergic Reaction or Irritation

Because the gum line is not aggravated in any way, dental crowns will never cause gum irritation. Porcelain crowns are also made of biocompatible material so there’s zero risk of an allergic reaction.

Cons: Fragile Construction

Porcelain is a brittle material so it’s less durable than metal or porcelain fused metal crowns. Porcelain crowns are also prone to chipping or cracking so biting and chewing force should be reduced.

Cons: Causes Teeth Sensitivity

There are cases wherein porcelain crowns caused hypersensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. And extreme changes in temperature can cause the crowns to crack.

Cons: Does Not Guarantee a Perfect Fit

Depending on the skills of the practitioner who designed and fitted the crowns, there are times when the fit is off. That’s why we strongly recommend seeking a professional dentist to create the crowns to ensure a perfect fit.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are implants used to replace damaged or missing teeth. The implant features a crown-topped titanium screw, which is driven deep into the jaw to replace the tooth. This procedure provides permanent teeth restoration.

Pros and Cons of Dental Implants

Pros: Prevent Jaw Bone Decay

When teeth are lost, the jaw bone starts wearing away. Installing a dental implant directly on the bone stimulates the jaw bone, reducing breakdown or decay.

Pros: Replace 1 or More Tooth

Multiple dental implants can be installed into the jaw bone to replace more than one missing natural tooth. The result is more permanent than a dental bridge or dentures.

Pros: Low Maintenance

Unlike other teeth restoration treatments, dental implants require very little maintenance. A single implant can practically last a lifetime.

Cons: Requires Surgery

This procedure requires implants to be driven directly into the jaw bone and this requires surgery. The surgery itself is not 100% risk-free. Complications from dental implant surgery include infection, profuse bleeding and damage to surrounding teeth.

Cons: Recovery Period

Because this procedure requires surgery, the recovery period takes longer. Dental crowns do not cause any downtime at all.

Cons: The Cost

Compared to dental crowns, dental implants are more expensive. Also, there are cases wherein the crown of the implants will wear away and it will require another surgery to replace it.