If you have ever had a cavity or a severely decayed tooth, he may have gotten a dental crown or filling to repair it. Many people are aware of these treatments but don’t know what the difference is. Though both of these treatments are used to restore damaged smiles, there are some important differences to note. Continue reading to learn about the difference between crowns and fillings.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are caps shaped like teeth that circle the entire visible part of them. They are often used to repair severely decayed teeth, but they can also improve the shape and color of a tooth. Dental crowns are often made of porcelain since it’s durable and mimics the look of one’s natural teeth. They are color matched to blend with the rest of your smile and customized to perfectly fit the affected tooth.
What You Need to Know About Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are designed to both strengthen and repair damaged teeth. They also protect the tooth from further damage. Crowns are able to withstand a lot of pressure without breaking, which is why dentists recommend them for teeth that are structurally compromised.
To prepare a tooth to receive a dental crown, your dentist will shape The tooth so that the restoration fits over it without disrupting your bite. This will also ensure that the crown blends with the surrounding teeth. Additionally, dental crowns can last around fifteen years with proper care, and they are usually more expensive than dental fillings.
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings are often used to repair small areas of tooth decay. Though they can be made from a range of materials, dental fillings are often made from a composite material since it can be color-matched. Even so, silver amalgam, plastic, glass, and porcelain can also be used to make fillings.
What You Need to Know About Dental Fillings
Along with repairing small cavities, dental fillings can also fix teeth with small chips and cracks in them. For cavities, your dentist will remove the area of decay and then clean it out before placing the filling. They will then polish the tooth so it blends in with the rest of your smile. Dental fillings cost less than crowns, so they are a more cost-effective treatment option. Even so, they aren’t the best option to fix larger cavities.
Though both dental crowns and dental fillings can repair damaged smiles, there is a place and time for each. knowing about the differences between crowns and fillings will help you understand which treatment is the right option to repair your beam and get your oral health back on the right track!
About the Practice
AV Dental Associates of Jersey City treats patients with the effective treatments they need to keep their smiles healthy and strong. For damaged smiles, they offer restorative treatments like fillings and crowns. They can also teach you about the difference between crowns and fillings. Call AV Dental Associates of Jersey City’s office at (201) 484-7759 or visit their website if you want more information on the difference between crowns and fillings or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Arash Vahid or Dr. Yoo.
