If you're considering dental crowns, compare the treatment to similar options before you go ahead with the procedure so that you're sure you've decided on the best option for your individual case. Depending on the reason(s) you're considering crowns, one or more of the following might also work for you:
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are the best alternative if you're considering dental crowns solely for cosmetic reasons, although they can also help lower the risk of decay resulting from cracked teeth. Crowns require a large portion of the real tooth to be shaved down to make room for the crowns to fit over them; this makes sense when much of the tooth is decayed, but if most of the tooth is healthy, there may not be a reason to strip the enamel off of the tooth.
Veneers are made of thinner materials than crowns, but they also cover up the real tooth permanently. Veneers will still require that some of your tooth's enamel be shaved down, but it will leave more of your real tooth in tact. Veneers can cover up misshapen, irregular, discolored cracked or chipped teeth. They may be also cover up your decayed teeth if the decay isn't extensive.
Dental Implants
On the opposite spectrum, if your tooth is too decayed, a dentist or cosmetic specialist may recommend removing the entire tooth and replacing it with an implant. Implants are typically only an alternative when there really is too much decay in the tooth, roots, or surrounding gum area to save enough of the tooth to serve as the peg holding dental crowns in place. Implants are not recommended if you're looking to make cosmetic changes and your teeth are still healthy.
Dental Bridges
If you need implants, you may need bridges. Bridges "bridge" large gaps in the mouth. If the removal of a tooth or several teeth leave you with large gaps, your dentist or cosmetic specialist may recommend dental bridges with or without implants. Teeth that are too decayed or cracked to save may need to be entirely replaced.
Fillings
If the decay or crack is fairly superficial, your cosmetic specialist or dentist may recommend fillings (after root canals to clean out any decay) in lieu of dental crowns. Filings are not just used to help prevent decay and infection; fillings made to blend in with surrounding teeth (called "composite fillings") can result in cosmetic improvement.
Invisalign
If you're considering crowns to cover up crooked or otherwise irregular teeth, you may find that keeping your real teeth in tact is the best option. Invisalign can straighten your teeth over the course of 3 to 24 months, depending on the extent of your crookedness, in a discrete fashion. Invisalign may be your only option if your teeth are too far out of line to make covering them with crowns a viable option.
Whether you're considering dental crowns for health or cosmetic reasons or both, there are similar treatments and alternatives available. Be sure to discuss these options with your dentist or cosmetic specialist so that you can decide upon the best treatment for your needs.
