What’s the Difference Between Crowns and Fillings?

Your enamel is the hardest substance in your body, which protects the inner softer layers of your tooth, called the dentin and pulp. Although it is extremely durable, it isn’t indestructible. Countless teeth are damaged each year from decay, infection, and injuries. Thankfully, you have more options than ever to preserve your natural smile. Your dentist in Mesquite can repair compromised teeth with fillings and crowns. Although they are often thought to be the same, they have several differences. Here are the facts you need to make the best decision to rehabilitate your smile.

What is a Dental Filling?

When you picture a filling, you likely see a dark metal spot on a tooth where a cavity used to be. Yes, fillings are used to treat tooth decay; however, they aren’t commonly made of metal anymore. Instead, modern fillings use a composite resin material to treat minor damage, like a cavity or chip. The resin is customized to match the color of your teeth to blend in seamlessly with your enamel.

Tooth-colored fillings have become the standard treatment for decay because they provide a variety of benefits, including:

• Restores the health, function, and appearance of a tooth.
• Natural-looking results to smile confidently.
• Bio-compatible.
• Metal-free and mercury-free.
• Durable to last for at least 5 to 10 years.
• Minimally invasive with no recovery.
• Quick, drastic results.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown differs from a filling because it covers the entire surface of a tooth above the gum line. This provides a weakened tooth with extra protection, but it can also treat significant areas of damage, like large cavities or breaks. A crown is versatile since it provides restorative, preventative, and cosmetic benefits because modern restorations are made of porcelain. They are carefully crafted to match your natural teeth, so no one will know it isn’t real. Dental crowns can be used alone or with other procedures, like root canal therapy or a bridge.

No matter the reason, crowns offer ample benefits to ensure your smile lasts for a lifetime, including:

• Reinstates the integrity, function, and aesthetics of a tooth.
• Results look natural using a metal-free solution.
• Durable to last a decade or longer with the right aftercare.
• Advanced technology ensures a precise fit.
• Cost-effective, long-term solution.

Which is Best for Me?

Although dental crowns are one of the most common procedures used in restorative dentistry, they are only recommended when there aren’t any less invasive options because your tooth will need to be permanently altered. Your dentist will evaluate your smile and explain the difference between crowns and fillings to find the best solution for your smile.

About Bear Creek Family Dentistry

Bear Creek Family Dentistry provides a wide range of services due to our diverse dental team. We have everything you and your family need under one roof, including pediatric dentists, orthodontists, and oral surgeons. We use the latest innovations in dentistry to create generations of healthy, beautiful smiles. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.