If you have several teeth that are damaged or need intense repair, you may face a number of options when you visit a dentist for a consultation. For most individuals, saving the natural teeth will be the most desirable solution, even if that means having to work with a cosmetic dentist. However, some patients find themselves undecided as to whether they should simply have the teeth pulled and get a partial denture or undergo cosmetic repairs for the teeth they still have. Take a look at a few of the pros and cons of each option.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns can be placed on teeth as long as the root of the tooth is in a healthy state. In many cases, crowns are placed on teeth after a root canal, and a crown can be a long-lasting option. Take a look at a few of the pros and cons of obtaining dental crowns to restore your smile.
Pros:
- Dental crowns function like your natural teeth
- Dental crowns offer a totally natural finished look
- Dental crowns won't shift or move when you speak or chew
- Dental crowns feel like natural teeth in your mouth
Cons:
- Dental crowns can be more costly than a partial denture
- Dental crowns are considered a cosmetic procedure and may not be covered by all insurance plans
Partial Denture
A partial denture is a denture that is created to fit into your mouth where and complete your smile when you have missing teeth. The denture is anchored to your stable existing teeth for support. If you decide to have the ailing teeth extracted, you will wait for your mouth to heal before being fitted for a partial denture.
Pros:
- Partial dentures can be a cost-effective option compared to crowns
- Partial dentures may not require lengthy amounts of time in treatment
- Partial dentures will not involve root canals or other procedures to repair the damaged or decayed teeth
Cons:
- Partial dentures take a major adjustment period after they are made
- Partial dentures can shift and move when you chew and speak
- Partial dentures do not always look like natural teeth and the anchoring hardware may be visible
- partial dentures can cause undue wear and tear on the remaining teeth
The Clear Winner for Most Patients: Dental Crowns
While dental crowns will require a bit more time in treatment and a bit more money, the end result tends to be more satisfactory than obtaining a partial denture. If you believe you would be a good candidate for smile restoration with dental crowns, reach out to a cosmetic dentist near you for a consultation.
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