Dental Implants vs. Dental Crowns
Dental crowns vs. implants: Discover differences in function, cost, and durability. Choose what's best for your need.
Dental implants and crowns are two common and effective ways to restore a seamless, healthy smile. However, they differ in key ways. Primarily, implants replace missing teeth or existing ones that can’t be saved, whereas crowns are placed on and protect existing natural teeth. This article explores how each compares in more detail to help you understand your options. To learn more about both procedures and see which is right for you, schedule a free consultation with ClearChoice today.
How Dental Implants Work
Dental implants are posts or screws, often made of titanium, that permanently replace missing or severely damaged teeth. The post is an artificial tooth root, anchoring and fusing directly to the jawbone.
Dentists first place the screw into the jawbone, allowing it to heal and fuse with the jawbone over several months through a process called osseointegration. The dentist then places a connecting piece on the post and a cap on the connecting piece to mimic a natural tooth’s look, feel, and function. Implants remain fixed in place once fused to the jawbone for maximum strength and stability.
How Dental Crowns Work
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps placed over a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth to restore strength, hide aesthetic issues, and protect against further dental problems. Crowns can be made of various materials, such as metal, porcelain, and zirconia. Regardless of material, they are shaped and sized to match a tooth’s natural appearance.
The dentist starts the procedure by removing some enamel from the target tooth so the crown can fit. Then, the dentist takes impressions and places a temporary crown. Once the permanent crown is finished, the patient returns to have it placed and cemented onto the tooth.
What is the Difference Between Dental Implants and Crowns?
The primary difference between dental implants and crowns is the presence or absence of the tooth. Crowns fit over an existing natural tooth, restoring appearance and function while protecting it from further damage. Meanwhile, implants replace missing natural teeth, anchoring themselves to the jawbone. Additionally, if a natural tooth is in poor enough shape, patients may have it removed for an implant.
Other Differences Between Dental Implants and Crowns
Here are some other key distinctions between dental implants and crowns:
Materials
Dental implants generally use titanium thanks to its biocompatibility and stability, although zirconia may be used for implants in areas with less chewing (such as front teeth). Meanwhile, crowns may be made from porcelain, metal alloys, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), or zirconia. The material varies by location in the mouth.
For instance, porcelain’s aesthetics and lower durability may suit it for front teeth, whereas zirconia may be used when more strength and durability is needed. This goes for the crown that sits on top of an implant, too.
Treatment Time
Dental implants can take several months since osseointegration alone — the implant’s fusion to the jawbone — can take three to six months.¹ In some cases, the total time could be closer to nine months. It generally involves at least three to four visits. On the other hand, crowns can take two sessions over a couple of weeks. This makes the process faster than implants.
Longevity
Dental implants can last decades or even for light with good oral hygiene habits, regular maintenance, and routine dental checkups.¹ A crown’s longevity can range from five to 15 years.² Materials used, care and maintenance, and oral health habits significantly influence the crown’s lifespan.
Procedure Invasiveness
Dental implants require surgery to place the implant in the jawbone. Crowns are less invasive, requiring tooth reshaping so the crown would fit. As a result, crowns may not require as much healing time to return to normal.
Is a Dental Implant or Crown Right for Me?
Dental implants may be the better option for you if:
You have one or more missing teeth
A tooth is too damaged or decayed to save with a crown
You want superior stability and longevity
You want to prevent jawbone loss
You are willing to commit to several months and multipleprocedures
You are willing to invest more money in resolving the issue
Dental crowns may be the better option for you if:
Your tooth is damaged or decayed but not to the point of compromising structural integrity
You need to protect your tooth after a root canal
Both appearance and function need fixing, but appearance is the bigger issue
You want a quicker, less invasive way to correct tooth issues
You want to spend less on your procedure
ClearChoice Offers Dental Implant Solutions
Whether implants or crowns are best for you depends on the state of your teeth. Crowns can help save and protect existing teeth if they are not severely damaged, whereas implants replace missing teeth or those that can’t be saved with a new, natural-looking but artificial tooth.
If you’re looking to restore your smile by replacing missing or significantly damaged teeth, ClearChoice’s experts can help. We also offer flexible financing options to make your implants accessible. Schedule an appointment with your local ClearChoice Dental Implant Center to explore dental implants and how they can help you regain your smile.
Dental Implant vs. Crowns FAQs
When is it too late to get a dental crown?
It may be too late to get a crown if the tooth is severely damaged or decayed. Such a tooth may cause issues despite a crown. Instead, the dentist may recommend pulling the tooth and replacing it with an implant instead.
Do dental implants last longer than crowns?
Yes. Implants can last decades or a lifetime with proper care, whereas crowns may last up to 15 years.
Are dental crowns more expensive than dental implants?
No, dental implants are more expensive. This is because implants involve surgery, expertise, more visits, and more advanced materials. Plus, implants may require preparatory procedures, like extractions, that add costs.
Can I get a cavity under a dental crown?
Yes, cavities can form on the natural tooth under the crown. Bacteria and plaque can still get under, causing decay. Excellent oral hygiene, reducing sugar intake, and routine dental visits can protect against this.
Sources:
¹Cleveland Clinic - Dental Implants
²Cleveland Clinic – Dental Crowns