Partial vs Full Coverage Crowns
Most patients need to have a tooth restored at some point in their lives due to decay, fracture, or other trauma to a tooth. Dental crowns are one of the most common restoration types and can be either a partial crown or a full coverage crown. The type of restoration that your dentist chooses to use will depend on a number of things, includingthe extent of damage. Other restorations may include a filling, inlay, or only, dental bridge, or dental implant. In this section, we will review the benefits of full and partial crowns.
Partial vs Full Coverage Crown
Partial and full crowns are essentially the same except that a full crown covers the entire tooth, whereas a partial only covers one half to three quarters. The process is also the sam,e but the amount of tooth structure lost for a partial crown is less than that for a full crown because the restoration itself is smaller. A small amount of the outer enamel has to be removed to allow the restoration to fit securely on the tooth.
When your dentist is determining if you need a partial or full crown, they will take into consideration a number of contributing factors, the main issue being how badly damaged the tooth is. Partial crowns are ideal to save as much natural tooth structure as possible, but if damage is too severe and a significant amount of tooth structure will be lost during the removal of decay, a full coverage crown will be necessary. Fractures that extend over a significant portion of the tooth will also benefit from a full coverage crown to ensure the integrity of the whole tooth.
Other factors considered include: location of the tooth, aesthetics, and even durability of the restoration.
Location
Back teeth that endure chewing and bite force or any teeth that are part of a supporting structure, like a dental bridge, will do best with a full coverage crown for the strength and durability it offers. A partial crown is often better suited for teeth that experience moderate chewing or bite force, as with front teeth, since they still provide reinforcement while preserving tooth structure.
Aesthetics
The cosmetic benefits are also taken into account, especially on anterior teeth that show when you smile. A full crown can be placed on any tooth, but advancements in dental technology make it possible to have a partial crown that covers only the front surface of the tooth, which can provide a better aesthetic appearance.
Durability
Full coverage crowns are usually more durable since they cover the entire tooth, but both full and partial crowns are very strong. Full coverage crowns are better for teeth that have more significant damage or are fractured. Partial crowns are great for teeth with less damage.
Dental crowns are an excellent treatment to save a compromised tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted. If you need a crown, speak with your dentist to understand your options and to help your dentist choose the best course of action to keep your smile healthy.