The Difference Between Full And Partial Crowns
10.09.2024
If you’ve been told you need a full or partial crown, you might be wondering what this entails. A crown is a restorative treatment commonly used after root canal therapy to help protect a tooth.
It might also be recommended for a tooth that has been damaged and discoloured by trauma. In this case, teeth whitening won’t restore the colour of the tooth, so you might want to conceal it with a full or partial crown.
Crowns can be made from a lot of different materials and can also be used for a wide range of purposes. In this guide, we’re going to look at the differences between full and partial crowns and why your dentist might recommend one over another. We’ll also look at the materials you can choose for this restoration and potential alternative treatment options.
What is a full crown?
A full crown is like a protective hat that sits on top of a tooth. It helps to restore the biting surface of the tooth and protects the delicate tooth below from damage. A full crown is often recommended following a root canal, as the tooth will have lost a lot of its strength when the tooth pulp is removed. The crown helps to protect the tooth to avoid the need for an extraction.
What is a partial crown?
A partial crown is sometimes known as an inlay or onlay. This treatment is often recommended when a full crown would be too extensive but a filling wouldn’t be sufficient. It helps to maintain as much of the natural tooth as possible by only replacing the part of the tooth that is damaged or missing, rather than covering the entire tooth.
Should you get a full crown or partial crown?
Your dentist can advise you on whether you need a full crown or a partial crown. Restorative dental techniques are becoming much more advanced and will focus on maintaining as much of the natural tooth as possible.
While the best approach in the past may have been to ensure maximum support and coverage for the damage, it’s now possible to choose less invasive methods that help to maintain more of the natural tooth.
In some cases, you may not even need a crown, inlay or onlay. Advances with composite materials mean that resin can often be used to protect a tooth following a simple root canal.
This could help to make your treatment quicker and more cost-effective, as you won’t have to wait for a more expensive porcelain restoration to be created to your exact measurements. Instead, the composite resin can be applied directly to the tooth and then shaped.
Is a full crown or partial crown better?
This all depends on the tooth that needs to be restored. If the tooth has suffered extensive damage due to decay, you might benefit from a full crown. This could help to protect the remaining structure and avoid the need for an extraction. For less severely damaged teeth, you could opt for an inlay or onlay to protect the tooth after the damaged portion has been removed.
A partial crown is less invasive, as less of the natural tooth will need to be removed to make room for the restoration. Since preserving the natural tooth is often the goal, the less invasive the treatment, the better.
A partial crown will also be more cost-effective than a full crown, which can be welcome news to those on a budget. The partial crown will be cheaper as less material is required.
How long do these restorations last?
The lifespan of the restoration will often depend on a number of factors.
The quality of the materials used will have an impact on how long the restoration lasts. Modern materials have developed a good balance between strength and aesthetics, so you can enjoy a natural-looking restoration that will also stand the test of time.
The skill of the dentist will also impact how long your dental restoration lasts. A well-placed crown or partial crown will have a much better chance of staying put than one that is placed by a less experienced dentist.
How you care for your teeth will have a huge impact on the lifespan of your restoration. Regular brushing and flossing will help to protect the surrounding teeth and supporting gums. Committing to regular dental checkups will also help your dentist to spot potential issues before they become more problematic.
Your lifestyle habits will have a big impact on how long your restoration lasts. Things like chewing on ice, eating sticky sweets and using your teeth to open packaging or cut tape can quickly damage restorations.
Final thoughts on full and partial crowns
If you’d like to protect a damaged tooth from further damage, a full or partial crown will help. Your dentist can help you to determine which option is right for you.