Partial vs. Full Coverage Crowns
There are several factors to consider when determining the best approach to restoring a damaged tooth. Two common options are full coverage crowns, which fit over the entire tooth, and partial coverage crowns, like inlays and onlays, which repair smaller areas of dental damage. Each of these options has its own benefits and drawbacks, and different clinical situations require different treatment. Your dentist will review the best options for your needs when you meet for your consultation, and you can gather all the information you need to make your best decision.
What Are Some Considerations When Choosing Between Partial and Full Coverage Crowns?
- Breadth of damage to the tooth
- Preservation of the natural tooth
- Durability
- Aesthetics
- Function
- Budget
- Patient preference
The amount of damage to the tooth is one of the most significant factors to consider when determining which type of crown is best. Dentists choose full coverage crowns when a majority of the tooth is compromised, either because of damage or decay. Because a full coverage crown covers the entire crown of the tooth, which is the part that’s visible above the gum line, these types of crowns can provide optimal protection, guarding large fillings and supporting a jeopardized tooth structure. Partial crowns like inlays and onlays are chosen when the restoration is minimal and only a small portion of the tooth needs to be repaired. Dentists use inlays to protect the area within the grooves of a tooth and onlays to crown the cusps of a tooth.
Dentists also factor in the overarching goal of dentistry: to preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. When partial coverage restorations can be placed successfully and provide adequate protection, they may be preferable to full coverage crowns because they require less modification of the natural tooth. To place a full crown, the tooth must be filed down so that the crown can be accommodated. In some cases, this means removing a considerable amount of dental enamel, whereas restorations with inlays and onlays require less modification and therefore preserve more of the tooth’s natural structure.
In general, full coverage crowns are stronger and more durable than inlays or onlays, which makes them ideal for significantly weakened or damaged teeth. Inlays and onlays are often more suitable for situations with mild to moderate damage. Full coverage crowns also provide more comprehensive aesthetic benefits than inlays or onlays, which might be a consideration if the tooth being restored is in a visible area of the mouth. While dentists can craft inlays and onlays that match the color of the natural tooth, full crowns have a more cohesive appearance that matches the natural teeth nearly perfectly.
Each type of human serves a different function, with molars bearing the greatest force of chewing. For teeth that support adjacent teeth or otherwise withstand significant force, crowns, which are stronger, may be preferable. When a tooth bears only mild chewing force, inlays or onlays are often sufficient to withstand these forces while preserving a larger percentage of the natural tooth. Full coverage crowns tend to cost more than inlays or onlays, and more conservative partial crowns may be a better option for patients with budget concerns. Your dentist can help you determine whether a partial or full coverage crown is the best option for you.