If you’re unhappy with your smile, it may be time to look at your options. Both dental implants and crowns have the ability to fill in any gaps in your teeth and greatly boost confidence as a result. The following information explains each procedure and why your dentist may recommend one over the other. 

Dental Crowns 

Crowns are often used to cap decaying teeth. They can be made of many materials, although most dentists prefer porcelain—both for its strength and natural appearance. In addition to stabilizing a weakened tooth, they can also change its shape and appearance for a more even smile.

Furthermore, dental crowns can be attached to teeth adjacent to a gap, providing the support needed for an artificial tooth to be placed in-between. This is known as a dental bridge. Some places can complete this procedure all in one day—and the results can last up to 15 years.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are titanium rods topped by an artificial tooth, which is placed directly into the jaw bone, in replacement of a missing tooth. You might need one if yours fell out, was knocked out, or because it was extracted due to decay. 

Because the titanium rod must fuse with the jaw bone, patients are required to have healthy bone tissue. If not, your dentist may perform a bone graft before the procedure can commence. You must also be in good general health to ensure proper healing takes place. However, once complete, these long-lasting and likely permanent stand-ins will look and feel like normal teeth and should be cared for the same way.

In need of crowns or dental implants? Turn to Spring Branch Dental Care. Led by Dr. Jairo Chavez, who has been a dentist for over 25 years and has served Comal County and North San Antonio, Texas, and the surrounding areas for the past 16 years, trust this team to determine the right treatment plan for your smile. Visit their website to review their full-range of restorative and cosmetic dentistry services, check out Google or Yelp to hear from satisfied customers, or call (830) 438-7444 to schedule an appointment today.