Dental Crowns vs. Dentures

Dental crowns and dentures serve different purposes in dentistry and are used to address damaged, decayed, weakened teeth or complete tooth loss. Needing a crown vs dentures can depend on the severity of tooth decay, risk of infection, or significant tooth loss. 

Purpose

• Dental Crowns:
  • A crown is a cap that covers a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. These are used for individual teeth that may not be damaged enough to be pulled. 
• Dentures:
  • Dentures are removable and used to replace multiple missing teeth or an entire arch (top, bottom, or both). They restore chewing ability, speech, and aesthetics for patients with significant tooth loss.

Placement

• Dental Crowns:
  • Fitted onto an existing tooth or attached to a dental implant for stability. It may require the tooth to be filed down or reshaped to support the crown.
• Dentures:
  • Sit on the gums and are either held in place by natural suction, adhesive, or implants (implant-supported dentures). These do not require any filing or reshaping of existing teeth, 

Who They Are For

• Dental Crowns:
  • Ideal for patients with a single or only a few damaged or weakened teeth that need repair. These are often the first step in delaying tooth decay before exploring the need for dentures if there is significant tooth loss. 
• Dentures:
  • Suitable for individuals who have lost multiple teeth or all their teeth in an arch due to decay, injury, or gum disease.

Longevity

• Dental Crowns:
  • Can last 10–15 years or more with proper care, including good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
• Dentures:
  • Typically last 5–10 years before requiring adjustments, relining, or replacement due to wear or changes in the shape of the mouth.

Contact the top AZ dentists at Tempe Dental Care to discuss the best options for you if you are experiencing tooth loss, decay or damage. 

Emergency dental care is available for those experiencing a dental emergency. Follow Tempe Dental Care’s gentle dental team on Facebook and Instagram.