What is a Full Coverage Crown?
When it comes to dental restorations, full coverage crowns are a popular option. The two most commonly types of crowns are partial coverage crowns and full coverage crowns.
The biggest difference between these two types of crowns is the area they cover. Full Coverage Crowns encase the entire tooth and provide comprehensive protection and support, which makes them ideal for teeth that require extensive restoration or stabilization that can occur due to underlying issues like having a fracture or advanced periodontal disease. Partial Coverage Crowns, on the other hand, only restore specific areas of the tooth and are typically recommended when the damage is limited to a smaller, specific portion of the tooth.
To learn more about full coverage crowns, please refer to the following. Understanding the differences between these two options can help you better make an informed decisions about your dental health and treatment needs.
Full Coverage Crowns
Full coverage crowns are designed to encase the entire structure of your tooth above the gum line and are especially effective in restoring your tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. Full coverage crowns also provide more protection and stability for your tooth. Full coverage crowns are typically recommended for patients who have significant decay, trauma, have undergone root canal treatment, or who have large fillings.
Partial Coverage Crowns
Also known as “inlays” or “onlays,” partial coverage crowns are recommended for patients who have moderate to severe decay and differ from full coverage crowns in that they only cover a portion of the tooth. Partial crowns are typically recommended for restoring teeth that have less extensive damage or decay. One of the biggest benefits of partial coverage crowns is that they allow your dentist to preserve more of your natural tooth structure. If your tooth is not compromised enough to require a full crown but a filling would be insufficient to restore the integrity of your tooth, your periodontist may recommend a partial coverage crown.
Material Types
The material choice for partial crowns often takes into consideration their visibility and the load they must bear. Full Coverage Crowns are typically made from porcelain, ceramics, metal alloys, or a combination of each. Which option is best often depends on the tooth's location and whether aesthetic appearance or structural support is more important. Partial Coverage Crowns are made from similar materials, but may include composite resins. This option may be especially appealing if you have specific aesthetic results you want to achieve.
Durability and Longevity
How long your crown will last depends on the material used and the care taken to protect the tooth. Generally, full coverage crowns have a longer lifespan compared to partial crowns, as they are designed to withstand more significant pressure, but the longevity of either restoration is largely determined by other factors. If you maintain a proper oral health care routine, full coverage crowns will typically last between 10 to 20 years, though this time will vary depending on the material used and where the tooth is located. Partial Coverage Crowns, on the other hand, typically have a shorter lifespan, and will last around 5 to 15 years.