Millions of people every year need dental crowns installed on their teeth. Crowns are a useful restoration for when a tooth needs more than a filling. Crowns help protect weakened teeth and restore normal chewing. Some crowns cover the entire tooth, and some cover only part of the tooth. The right option depends on how much damage is present and how much healthy tooth structure remains. Read on to learn more about partial and full coverage crowns.
What is a partial coverage crown?
A partial coverage crown covers only the part of the tooth that needs repair. It may be called an onlay or a three-quarter crown, depending on the area being restored. This type of crown is usually used when the tooth has mild or moderate damage, but is still mostly strong.
The main benefit of a partial crown is that it preserves more of the natural tooth. Since the crown does not cover the whole tooth, the dentist usually removes less tooth structure during preparation.
What is a full coverage crown?
A full coverage crown covers the entire visible part of the tooth. It fits over the tooth and extends toward the gumline. This gives the tooth support on all sides. Full coverage crowns are used when a tooth needs stronger protection. This may be the case when the tooth is badly decayed, cracked, worn down, or weakened after a root canal. A full crown may also be needed when a tooth has a very large filling, and there is not enough natural structure left to hold the tooth together.
Full coverage crowns require the dentist to reshape more of the natural tooth before placing it. This allows the crown to fit properly and handle normal biting pressure.
How are they different?
The biggest difference between the two is coverage. A partial crown repairs and protects one section of the tooth. A full coverage crown surrounds the whole visible tooth.
- Partial crowns are usually chosen when the damage is limited. They can strengthen the tooth without removing more structure than needed. This can be helpful when the dentist wants to preserve as much of the natural tooth as possible.
- Full coverage crowns are used when the tooth needs more complete support. If the tooth is at risk of breaking, a full crown can help hold it together and protect it from further damage.
Despite their different uses, the materials are usually similar. Both partial and full crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of materials. The choice often depends on where the tooth is located and how much chewing force it receives.
Which one is right for me?
The right choice of crown depends on the condition of the tooth. If the damage is smaller and the tooth is still strong, a partial crown may be enough. If the tooth is weak, cracked, or has lost a lot of structure, a full coverage crown may be the safer option.
Your dentist will be able to guide you through the process and determine which is the better option. They will look at your bite, the location of the tooth, and your long-term oral health. Then they will recommend which is the best option.
Related Article: What is a Full Coverage Crown?