Ellettsville Dental Center
Dentistry in Ellettsville, Indiana

Traditional Crowns vs. Implant Crowns: Which Is Best for Bloomington Smiles?

September 16, 2025
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Posted By: Dr. David Compton

When it comes to seamless smile restoration, our patients often ask for clarification on the differences between traditional dental crowns and implant crowns in Bloomington, IN. Crowns blend durability with aesthetics better than most other dental restorations, reinvigorating a tooth’s shape, strength, and visual appeal. Both solutions are strong, durable, and great for protecting teeth and restoring a person’s smile and bite. But they also serve different needs. 

Which is the right choice for you? That depends on your oral health.

Traditional Dental Crowns in Bloomington, IN, Explained

A traditional dental crown is a custom cap, usually made from porcelain, ceramic, or metal, that’s placed over an existing tooth that’s been weakened by decay, trauma, or a root canal. Traditional crowns are an excellent choice when the natural tooth structure is still intact enough to support a restoration.

Implant Crowns in Bloomington, IN, Explained

An implant crown, meanwhile sits on top of a dental implant, which is a tiny titanium post that replaces the root in the jawbone after tooth loss. Thanks to the unrivaled stability and strength of dental implants, implant-supported crowns don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support and can last decades with proper care. More than any other restorative treatment, implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth.

Implant vs. Traditional Crowns Explained: Durability, Function, and Cost

Both traditional and implant crowns can work wonders for your smile, but each comes with unique strengths and considerations. Here’s how they compare:

  • Durability — Implant crowns generally outlast traditional ones, as they are supported by an implant rather than a natural tooth.
  • Function — While each type of crown restores chewing and speaking ability, dental implants (and thus implant crowns) provide stimulation to prevent bone loss in the jaw.
  • Aesthetics — High-quality materials in either option look natural, but implants offer a seamless replacement where no tooth exists.
  • Cost — Traditional crowns are usually less expensive than implant crowns, but the longevity implants often make them more cost-effective over time. Check with your provider to see if your insurance will cover any of the cost.

Which Option Is Best?

A family dentist offering crowns in Bloomington 47404 may recommend a traditional crown if your natural tooth can still be saved. If the tooth is missing or unsalvageable and your gums and jawbone are healthy enough to support an implant, an implant crown is often the best long-term solution.

Seamless Smile Restoration with Dental Crowns in Bloomington, IN

At Ellettsville Dental Center, Dr. David Compton and our excellent team help patients understand traditional vs. implant crowns in plain language. If you’re unsure which is right for you, contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin rejuvenating your smile and bite!

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