Crown vs Filling: What’s the Difference?

Jessica Levco

November 20, 2024

Do you know the difference between a crown and a filling? Both are used to repair a damaged tooth.

However, the extent of the damage determines if a tooth filling or crown is needed.

When a tooth has a cavity or decay, dentists usually fix it with a filling. Fillings can be made from materials like porcelain, composite resin, gold or silver amalgam. Can you put a crown over a filling? Yes.

According to Cleveland Clinic, if a tooth has significant damage from decay, cracking or breaking, dentists use a crown vs filling to cover the entire tooth. Crowns provide a more durable solution for a damaged tooth.

With your Altogether Dental membership, you can get 15-50% off all dental procedures — unlimited usage; throughout the year. Every dental procedure is included with membership, such as routine cleanings, fillings, X-rays, crowns, orthodontia, cosmetic procedures (whitening and veneers), braces, major dental procedures (like root canals) and so much more.

Let’s explore the difference between crowns and fillings and help you find what works best for you.

The difference between crown and filling

Crowns are corrective dental treatments and fit over your tooth. By encasing the tooth, crowns help prevent further damage and ensure the tooth can handle regular biting and chewing.

You may wonder: Why do dentists do crowns instead of fillings? Dentists opt for a crown vs filling when the tooth is too damaged for a filling to provide sufficient support. According to Cleveland Clinic, crowns restore a weak, broken or decayed tooth. Crowns can be made from porcelain, metal-fused porcelain, composite resin or gold. They are designed to look and feel like natural teeth.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), a filling is a common procedure used to repair minor to moderate damage, like cavities or small fractures. Fillings are made from materials like composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain and are applied directly to the cavity and shaped to restore the tooth’s original form.

When do you need a crown or tooth filling?

After a dental exam, your dentist will determine the best course of treatment: crown vs filling. According to ADA, crowns are used to treat severely damaged teeth; fillings treat minor tooth decay and damage.

Cavities happen when dental plaque isn’t treated, according to ADA. If a cavity is small, your dentist can remove it and fill it. A filling is different from a crown because it doesn’t require removing as much of the tooth. The dentist only removes the decayed part and fills the hole with materials like composite resin or amalgam.

When do you need a crown? Your dentist will recommend a crown when a tooth is severely damaged or weakened, often due to extensive decay, a large filling that compromises the tooth structure or a root canal treatment, according to Cleveland Clinic. Crowns cover the visible part of the tooth, acting as a protective cap while providing strength and protection.

According to Cleveland Clinic, you may need a crown to:

Strengthen a weak tooth.
Protect and support a cracked tooth.
Restore a worn-down or broken tooth.
Hold a dental bridge in place.
Cover a severely stained or discolored tooth.
Cover a root canal-treated tooth.
Cover a dental implant.

Crowns provide a more durable and long-lasting solution, especially for heavily damaged teeth.

Average cost of a tooth filling

According to Cleveland Clinic, a filling is a common procedure to stop the decay from spreading and help the tooth stay healthy.

Fillings are less invasive and require minimal removal of tooth structure than crowns. The average cost of tooth filling is up to $300. Altogether Dental members can save up to 61% and pay $90.

Average cost of dental crowns

According to Cleveland Clinic, a dental crown requires two separate visits a few weeks apart. After the exam, your dentist will take dental impressions to ensure a proper fit. To prepare your tooth for the crown, your dentist will remove as much of the damaged enamel as possible. When your crown is placed, your dentist will check the crown for fit before securing it over the prepared tooth.

The average cost of dental crown is up to $1,700, according to WebMD. However, Altogether Dental members can save up to 41%, with a crown costing on average $793.

At Altogether Dental, we believe everyone deserves a smile they’re proud to show off. That’s why we make white tooth fillings more accessible through our membership program.

Remember that the cost of crowns and fillings varies depending on the size of the cavity, the tooth location and the number of surfaces being filled. Whatever option you choose, we’re here to help you find the perfect balance between aesthetics, durability and affordability.