There are sometimes alternatives available to choose from when restoring a badly broken down or weakened tooth. It may be possible to prepare and fit an inlay or an onlay. This is a restoration that covers much of the surface and fills the inner aspect of the tooth and is fixed to the tooth using an adhesive cement. These bonded restorations provide a strong alternative to a crown and nowadays are frequently considered as the treatment of choice as they do not normally involve as much preparation of the tooth.
Modern day resins and techniques may also allow the dentist to provide you with large tooth coloured filling. This is a technique sensitive treatment that is cheaper than a crown but may sometimes not be as strong as the crown. Finally, in the anterior region, a veneer may be an alternative to having a crown. Your dentist will advise you of any suitable alternatives.