Did you know that 36% of Americans have a fear of dental treatment?
Eating is such a basic task of ours that we all think about it constantly. For some people though, bad teeth keep them from eating the way they want to.
You needn’t continue eating a way you don’t like though, not with dentistry available now. With the right care, bad teeth can become healthy again.
When visiting a dentist, you may hear the term “capping a tooth”, what does that mean?
Today, we’re going to explore all the different types of crowns, explaining what they are and their uses.
Ceramic Crowns
Ceramic crowns are also known as porcelain crowns. They are highly regarded for their exceptional aesthetic properties.
They’re crafted from a translucent material that closely resembles the natural color and texture of teeth. This makes them an ideal choice for restorations in visible areas of the mouth.
Ceramic crowns are custom-made to match the exact shade of your natural teeth. This will ensure a seamless and natural-looking result. The ability to blend in with the surrounding teeth makes ceramic crowns a popular choice for front tooth restoration.
While ceramic crowns offer excellent aesthetics, they may not be as durable as some other crown materials. They can be more prone to chipping or fracturing. This is especially if subjected to excessive biting forces or if the patient has certain habits like teeth grinding or clenching.
But, with proper care and maintenance, ceramic crowns can last for many years. Regular dental check-ups and avoiding habits that can put undue stress on the crowns are essential for their longevity.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are a popular choice. This is due to their combination of strength and aesthetics. These crowns consist of a metal substructure, typically made of gold, silver, or other alloys. It’s then covered with a layer of porcelain.
The metal substructure provides durability and structural integrity. It has resistance to fracture. While the porcelain overlay mimics the natural appearance of teeth. You can customize it to match the shade and shape of the adjacent teeth.
PFM crowns offer a good balance between aesthetics and strength. This makes them suitable for both front and back tooth restorations.
One potential drawback of PFM crowns is the metal substructure. It can sometimes result in a slightly opaque appearance, especially near the gum line.
In such cases, the dark metal margin may become visible. This can compromise the overall aesthetics of the crown.
But, advances in dental technology have led to the development of newer materials and techniques. This reduces the visibility of the metal margin. It also improves the overall aesthetics of PFM crowns.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns have exceptional strength and longevity. They are typically made from alloys containing gold, platinum, or base metals like nickel or chromium.
Metal crowns offer excellent resistance to wear and tear. This makes them highly suitable for posterior teeth restorations. It is where the forces of chewing and grinding are the strongest.
One of the significant advantages of metal crowns is their durability. They are less likely to chip, fracture, or wear down compared to other crown materials.
Additionally, metal crowns need minimal removal of tooth structure. This will preserve more of the natural tooth.
But, the metallic color of metal crowns makes them less preferred for visible areas of the mouth, particularly in the front teeth. Their appearance can be a drawback for patients seeking a natural-looking smile. As a result, metal crowns are commonly used on posterior teeth, where esthetics are less of a concern.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns have gained significant popularity in recent years. This is due to their outstanding strength, aesthetics, and biocompatibility.
Zirconia is a white-colored, translucent material. It closely resembles the natural appearance of teeth.
It offers superior durability and resistance to fracture. This makes it suitable for both front and back tooth restorations.
You can customize zirconia crowns to match the natural shade of your teeth. This ensures a seamless blend of your smile. Their excellent translucency allows light to pass through, creating a natural-looking restoration.
Additionally, zirconia crowns are highly biocompatible. This minimizes the risk of allergic reactions or gum irritations.
One of the significant advantages of zirconia crowns is their strength. They are less prone to chipping or fracturing, even under heavy biting forces. This durability makes them an attractive option for patients with a history of teeth grinding or clenching.
Composite Resin Crowns
Composite resin crowns are a more affordable alternative to other crown types. They’re made from a mixture of tooth-colored plastic and glass particles. These provide a durable and aesthetically pleasing restoration.
Composite resin crowns are directly applied to the tooth. They are then sculpted to achieve the desired shape and appearance.
Composite resin crowns may not be as strong as metal or ceramic crowns. But, they offer enough durability for moderate chewing forces. They are commonly used for temporary or short-term restorations, such as while waiting for a permanent crown to be fabricated.
One consideration with composite resin crowns is that they may be more prone to wear and discoloration over time compared to other materials. So, they may not be suitable for long-term use.
If you need dental crowns, finding the right type for your specific needs is essential. Whether you prioritize aesthetics, durability, or cost-effectiveness, there are various options available. For more information on the different types, click for dental crowns.
What Are the Different Types of Crowns Available for You?
Capping a tooth with a crown can give you back the smile you’ve been missing. Depending on the tooth, patient, budget, and cosmetic preferences there are many different types of crowns to choose from. These different types make it easy to choose the perfect fit and material for your smile.
It is important to choose the right crown for each situation to ensure a long-term result. Consult with a certified dentist to determine the best one for you. Schedule an appointment today and find out what type of crown will work best for your smile.