What Are the Types of Dental Crowns?
A fixed prosthetic device that is cemented onto a tooth, dental crowns in poulsbo washington have long been used to cover, strengthen, properly align, and improve the appearance of damaged teeth. Dental crowns are made of four types of material: ceramic, porcelain-fused to metal, base metal alloys, and gold alloys. In this guide we will discuss the various material types, the pros and cons of each material, and the various conditions they can treat.
Ceramic crowns are the most popular type of dental crown used today. Made entirely of porcelain material, these crowns are the most aesthetically pleasing as they most closely match the size, color, and shape of a patient’s natural teeth. Considered the best option for restorations of the front teeth, ceramic crowns are biocompatible meaning they do not contain metal and are toxic-free. While porcelain crowns can be long lasting if properly cared for, the lack of metal does mean that porcelain crowns are not as strong as metal crown alternatives. As such, patients that suffer from bruxism, a condition where you grind or clench the teeth, should choose a crown made of a stronger material. Ceramic crowns also tend to be more expensive than metal crowns.
Porcelain-fused to metal (PFM) crowns are another popular type of dental crown that provide strength (due to the metal structure) and are aesthetically pleasing (due to the porcelain cap). These crowns have been used for over 50 years and are generally less costly than all-ceramic crowns. Just like ceramic crowns, PFM crowns may not be advisable for patients that grind their teeth as they will more easily wear down. An additional disadvantage is that the metal found in PFM crowns may cause a grey line at the gumline. As such, they may not offer the same level of aesthetics that a purely porcelain crown can provide.
Gold alloy crowns, which contain a combination of copper, nickel, or chromium, are renowned for their resistance, durability, and strength. Because of their color and strength, gold crowns are primarily used for restoring back teeth (molars and premolars). Gold crowns also offer the advantage that less of the natural tooth needs to be removed in order to place the crown. While some patients find the aesthetics to be a concern, since they don’t look like natural teeth, gold crowns can also produce side effects such as swelling or allergic reactions.
A final type of crowns that are becoming more popular today, are made of base metal alloys. Made of non-noble metals, such as zirconia, these crowns combine the strength associated with metal with the aesthetics of porcelain. Strong and long-lasting, these crowns are less prone to chipping or breaking than their ceramic counterparts. And because zirconia can be cut and shaped in the dentist’s office, rather than sent to a dental lab for manufacturing, the process for getting these crowns can be less time consuming. While the strength of zirconia means the crown is long lasting, the crown can cause the teeth they bite against to wear down more easily.
More information on Dental Crowns : Dental Crown Procedure