Discover the best dental crowns and their various types by reading the information below

Dental crowns are needed after extensive filling, root canal, or dental implants. They allow you to chew without experiencing pain. From offering a more natural look to providing the necessary durability, there are several benefits of dental crowns. Let’s have a look at the most common types and benefits of dental crowns.

What Is A Dental Crown?

• Dental crowns are a cosmetic restoration that improves the shape or strength of the tooth. The process involves the placement of a tooth-shaped cap over the affected tooth. This covers the tooth and restores its shape, size, and strength. Dental crowns fully cover the visible part of the tooth that is present above the gum line. Dental crowns are used for teeth that are broken, worn down, or decayed.

Types Of Dental Crowns

Common types of dental crowns are mentioned below.

Metal Crowns

• Metal crowns have long been used in dentistry because of their strength and durability. Although they are made by combining copper with other metals, metal crowns mimic the appearance of gold. In addition, metal crowns are gentle on teeth and do not cause any damage to the opposing teeth. Metal crowns last for a long time with proper dental care.

However, metal crowns are not preferred by everyone. Many people are hesitant to get a gold tooth. So these are commonly used for back teeth such as molars, where they are less noticeable. This allows patients to benefit from the strength of the metal crown without compromising the aesthetics of their smile.

Porcelain Crowns

• Full porcelain crowns provide a natural appearance to teeth. This makes them one of the most popular dental restorations available. They are the ideal choice for the ultimate cosmetic results and look extremely beautiful. They resemble the natural color of the teeth and are created to match the shape and size of the teeth.

Sensitivity to hot and cold foods is reduced because porcelain does not conduct heat and cold efficiently. However, they may not be the ideal choice for everyone. Porcelain is a strong material that is harder than tooth enamel. It can damage the opposing teeth, especially in patients who grind their teeth.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)

• PFM crowns offer a combination of aesthetics and strength. The exterior is made of porcelain to provide a natural look, while the interior metal amalgam is for durability. PFM crowns don’t chip as easily as pure porcelain and are strong, flexible, and aesthetically pleasing.

Composite Crowns

• Composite crowns are less likely to chip as compared to porcelain. They are naturally off-white and are made from resin. For patients who are sensitive to metal and porcelain, composite crowns are the best restorative solution. They may wear down over time with regular chewing and brushing. Composite crowns are not as durable as porcelain and gold. They need to be replaced more often.

Benefits

• These are softer and less reactive than porcelain and gold.
• Composite bonding techniques are less reactive than their alternatives.
• They are a good option for patients with a high decay rate.
• They are less expensive than gold, porcelain, or zirconia crowns.

Zirconia Crowns

• Made from the metal zirconium, zirconia is a white crystalline oxide that has been used for several years in dental restorations. The bonding process between zirconia and porcelain is stronger than in other materials. For this reason, zirconia provides an ideal base for porcelain. With a zirconia base, porcelain is less likely to chip or fracture.

It is translucent and can easily be colored to mimic the natural look of the teeth. In addition, zirconia does not react as a metal in the mouth. Zirconia is as strong as gold but offers a better cosmetic result. These crowns are less expensive than gold or gold-based crowns.

For more information on Dental Crowns, contact Icon Dental Center. Call us at 206-225-2882 for Seattle and 425-337-2400 for the Everett appointment.