When it comes to dental care, a crown can truly make a difference. It not only improves the appearance of a tooth but also protects it from further damage, restoring its natural function and look. With a range of materials available, from traditional metals to modern ceramics, let’s explore the options and find out what each has to offer.
Dental crowns are custom-made covers or caps that is designed to enclose a prepared tooth. It aims to restore the tooth's shape, size, strength and appearance. They play an important role in dentistry by:
There are several types of materials used for dental crowns, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let's explore each one of them!
If you’re considering dental crowns, you might come across porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns. They’ve been a popular choice for many years and for good reason. Studies show they have a 94% success rate over a decade, which speaks volumes about their reliability. The PFM dental crown combine two materials to give you both strength and a natural look.
All-ceramic crowns, also known as all-porcelain crowns, are a popular choice for many patients because they don’t have any metal components, making them a good option for those seeking a natural look. Two main types of all-ceramic crowns are Zirconia crowns and Lithium Disilicate crowns, each with its own unique properties.
Zirconia crowns are made from zirconium dioxide, a ceramic known for its strength. These crowns are often milled from a single solid block, which gives them impressive durability and makes them nearly resistant to chipping or cracking. This makes them a favourable choice for areas that experience a lot of pressure, such as the back teeth.
Zirconia crowns can also be adjusted to closely match the colour of natural teeth. However, they tend to be somewhat opaque and lack the natural translucency of real teeth, hence imparting a less life-like look.
Lithium Disilicate crowns are made from a type of ceramic consisting of a glass matrix. This unique composition gives them translucency and natural light-reflecting properties, making them look very much like real teeth.
While they are quite strong, they are not as durable as zirconia crowns. Research shows that Lithium Disilicate crowns have about 40% of the strength of zirconia, which makes them more prone to damage under heavy pressure. Therefore, they are a great choice for front teeth where appearance is particularly important.
Gold crowns have been used in dentistry for a very long time and were once extremely popular. These days, they aren't as common because they don't look as natural, and the price of gold keeps going up! Despite this, gold crowns are still a great option for many people because they’re incredibly durable. They can handle a lot of pressure from chewing and are unlikely to crack or chip.
A common question patients ask is, "How much gold is actually in a gold crown?" The answer varies depending on the specific dental needs. Gold dental crowns are usually mixed with other metals to improve their strength and durability. As a rule of thumb, the higher the gold content, the better the crown will fit and function—and the higher the cost.
All-metal crowns are made from alloys that don’t include gold or other noble metals. Instead, they use metals like nickel and chromium, giving them a distinct “steel” or "metallic" look. This is why they’re generally not used for front teeth.
All-metal crowns are tough and can handle intense pressure from chewing and grinding. A major benefit of these crowns is that they require less removal of the natural tooth during preparation. Their strength allows them to be made thinner, which helps preserve more of your original tooth structure.
The four types of crowns discussed above are all permanent options that are designed to last for many years. However, there are times when temporary crowns are needed. These temporary crowns, usually made from acrylic, are meant to be used for a short period while you wait for your permanent crown, which typically takes about two weeks to make.
Acrylic crowns are easy to shape and adjust and can be created right in the dental office. Because they are only temporary, they aren’t as durable or as closely matched to your natural tooth colour as permanent crowns. Nevertheless, they do a good job protecting your tooth. Keep in mind that they might come with additional costs.
At Dental Designs, we’ve made things easier by offering Same Day crowns. With our in-house dental lab, we can create your permanent crown on the same day as your tooth preparation, so you won’t need to wait two weeks or use a temporary crown, saving both time and money!
Depending on these factors, your dentist will help you decide which material is best for your situation. Read more about it here.
Root canal treatment often requires the placement of a dental crown to protect and restore the tooth’s function. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the affected tooth, providing strength and durability. Dental crown procedures are typically performed after a root canal to ensure the tooth remains intact. These crowns can be metal-free, offering a more natural appearance, and are custom-made in a dental laboratory to fit perfectly. Learn more about why you need a dental crown after a root canal treatment, here.
In some cases, a dental bridge might be used in conjunction with a crown procedure to replace missing teeth. Regular dental visits are essential to ensure that both the permanent crown and any dental bridge remain in good condition.
Understanding the various dental crown materials and their benefits can help you make an informed decision about your dental care. Whether you need a crown for a front or back tooth, there's a material that can meet your needs for strength, durability and appearance. Always consult with your dentist to find the best option for your specific situation.
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