Do you have a decayed, cracked, broken, deformed, or unattractive tooth that is robbing you of your smile’s functionality and beauty? If that’s the case, you might benefit from a dental crown. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap covering your tooth and restoring its function and looks. The dental crown will be made specifically for you, which will blend in seamlessly with your smile. However, there are different types of dental crowns. Porcelain, gold alloy, metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, and ceramic are some materials that we can utilize for the crown. Which dental crown is the best fit for you?
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap that surrounds the tooth. One of the most common uses for a dental crown is to repair a severely damaged or rotting tooth. The crown is custom-created to return the tooth to its former shape and size to fit over the entire tooth, starting at the gum line.
What are the Different Types of Dental Crowns?
For dental crown creation, a range of dental materials is used. Dr. Oh may inquire if you prefer the type of material used to make your dental crown before we make it. The following are the four most common types of dental crowns:
Ceramic/Porcelain Crown
Porcelain, a form of ceramic, is commonly used in ceramic crowns. Porcelain has the advantage of being durable and closely resembling genuine tooth enamel. Porcelain is stain-resistant as well. Because of these advantages, it is one of the most popular crown types. The only disadvantage of porcelain is that the power of chewing might wear it down over time. A porcelain crown is generally your best option if you require a crown on a front tooth that is highly visible.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns
Some crowns are constructed of metal and covered in porcelain. Patients can have the best of both worlds with porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. The crown’s porcelain portion gives the patient a natural-looking tooth, and the metal structure is exceptionally long-lasting. To place a porcelain-fused-to-metal restoration, Dr. Oh must remove a moderate amount of tooth structure. A small metal strip can be seen along the gum line, creating a black border. This crown style may be more appropriate for a tooth in the back of the mouth that is less apparent. In some circumstances, the porcelain may come loose from the metal, necessitating crown repair or replacement.
Gold Alloy Crown
Copper and other metals, such as nickel or chromium, are used to make gold crowns. Gold alloys have several advantages over different types of dental crowns. The most significant benefit of gold crowns is their strength and durability. This style of crown is strong and won’t break. It will also not cause the underlying tooth to deteriorate. Gum tissue is biocompatible with gold alloys. On the other hand, Gold alloy crowns can impact some people and cause adverse effects such as allergic responses or inflammation.
Base Metal Alloy Crown
The noble metal content of a base metal alloy crown is less than 25% (gold, silver, platinum, and palladium). It is mainly composed of chromium and nickel, which gives it remarkable bite strength. A base metal alloy crown is less expensive than gold, but it may induce allergic reactions in people allergic to certain metals. A base metal alloy crown, like gold, does not appear natural; hence it is best for a back molar. Base metal alloy dental crowns, on the other hand, are corrosion-resistant and extremely long-lasting. They also have non-noble metals, which are gentle on adjoining teeth.
Come to Elim Dental if you need a dental crown. We have crowns made of various materials so that you may pick the ideal one for you. Based on the tooth’s position that requires a crown and information about your habits and lifestyle, Dr. Oh will recommend which is right for you. Call today to schedule an appointment.