Dental crowns are a popular dental procedure used to restore the appearance and function of a tooth. A dental crown is a cap placed over a tooth to cover the damaged area or strengthen a tooth. Many different types of dental crowns are available, and each style has its benefits and drawbacks. This article will explain the different dental crown types and the pros and cons of each type.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the topic.
What are Dental Crowns, and Why are they important
Dental crowns are like helmets for your teeth. They go over the top of your teeth to protect them from getting damaged. Crowns can be made from materials like gold, silver, or porcelain. They can fix broken or cracked teeth or cover up a dental implant.
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Dental crowns are essential because they protect the teeth from further damage and help keep them strong and healthy.
Types of Dental Crowns
There are three main types of dental crowns:
- All-metal
- All-ceramic
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal.
While metal crowns are made of a single piece of metal, all-ceramic crowns are made entirely of ceramic materials. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are a combination of both ceramic and metal materials.
Let’s see each type in detail.
1) All-metal Dental Crowns
All-metal dental crowns are made of a single material. They are usually made of gold but can also be made of other metals, such as silver, platinum, or palladium. They are solid and durable and can last many years with proper care. They are typically used in areas of the mouth that experience much pressure, such as the molars.
Pros:
- Very strong and durable
- Very resistant to corrosion and wear
Cons:
- Often expensive
- It can be not easy to color match with the surrounding teeth
- It can be a bit too heavy for some people
2) All-ceramic
All-ceramic dental crowns are made from a ceramic material designed to look and feel like natural teeth. They are often used to restore the appearance of front teeth that chips, cracks, or stains have damaged. They are considered the most aesthetic option for crowns and can match the color of the patient’s natural teeth. This type of crown is often chosen for patients with metal allergies.
Pros:
- Look more natural than other types
- Less likely to cause tooth sensitivity
- They lower thermal expansion coefficient than metal dental crowns, so they are less likely to cause cracks in teeth
Cons:
- More prone to breaking than metal dental crowns
- It may chip or shatter if hit hard enough
3) Porcelain-fused-to-metal
A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown is a dental crown of two parts: a metal base and a porcelain overlay. This type is created by bonding a layer of porcelain to the surface of a metal crown. Because they are made of porcelain and metal, these crowns are less likely to chip or break than all-porcelain crowns.
Pros:
- Durable
- Resistance to staining
- Ability to mask tooth discoloration
Cons:
- The metal portion may be visible while smiling, which can be visually unappealing.
- A bit brittle
Things You Need to Know Before a Dental Crown Procedure
Before going in for a dental crown procedure, there are a few things to know. First, the tooth needs to be prepped and an impression taken. This is so the crown can be made to fit perfectly. You may also need a temporary crown put on in the meantime.
Second, you may experience some sensitivity after the prep work is done. Also, following the dentist’s instructions after the procedure is essential to ensure proper healing.
Five Crucial Questions to Ask Your Dentist
- What is the procedure involved?
- What are the risks and potential complications?
- What is the expected recovery time?
- What are the costs involved?
- What are the alternatives to a dental crown?
Five Common Dental Crown Care Tips
- Avoid biting down on anything too hard, which can cause the crown to break or chip.
- Avoid drinking anything hot or acidic directly after the procedure, as they can weaken the bonding material that holds the crown in place.
- Avoid eating foods that are sticky or chewy.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day.
- Visit your dentist for a check-up at least twice a year.
