A dental crown is sometimes necessary to protect a damaged tooth. But the number of different tooth crown types can be overwhelming and it’s tough to know which one is best for you. Use this guide will help you sort through the choices so you know what to expect at the dentist.
What are dental crowns?
The crown is known as a prosthetic device; it cements directly onto your existing teeth or your implant. The purpose is restore the look of your teeth and strengthen them.
A crown can also be used when your dentist fits a bridge. In this situation, the device gives the entire bridge better strength than before, while ensuring your teeth look as natural as possible.
Of course, alongside understanding the tooth crown types, it’s important that you locate a good dentist, such as this dentist in Neutral Bay. A professional will explain all the options available to you and help you choose the right one, without doing work that simply isn’t necessary.
Ceramic crowns
These are the most common option when you need a crown for the front teeth. The ceramic option is porcelain-based and can be color-coded to match your existing teeth for the best possible finish once the crown is fitted.
Although ceramic crowns are strong and easy to make the same color as the rest of your teeth, they are not as strong as some other options. For this reason, they are primarily suitable for your incisors.
Ceramic crowns don’t generally do well with the force applied by the molars as they grind food. That activity could leave a ceramic crown brittle over time and prone to breakage.
More tooth crown types: Porcelain metal crowns
The porcelain metal variety is a great alternative to the ceramic porcelain crown. The porcelain can still be colored to match your existing teeth but it has the added advantage of mixed with metal.
As a result, the porcelain metal crwn is much stronger than the ceramic porcelain kind. It is also the more durable of the two.
Thus, you can use this type of crown confidently in any part of the mouth, not just at the front. It will look good and function in exactly the same way as your original teeth.
However, for this type of crown to be fit properly, it is necessary to remove some of the structure of your tooth. Your dentist can tell you more about the procedure to help you further with making your decision as to what procedure to have done, along with other tips for a healthy smile.
Gold crowns
Of the tooth crown types, this one is among the most expensive. That makes sense as gold is a pricey metal.
Keep in mind that it’s heavy too. But it can combine with a variety of other metals to create a gold alloy crown.
This type of crown is the strongest currently available. It won’t erode or crack, and it won’t damage the tooth underneath either, which can occur with other kinds of crowns and create a dental emergency.
Gold crowns are compatible with gum tissue too. The benefit here is preventing reactions that can damage more teeth or your implants.
Of course, gold crowns are the most visible of all the crowns. You may like that, or not; it’s a personal preference.
Base metal
This one is similar to the gold alloy, but it’s cheaper because of the different metals. However, it is still exceptionally strong and durable.
The base metal variety is also a great option to minimize pressure and rubbing on healthy teeth next to the crown. In addition, this type of crown requires minimal tooth structure alteration, allowing you to quickly and easily transform your mouth and biting power.
Last words on tooth crown types
Crowns are designed to protect weak teeth, support teeth with large fillings, or even to hold a dental implant in place. They’re an essential part of good dental care, you just need to choose which one is best for your current situation.
Interesting article. I’ve never had a dentist give me options on the type of crown. I simply thought there was a temporary used until the permanent crown was put on.
So great to know that this post has been valuable for you!