Dental crowns can restore the function and appearance of teeth. It can strengthen damaged teeth and ensure that it mimics the natural appearance of your teeth. There are different types of dental crowns and these will be explained in the article below.
Full metal dental crowns are known for their durability and strength. The molars and premolars of your teeth are subjected to significant biting forces and it can be particularly beneficial to have metal dental crowns here given the high strength. They are usually placed on posterior teeth as metal crowns are not teeth coloured. And having them at the back teeth can make it less noticeable. These tend to last a very long time. There are many materials used for full metal crowns such as milled titanium and cast gold alloys. Cast gold alloys are known for their resistance to corrosion. They are biocompatible as well. Milled titanium crowns are lightweight but they tend to be quite strong. Then there are porcelain bonded to metal crowns where you can get the best of both worlds. Here, you can benefit from the strength of metal dental crowns while the porcelain can mimic the appearance of natural teeth. Because of this, they can be used on posterior and anterior teeth. There is a layer of tooth coloured porcelain on the metal substructure. These are mainly used for posterior teeth given their strength but they can be used for the front as well. Usually, the front teeth will be done with all ceramic crowns.
There are also non-metal crowns.
These are known as all-ceramic dental crowns and they are biocompatible and have a lifelike appearance. These are fabricated from ceramic materials so that they help achieve a natural looking restoration. There are superior aesthetics provided by all ceramic dental crowns as these can even mimic the translucency of natural teeth and colour. If aesthetics are a top priority in the restoration, ceramic crowns will therefore be used. These are also more biocompatible compared to metal crowns. This means that the ceramic crowns are better tolerated by the body. The chances of you having gum irritation or an allergic reaction due to this will be extremely low. And if you have sensitivity to metal alloys, this is an ideal option.
There are different types of ceramic dental crowns such as porcelain and zirconia.
There are pros and cons for each option and you have to consider the technique for fabrication, strength and aesthetics when choosing the type. Your dentist will explain the differences between each type and what is most recommended for your situation. The dentist will also consider the aestheticpreferences of the patient and where the tooth is located to decide the type of dental crown. Budgetary constraints can also affect this decision. You need to let your dentist know about your preferences as well so that they can have more background in choosing the right option. A dental crown can help restore your smile and improve dental function for a long time.
