There’s more than one way to make a dental crown! Nowadays, your dentist can use a variety of different materials for your restoration, depending on what your needs and preferences are. This means crowns are more versatile than ever before – and also that it will take some research to fully understand your options!
Don’t worry, this post will tell you all about dental crown materials so you can choose the right restoration for your smile.
Gold
Despite being metallic, gold crowns are actually gentle on adjacent teeth. In fact, patients who habitually grind or clench their teeth might prefer this softer material, as it won’t cause as much damage to their natural pearly whites and is quite durable.
Gold crowns do tend to be more expensive than alternatives, however, and stand out brightly against ivory enamel. If these two factors aren’t as important to you as durability and gentleness, then a gold crown can fit right at home with your smile!
Other Metal Alloys
Not all metallic crowns are made from gold. By combining different metals into an alloy, your dentist can instead provide you with a silvery-colored restoration. Though they are just as shiny and often just as costly as their gold cousins, metal alloy crowns still offer many of the same benefits. They can be a good option if you’re wanting something like a gold crown that isn’t quite as bright.
Porcelain Fused to Metal
These crowns aren’t as complicated as they might sound. All it means is that your dentist is attaching a porcelain tooth to a metal base. This way, you can have a tooth-colored restoration that has the top-notch longevity of an all-metal crown.
The one problem with porcelain fused to metal crowns is that the base can become visible over time. As the materials experience natural wear and tear, your restoration will appear to have a bluish tint and might be more noticeable near your gumline. If seamless cosmetics are a high priority for you, you’ll likely find yourself needing replacements more often than you might prefer.
All-Ceramic
All-ceramic crowns – a.k.a. porcelain crowns – are the most popular choice for modern patients. They’re the cheapest option, for one thing, but they’re also able to make your smile look perfectly seamless. Porcelain can be crafted to match the exact shade of your other pearly whites and has a shine that’s very similar to natural enamel.
These crowns might not last as long as crowns with metal, but they’ll still hold up for 15 years or more with proper care and will look fantastic right up until you replace them!
Conclusion
Since there are so many different dental crown materials and combinations to choose from, it’s a good idea to mull things over with your dentist. Based on your needs and preferences, they can help you choose a restoration that you’ll be happy with. Plus, they’re the pros, so you’ll be glad to have their advice!
About the Author
Dr. Steven Kendrick earned his DDS from the Oklahoma University College of Dentistry, and has served as a faculty member for various dental education programs. As a lifelong learner and experienced teacher, Dr. Kendrick places great importance on making sure his patients are well-informed about their treatments. If you need a dental crown in Midwest City, he’ll be happy to help you choose the best materials for your smile! To contact his office, call 405-732-0431.