A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that is used to avoid additional damage to a tooth’s surface after it breaks, chips, or fractures. Dental crowns are caps that are cemented over broken teeth to preserve their function, form, and appearance. The materials for the dental crown can be metals, ceramics, porcelain, or composite resin.
The following are some of the available crown materials:
Front teeth are typically restored with ceramic dental crowns because they are customizable to match their natural color. They are made from a block of a porcelain-based material. Ceramic might not be the right choice for patients who tend to grind their teeth at night because it is prone to cracking when subjected to intense pressure. Although resistant to wear, a ceramic crown may irritate adjacent teeth in case the surfaces get rough.
These dental crowns have better protection than all-porcelain crowns since they are fixed to a metal base. This further strengthens the crown’s attachment to the tooth, making it more resilient. The porcelain covering makes the crown natural-looking. This dental crown has a tight seal to avoid leakage, regardless of the condition of the underlying tooth or the filling materials used. Like full ceramic crowns, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns do not wear down quickly.
Every crown placement process requires that the dentist reduce the size of the tooth for a good fit. With a crown made of base metal alloys, only a minimal amount of tooth structure needs to be removed. The crown’s non-noble metals are highly corrosion-resistant, resulting in a solid crown. This alternative also offers a strong leak-proof seal. It is different from both porcelain options in that it is more wear-resistant and does not abrade the teeth on the opposite side.
Patients will still need to talk with the dentist who will be handling the procedure to know the best crown material for them. This guide is only meant to highlight the simple benefits and drawbacks of the most widely used and recognized crown materials. Relevant clinical issues or anatomical requirements for each patient can have a larger impact on material choices than all of the details discussed here.
When aesthetics or the front teeth are the primary consideration, the dentist will usually recommend a ceramic or porcelain-based crown material. A metal crown offers more strength and is usually used for the molars that handle most of the chewing in the mouth. The dentist will examine the teeth and recommend the best option for each patient.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges in Fort Lee, NJ
When you understand what you are in for and the options available, going to the dentist can become less daunting. Knowing the different dental crown materials that the dentist might recommend is a great start if you have a tooth that needs protection. Book an appointment with our dental office to get started.
Request an appointment or call Fort Lee Family Dental at 201-620-9772 for an appointment in our Fort Lee office.
A dental crown restores the strength, shape, and comfort of a tooth that is cracked, worn, or heavily filled. This custom cap covers the entire visible surface to protect what remains. With modern materials and careful planning, a crown blends with nearby teeth and supports confident chewing. Understanding options and steps makes the decision clearer…
Dental crowns are often costly and require that a dentist remove a significant amount of the tooth's structure to place them. Read on to learn about dental crown alternatives. Other treatment alternatives are sometimes available that are either less expensive or significantly less invasive. Dental crowns are frequently used to restore severely damaged teeth.The following…
Dental crowns are a great way to restore the health and appearance of your smile after oral health issues develop. Dental crowns work by surrounding a vulnerable or damaged tooth and offering protection from further damage. Crowns may also be used for teeth replacement purposes as well.Several of the more common oral health issues that…
You should consider seeing a family dentist if you have children. This allows your entire household to get their dental needs met at the same time instead of driving all over town to drop each member of your family off at their dentist.A family dentist is a general dentist who spends most of their time…
Your entire household can have their teeth checked out at the same time if you visit a family dentist. These are dentists who are trained to provide services to patients of all ages. Getting routine dental checkups is an essential part of good oral hygiene. Most dental issues can be avoided by practicing good oral…