Dentists have used dental crowns to restore compromised teeth to their original function for centuries. Dental crowns can treat teeth that have been damaged due to injuries, infections, or dental procedures like root canals. The technology behind them has improved significantly over the past few decades, and today you can find specimens made from many different materials. Here are a few types of dental crowns as well as some of their pros and cons.
Metal Dental Crowns: Classic and Reliable
Gold has long been used for dental appliances because it is extremely durable and minimally reactive with human tissues. It’s also soft enough to not harm opposing teeth during the chewing process. It is also strong and durable when thin, meaning it can often be placed without much alteration of remaining healthy tooth structure.
However, gold is quite conspicuous against the natural color of teeth. For this reason, they are usually used to restore molars and rarely see use in the front teeth. Some patients may have an allergy to gold or other metals, meaning that metal crowns may not be a good fit.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns: Beautiful and Durable
Metal dental crowns tend to clearly stand out among natural teeth, so porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns were developed to allow patients to have strong and durable crowns that look like the real thing. A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown is made from a metal base that allows it to have a sturdy bond to the tooth and a porcelain shell that allows it to blend in with the smile. However, this porcelain shell can become chipped over time and can begin to separate from the metal base, resulting in a thin dark line becoming clearly visible around the base of the crown.
Fully Porcelain Crowns: Beautiful and Modern
Fully porcelain crowns are the most lifelike restorations available. While porcelain can be made to look like natural tooth tissue, it also does not conduct heat well, allowing a patient to enjoy hot or cold drinks without worrying about the tooth being too sensitive. However, porcelain must be thicker than gold to remain strong, meaning that dentists may have to alter more healthy tooth structure than they would with a gold restoration.
While each type of crown has its advantages and disadvantages, it takes a trained individual to determine which is the best fit for a patient. Consulting with your dentist can determine which types of dental crowns might be right for you.
About the Author
Dr. Gary C. Nawrocki earned his dental doctorate from the University of Florida in 1980 and has completed thousands of hours of continuing education over the years. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and a past president of the University of Florida Dental Alumni Association. His office in Cocoa Beach, FL offers general, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as dental crown treatments. To learn more about dental crowns, contact his office online or dial (321) 783-7514.