Types of Dental Crowns: Which Crown Is Best for Your Teeth?
If you are unsure of which dental crown to use for a broken tooth, here are a few to consider. It depends on the tooth's location, remaining structure, your bite, aesthetic expectations, and budget. Crowns are used by dentists to cover and protect teeth that are weak, broken, worn, or severely damaged. They're also employed for some root canal-treated teeth or dental implants. The strength, appearance, durability, and tooth conservation vary with different crown materials. Knowing these differences can help you and your dentist have a productive conversation about your tooth before selecting a crown.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a customized covering that is installed over a prepared tooth. It restores the shape and recaptures the normal biting and chewing stresses on the tooth. Your dentist will remove some of the tooth structure to provide space for the crown and then cement it into position. Crowns are made from metal, resin, porcelain, or ceramic and can last for several years if cared for properly, Cleveland Clinic says. The lifespan will depend on the material, bite, oral hygiene, and many other factors.
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns come in different materials, and each type offers its own benefits and limitations. The right crown depends on the tooth’s location, strength requirements, appearance, and your dentist’s recommendation.
1. Metal Crowns
Gold and other metal alloys can be used for metal crowns. They are both strong and resistant to chipping and breaking. They are also minimally invasive for the patient in terms of the amount of tooth structure removed. The properties of metal crowns are beneficial where chewing forces are high, and aesthetics is not a major concern, as in the back teeth. The major drawback is their metallic appearance, which some patients are looking to avoid, preferring instead tooth color.
2. Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns
PFM crowns are a type of crown that have metal on the inside and porcelain on the outside. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are made of a strong metal base and a porcelain outer layer. The shade of the porcelain can be matched to adjacent teeth, which allows PFMs to look more similar to natural teeth than metal crowns. They are used on front and back teeth. With time, the porcelain can chip, and occasionally the metal can show through in the area around the gums.
3. All Ceramic and Porcelain Crowns
The appearance of all ceramic and porcelain crowns is tooth-colored and closely resembles natural enamel. These can be a particularly suitable fit for the front teeth that are easily seen. The strength of modern ceramic materials varies, and dentists select the material based on the tooth's location and condition. The American Dental Association says that ceramics offer aesthetic and wear resistance properties; the properties of the material and its clinical utilization determine its performance.
4. Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia is a ceramic that has high strength and excellent durability. Dentists frequently use zirconia for back teeth because it can withstand strong chewing forces. Some newer zirconia materials have better translucency for front teeth. The ADA points out that zirconia restorations possess a high flexural strength, with a variety of properties depending on the type of zirconia.
5. Lithium Disilicate Crowns
Lithium disilicate is a glass-ceramic that ensures strength and has a very natural look. It can be transparent, making it useful when there is a requirement for transmitting light like that of natural teeth. According to the ADA, lithium disilicate is stronger than certain other glass-based ceramics and can be used for a variety of indications for crowns.
6. Resin Crowns
Resin crowns are usually less expensive than some of the other crown materials but are less durable and have a tendency to break. Dentists also tend to choose resin for temporary crowns because of this lack of durability, according to Cleveland Clinic. In some cases, a resin restoration might be used, but if the tooth requires more durability in the long term, your dentist may suggest another material.
Which Crown Is Best for Your Teeth?
No one crown is ideal for all teeth. The choice will depend on the location of the tooth, the remaining structure, the bite pressure, the appearance requirements, and oral health. Heavy chewing forces may require a more robust material like metal or perhaps good zirconia. If a front tooth is visible, it can be a benefit to use a material that closely replicates the tooth's natural enamel.
Your dentist also takes into account whether you grind or clench your teeth; strong forces can impact your crown choice and durability. Gum health, remaining tooth structure, current restorations, and space between opposing teeth also play a role.
How Should You Compare Dental Crowns?
When comparing two different crowns, don't consider only the looks or price. Inquire about the effect each material has on chewing pressure, the natural appearance, tooth preparation required, and whether it will work for you. Also inquire about cleaning, maintenance, and any complications that may occur, like chipping, fracture, sensitivity, and loosening.
The right fit is as important as the material. A healthy crown requires proper crown preparation, placement, and oral hygiene. Your dentist can monitor your crown and tooth during regular dental visits.
Conclusion
This is the best dental crown for you based on your tooth, bite, appearance needs, and oral health. There are different strengths and weaknesses of metal, PFM, ceramic, zirconia, lithium disilicate, and resin crowns. Don't just select based on the materials shown; instead, discuss the options with your dentist. With The Dental Cure, you can more confidently choose the right crown for your particular dental needs.