Type of Dental Crown: What Should I Choose?
Should you encounter a damaged or decayed tooth, your family dentist might suggest the placement of a dental crown. This cap encases the entire tooth, reviving its shape, size, strength, and aesthetic. Dental crowns additionally act as a safeguard against further deterioration and enhance the look of your smile.
However, selecting the appropriate dental crown involves various considerations, including the tooth’s location, crown cost, material durability, and aesthetic value. This article discusses the benefits and drawbacks of each option to help you make a well-informed decision.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns consist of diverse metals, including gold, silver, nickel, chromium, and titanium. They are very strong and resistant to wear and tear. They can withstand high biting and chewing forces and last for a long time. Metal crowns also require less tooth preparation, which means less enamel removal and less sensitivity.
The primary drawback of metal crowns is their distinct color. They do not resemble the natural shade of your teeth and can be visibly prominent, especially when applied to the front teeth. Some people may also have allergic reactions to certain metals, such as nickel. Metal crowns are usually more expensive than other types of crowns, depending on the metal used.
Metal crowns are a good option for back teeth, such as molars, where they are less visible and need more strength.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
PFM crowns blend metal and porcelain, featuring a metal foundation that fits snugly over your tooth and a porcelain exterior that matches your tooth color. PFM crowns offer both strength and aesthetics. They can restore both front and back teeth and blend in with your natural smile.
However, PFM crowns also have some disadvantages. The porcelain layer can chip or crack over time, exposing the metal underneath. This can create a dark line along your gum line and affect the appearance of your crown. PFM crowns may also wear down the enamel of your opposing teeth, especially if the porcelain is rough or uneven. PFM crowns are also more prone to leakage and decay if the metal base is not properly sealed.
PFM crowns are a suitable choice for people who want a balance between durability and aesthetics and who are not allergic to metal.
Ceramic Crowns
Ceramic crowns in Culver City are made of porcelain or other ceramic materials, such as zirconia or lithium disilicate. They are the most natural-looking type of crowns, as they mimic the translucency and color of your tooth enamel. Ceramic crowns can be tailored to replicate the contour and color of your teeth, enhancing the aesthetic of your smile.
Ceramic crowns are also biocompatible, which means they do not cause allergic reactions or irritate your gums. They are also resistant to stains and corrosion, unlike metal crowns.
The main disadvantage of ceramic crowns is their brittleness. They tend to break or crack more readily than metal or PFM crowns, especially in cases of habitual teeth grinding or clenching. Ceramic crowns also require more tooth preparation, which means more enamel removal and more sensitivity. Ceramic crowns are also more expensive than other types of crowns, especially if they are made of high-quality materials.
Ceramic crowns are an ideal option for people who want the most natural and aesthetic results and do not have a high risk of breaking their crowns.
Composite Resin Crowns
Composite resin crowns are made of a plastic material that is similar to the one used for dental fillings. They are the cheapest and easiest type of crowns to make and place. They can be done in a single visit without the need for a dental laboratory or a temporary crown. Composite resin crowns can also be repaired or modified easily if needed.
Composite resin crowns are known to be less durable than other types of crowns, which is their main drawback. They are not as strong or resistant as other types of crowns and can wear down, chip, or crack over time. They can also stain or discolor more easily than ceramic or metal crowns and may need to be replaced more often. If you’re not fussy about the quality of your crowns and are seeking a quick repair, composite resin crowns are a good option.
Choosing the right type of dental crown for you depends on many factors, such as your budget, your preferences, your oral health, and your dentist’s recommendations. Prior to selecting a crown, it is important to thoughtfully assess the merits and limitations of each available option. You should also consult with your dentist in Culver City and ask them any questions you may have about the procedure, the costs, the risks, and the benefits of getting a dental crown.
A dental crown can be a great way to restore your tooth and improve your smile, as long as you choose the one that suits you best. If you are looking for a reliable and experienced dentist in Culver City, CA, you can visit Relate Dental Care. Our practice provides an extensive array of restorative dentistry solutions, encompassing dental crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, and implants. They also use state-of-the-art technology and high-quality materials to ensure your comfort and satisfaction.