Advantages & Disadvantages of Ceramic Crowns?
Dental crowns are one of the best options available to restore a tooth that is compromised beyond what a dental filling can restore. Crowns can be used on teeth with extensive decay, those that have fractured or broken, or those that have undergone root canal therapy treatment to ensure the integrity of the tooth and prevent further damage. Unlike a dental filling, a crown actually covers every surface of the tooth to just below the gum line, for a completely natural look.
Crowns are typically fabricated at a dental lab, though some dental offices have the technology to fabricate them in the office, providing same-day crowns. Ceramic crowns are typically fabricated in a dental lab, using a model made by your dentist. They will take an impression of the affected tooth and surrounding teeth and use that to make the model that is sent to the dental lab.
What are the advantages of ceramic crowns?
Ceramic crowns are an effective option for patients looking for strength and cosmetic benefits, as they are able to blend with surrounding teeth. This material is incredibly strong and resistant to wear, providing a longer-lasting result, as opposed to other options. Ceramic crowns are made with all-ceramic materials, which can be tinted to match the shade of your natural teeth.
They are also incredibly durable and are resistant to chips and fractures as well as daily wear and tear. It is natural to experience some degree of wear throughout the lifetime of the crown, but using a night guard can greatly improve the negative impact of bruxism on your natural teeth and ceramic crowns.
What are the disadvantages of ceramic crowns?
The complexity of all-ceramic crowns causes them to take longer to fabricate than other types of crowns, which is why they are typically done at a dental lab. The biggest drawback is that the crowns take longer to fabricate than other types, so you will need at least two visits to your dentist, one for the impressions and one to seat the crown.
Sometimes, it is necessary to visit your dentist after the crown is placed for an adjustment. It is important to make sure that the crown feels right and sits correctly in your mouth, so after the anesthetic wears off, take note of how the crown feels and how your bite feels, and address any issues with your dentist as soon as possible to avoid damaging other teeth.
Any patient who needs to have an adult tooth restored with a ceramic crown is likely a candidate. There are no metals in ceramic crowns, so patients who suffer from metal allergies should not have an issue with an all-ceramic crown. If you suffer from bruxism, which is the unconscious clenching and/or grinding of the teeth, you may need to have a custom night guard as well to protect the crown.