What Are the Types of Dental Crowns?
Dentists and patients choose different dental crown (Michael Drone Dentistry) materials for different reasons, including placement in the mouth and desired function, among other reasons. Crowns are available in four different materials: porcelain; porcelain affixed to metal; and dental alloys, including gold and base-metal alloys.
Ceramic crowns are made of porcelain-based material and are most often used for restoring teeth that are usually visible. Ceramic crowns are cosmetically popular because they can easily be matched with natural tooth color. However, ceramic crowns are not as durable as other materials, and therefore may be more prone to chipping or breaking. Porcelain crowns that are fused to metal are extremely durable and provide a stronger bond than porcelain alone, though the porcelain components are still prone to chipping. Gold alloys are a mix of gold, copper, and other metals, and these alloys also provide a strong bond to the tooth. Additionally, gold alloys don’t wear away the tooth itself, nor do they fracture. Finally, base-metal alloys, which require the least amount of healthy tooth to be removed during the fitting process, are made of non-noble metals that effectively resist corrosion and are therefore among the strongest crowns.
While metal-based crowns provide the greatest sealing ability against leakage, the sealing ability of porcelain crowns depends on both the quality of the underlying tooth and on the choice of filling materials. The all-porcelain crown may also pose issues with durability and be more susceptible to pressure; for example, if you grind your teeth at night, all-porcelain crowns may degrade more quickly. If this is the case, talk to your dentist about using a mouth guard while sleeping. A crown of porcelain fused to metal offers better durability. Porcelain and porcelain-based crowns may aggravate adjacent teeth if the surfaces of these adjacent teeth become rough; gold and metal alloys, however, are both durable and gentle on adjacent teeth. Your dentist will work with you to determine what crown material is the best for you and for your teeth.
Though crowns may occasionally loosen or fall out, with proper maintenance, crowns can last a lifetime. The best way to maintain crowns and contribute to their longevity is through proper oral care. The area surrounding the crown requires extra care, especially to maintain the tooth supporting the crown. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly is the optimal way to maintain good oral health. Additionally, scheduling and maintaining regular checkups with your dentist is an effective way to achieve and sustain proper oral health.
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