Dental crowns are made of different materials, and it is very important to make the right choice for a particular case.
What is a tooth crown, what are they and which one to choose?
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a prosthesis used to save teeth in case of extensive damage. The crown resembles a cap that completely covers the tooth, imitating its natural appearance and color. Crowns are designed to restore both aesthetics and functions of teeth.
Dental crowns restore the shape, size and strength of damaged teeth. They protect teeth weakened by caries, as well as teeth that have undergone root canal treatment. Crowns can be used to cover severely discolored, misshapen teeth, dental implants, or a tooth with a large filling.
Types of dental crowns
Different types of dental crowns include ceramic, metal, ceramic fused to metal, composite resin, etc. Each of them has unique properties, advantages and disadvantages.
In order to choose a material for dental crowns, the following factors should be taken into account:
- durability;
- comfort;
- aesthetics;
- cost;
- condition of the oral cavity.
The dentist plays a decisive role in the process of choosing crowns, because it is he who assesses the condition of the teeth and oral cavity and has a good understanding of the properties of the materials from which crowns are made.
What are the types of dental crowns?
Metal-ceramic dental crown
A metal-ceramic dental crown is one of the most common types of dental crowns. Such crowns have been the standard for over 50 years and perform their function. They combine the stability and strength of metal with the aesthetic properties of ceramics. Such crowns have a frame made of an alloy of various metals. This alloy usually contains metals such as nickel, chromium and palladium. However, it varies by manufacturer and dental laboratory.
The most noticeable disadvantage of such crowns is a dark line that can appear at the gum line after a few years. It does not harm the teeth, but it may not look aesthetically pleasing. In addition, when preparing the teeth for such crowns, the dentist will have to remove more tooth tissue compared to other alternatives. The advantages of such crowns are strength and lower cost compared to crowns that do not contain metal.
Composite crowns
Dental composite is a form of synthetic resin. Composite is usually used in fillings, but can be used to make solid crowns.
Such crowns are suitable for people who are sensitive to both metal and ceramic materials.
The plus of such crowns is the optimal cost, and the main disadvantage is that the material from which the crown is made is prone to staining. Also, these crowns are less strong and long-lasting than other types, but composite materials can be a good option for temporary crowns.
Ceramic dental crowns
A ceramic crown does not have a metal frame and is completely made of ceramics. Such crowns have gained popularity because they have better aesthetic properties.
If you don’t need metal in your mouth, but want to restore your teeth to a natural look, a ceramic crown may be one of your best options.
All-ceramic crowns reflect light better, which provides a more natural result. Such crowns are very suitable for people with allergies to metals.
However, these crowns are usually less durable than other alternatives, and they can be more expensive than other metal-containing options.
Zirconium crowns
Zirconium dioxide is a ceramic material that has become one of the best alternatives for dental crowns. This material, which does not contain metal, has high biocompatibility (the ability of the material to be integrated into the body) and exceptional aesthetic properties.
In addition, zirconium is strong, but puts less stress on opposing teeth than ceramic. A zirconia crown is also thinner than crowns made of other materials. Therefore, the dentist does not need to remove a lot of tooth tissue in preparation for the installation of the crown.
Metal crowns
Such crowns are made of various metals, including gold. Gold crowns are highly resistant and durable, but their unnatural color is the most obvious drawback. Such crowns are rare nowadays.
Instead, crowns are made of other metal alloys, such as chromium and palladium, which are as strong as gold, but have a gray color. The teeth on which these crowns are placed do not require extensive preparation, as the alloy is stable and there is no ceramic layer.
However, metal alloys can cause allergic reactions and swelling. Their color is also a serious drawback. Because of this, they are often used for back teeth or lateral restorations.
E-max crowns
E-max is a generic name for crowns made from a material called lithium disilicate. This is another type of metal-free ceramic crown that has aesthetic properties.
Lithium disilicate is very strong and has a natural appearance due to its translucency. Like other metal-free crowns, E-max crowns require minimal preparation for installation.
These crowns are usually expensive due to the optical properties of the material. However, they are not as durable as zirconia crowns.
Choosing the right type of dental crown.
The choice of the type of crown depends primarily on the needs of the patient.
What type of dental crown looks best?
E-max crowns have the best aesthetic properties. They are slightly translucent and reflect light in the same way as tooth enamel. Therefore, such crowns often look like a natural tooth. However, the same results can be achieved with other ceramic crowns.
Which crown is the most durable?
Metal crowns are the strongest type of dental crowns. They easily withstand all loads in the mouth for a long time.
However, since they are the least esthetic option, you can opt for metal-ceramic crowns, which are both durable and esthetic. It is this balance between strength and appearance that has made ceramic ceramics very popular over the years.
However, most people don’t want to have metal in their mouth these days. Therefore, zirconium crowns are a good alternative. Especially when it comes to a monolithic zirconium crown, which is made from a single piece of zirconium.
Which crowns are cheaper and which are more expensive?
The cost of dental crowns varies significantly depending on the material used: ceramic or porcelain crowns are more expensive, and metal and metal-ceramic crowns are cheaper.
When choosing a crown material, it is important to consider your budget as well as the durability of the material. Some materials may be affordable but not as durable.
How does lifestyle affect the choice of crowns?
A strong crown material, such as metal or zirconia, may be a better choice if you eat solid foods or like to snack frequently.
What crowns are offered at the Yarema Dental clinic
At the Yarema Dental clinic, patients are offered ceramic and zirconium crowns.
Ceramic crowns are made using CAD/CAM, i.e. computer technology, which reduces production time and guarantees high precision of the prosthesis.
Regarding zirconia crowns, Yarema Dental uses premium zirconia from Amann Girrbach, which has many years of experience in the development and production of zirconia. This multi-layered, translucent, yet durable zirconium dioxide comes in a palette of 16 different shades.
Restoration of a damaged tooth with the help of zirconium crowns takes place within two visits. During the first, the doctor will assess the general condition of the oral cavity and prepare the tooth. Then the tooth will be scanned and its impression will be sent to the laboratory for the production of a crown, and a temporary protective crown will be placed on the tooth.
When the prosthesis is made, it will be installed on the tooth.
Which crown is better, zirconium or ceramic?
Both alternatives offer many advantages. However, there are several key differences between the two. Zirconium crowns are more stable and can withstand greater loads. For this reason, they are often recommended for back teeth.
Ceramic crowns provide optical quality and aesthetics, but are not as strong as zirconia crowns, so they are better suited for front teeth.
Tips for caring for dental crowns
Proper care and regular dental examinations are necessary to preserve dental crowns, regardless of the material chosen.
- Maintain good oral hygiene.
- Avoid hard foods that can damage your crowns, especially if they are made of less durable materials.
- Regular dental examinations.
Choosing the right dental crown material is an important decision that can affect oral health, comfort and confidence. So be sure to seek advice from specialists.