Do you know that you can still save a damaged tooth with a dental crown in Zebulon? Your teeth can get damaged for several reasons. It can be because of wear and tear, injuries, or tooth decay. When your teeth are compromised, it’s possible that they could lose their original size and shape.
In such a case, your dentist may recommend dental crowns. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap designed to restore the form, function, and strength of your teeth and protect them against further damage.
They are usually recommended if dental fillings won’t be able to solve the problem. The good news is that crowns don’t require special care. You just need to maintain good oral hygiene. Crowns can be made from different materials. Part of the process is choosing a material type for your crowns.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Crowns?
Gold Crowns
Although you rarely see people don gold crowns, they are still used today. Gold crowns are made of chromium or nickel mixed with copper. One of the primary advantages of gold crowns is their unmatched durability and strength. Some dentists recommend gold crowns for back restorations.
However, this may not be the first choice because of its loud color and poor aesthetic appeal. Nevertheless, gold crowns offer numerous benefits. They are strong, last a long time, and your dentist will only remove a small portion of your natural teeth to attach the crowns.
As for the downsides, they have inferior aesthetics since the color doesn’t match your natural teeth. Some people may also develop allergic reactions and swelling due to the gold alloy.
All Porcelain Crowns
The most popular and in-demand dental crown is the one that’s made from 100% porcelain. So, if you’re looking for a dental crown that closely resembles your natural teeth, your best bet is a porcelain or ceramic crown. The color and translucence match your surrounding teeth so that once you wear them, you’ll instantly get an even and attractive smile.
It’s the ideal option for restoring your front teeth. Another advantage of porcelain crowns is they are biocompatible because they don’t contain toxic metals.
Porcelain crowns also have their fair share of drawbacks. Although beautiful, they are not as strong and durable as metal crowns. You must take good care of them if you want them to last long.
Crowns made of porcelain are not ideal for individuals who suffer from teeth grinding or bruxism. As for the cost, porcelain crowns are more expensive than other crown types.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns (PFM) are just as popular as all-porcelain crowns. The wonderful thing about PFM crowns is they offer both aesthetics and durability. They share the same strength as metal crowns while providing cosmetic appeal, just like porcelain crowns.
The greatest advantages of porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are their durability and aesthetics. This crown type has been around for nearly five decades, so you can be assured that it will work perfectly fine. Compared to all-porcelain crowns, PFM is relatively cheaper.
The downside to PFM crowns is that the metal structure will appear as a grey line in your gum tissues, especially those with thin gums.
Even though the cap is made of porcelain, it doesn’t have the look of all-porcelain crowns. PFM crowns are not ideal for people who clench and grind their teeth as they may wear down quickly.
Zirconia Crowns
The newest dental crown type is the one that’s made of zirconia. Zirconia crowns have the strength of metal and the attractiveness of porcelain. Today, more and more people are choosing zirconia crowns. They blend beautifully with the rest of your natural teeth in terms of aesthetics. And because of their strength and durability, zirconia crowns are not prone to chips and breaks.
You’ll also save time because the process is quick and easy and is done completely in the dental office. There’s no need to send them to a lab. The risk of chips and cracks is also significantly reduced because of their strength.
Since zirconia crowns are metal-free, you don’t have to worry about allergic reactions. The main disadvantages of these crowns are they can be hard to adjust, and their strength can cause the teeth they bite into to wear down quickly.
Do You Need a Dental Crown in Zebulon?
Do you still need more information to help you decide? We’re always ready to assist you. At Tyron Family Dentistry, we offer an extensive array of affordable and customizable dental treatments tailored to your needs.
Our office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to give you the best possible care. Contact us today for an appointment.