Dental crowns are a popular choice to replace damaged or decaying teeth. Besides protecting your oral health, they can help you retain your beautiful smile. However, it’s often easier said than done when it comes to choosing a dental crown that best fits your needs and budget.
When you need to replace your tooth, your dentist will present you with different types of dental crowns. Each type of crown comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. At Munno Para Dental Clinic, we make it a point to educate our patients and help them make informed choices.
In this quick read, we will walk you through different types of dental crowns.
But first, let’s understand what they are.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown, or a tooth crown, is a cap placed over a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are commonly used to protect weak teeth from breaking, to cover dental implants, or to support teeth with large fillings. Dental crown treatment can also be ideal for aesthetic purposes and can help improve your smile.
Why Consider Dental Crown Treatment?
There are many reasons why you may need to undergo dental crown treatment. At Munno Para Dental Clinic, we typically recommend this to:
- Strengthen weakened or cracked teeth.
- Protect and restore teeth after a root canal.
- Cover severely discoloured or misshapen teeth.
- Support dental bridges.
- Cover dental implants.
The treatment takes around two weeks to complete and often requires a couple of visits to your dentist. During the first visit, your dentist will prepare the teeth and take impressions. The second visit involves fitting the permanent tooth crown. A customised crown is made depending on your needs.
Types of Dental Crowns
Each type of tooth crown offers unique advantages and drawbacks. Understanding these options will help you work with your dentist to find the right fit for your needs.
Here’s a quick look at the most common types of crowns.
1. Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are highly popular due to their natural appearance. These tooth crowns are typically used for front teeth because they closely match the colour and texture of natural teeth. While they are aesthetically pleasing, they may not be as durable as other materials for high-pressure chewing.
Benefits:
- Ideal for a natural look.
- Great for those with metal allergies.
- Suitable for front teeth.
Drawbacks:
- Less durable than some other types of dental crowns.
- More prone to chipping compared to metal-based crowns.
2. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns
PFM crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain. The metal core provides durability, while the porcelain exterior blends in with natural teeth. These crowns are versatile and work well for both front and back teeth.
Benefits:
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Natural appearance with metal reinforcement.
Drawbacks:
- Over time, the metal may show at the gum line.
- Potential for slight wear on adjacent teeth.
3. Metal Crowns
Made from gold, silver, steel, or platinum, these are among the most durable dental crowns. They are particularly resistant to wear and ideal for molars that have to endure heavy chewing. However, their metallic colour makes them less popular for visible teeth.
Benefits:
- Extremely durable and long-lasting.
- Require less removal of natural tooth structure during preparation.
Drawbacks:
- Metallic appearance.
- Typically used for molars and less visible teeth.
4. Ceramic Crowns
Similar to porcelain, ceramic crowns offer a natural look and are often used for front teeth. They are metal-free, making them a good choice for those with metal allergies. These tooth crowns are also biocompatible, which can be beneficial for gum health.
Benefits:
- Metal-free and hypoallergenic.
- Natural and pleasing aesthetic.
Drawbacks:
- Less durable than metal or PFM crowns.
- May not withstand as much biting force.
5. Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns are gaining popularity due to their exceptional strength and natural appearance. These crowns are made from zirconium oxide, a strong and durable material that can handle the rigours of chewing without compromising on appearance.
Benefits:
- Extremely strong and durable.
- Resistant to cracking and chipping.
- Customisable for natural appearance.
Drawbacks:
- Can be more expensive than other types of tooth crowns.
- Potential for increased wear on opposing teeth.
6. Resin Crowns
Resin crowns are generally more affordable than other dental crowns, but are less durable. They are often used as temporary solutions until a permanent crown is ready.
Benefits:
- Affordable option.
- Suitable for temporary use.
Drawbacks:
- Less durable and prone to wear.
- Not ideal for long-term use.
Which Is the Right Dental Crown for You?
While flossing and regular brushing can keep teeth clean and prevent decay, your teeth may get damaged due to other reasons, like an accident. If your tooth doesn’t need extraction, your dentist may recommend dental crown treatment.
However, several factors come into play when choosing the right tooth crown, including:
- Location of the tooth: Front teeth typically require crowns that look like natural teeth, while back teeth often require more strength.
- Budget: Costs can vary, and some materials are more expensive than others. Ask your dentist what the total cost would be upfront before going ahead with the treatment.
- Aesthetic Preferences: If you are more focused on a natural look, materials like porcelain or ceramic might be preferable.
- Allergies: If you have a metal allergy, ceramic, or zirconia options are ideal. These tooth crowns are durable and look like natural teeth.
How to Care for Your Dental Crowns
Dental crowns require regular care just like your natural teeth, which includes.
- Brushing and flossing regularly to keep your gums healthy.
- Avoiding hard foods that can damage the crown.
- Visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
Conclusion
Dental crowns play a critical role in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Whether you need a crown to repair damage or make your smile more beautiful, you have to choose the right one. This post will help you understand your choices and which crown best suits your needs. That said, you must consult a dentist to better understand your options and what to expect during the treatment. That’s where we come in.
Munno Para Dental Clinic has been proudly serving residents across South Australia since 1995. We are a go-to for preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. Contact us to start your journey to a healthier, brighter smile!
