Types of Dental Crowns
A beautiful smile radiates confidence and joy. Dental crowns help make your smile perfect if you have had a few bumps along the road of good dental health.
Dental crowns cap the entire tooth and restore it to its original shape and size. If a tooth has been broken or severely worn down, a cap covers and supports what is left. Crowns support big fillings, help hold dental bridges in place, and cover dental implants.
Crowns strengthen teeth, too. Teeth weakened from decay are protected by dental crowns, and if you have unfortunately broken or cracked a tooth, the crown helps hold it together to prevent further damage and pain.
There are four main types of dental crowns, and your dentist will recommend the best and most cost-effective type to you based on your wants and needs.
Metal crowns: Metal crowns can be made of gold alloy, palladium, nickel or chromium. Metal crowns last the longest in terms of wear, and rarely chip or break. These are a great choice for back molars.
Porcelain fused to metal crowns: These combine the strength of metal with the more natural look of tooth-colored porcelain. Some drawbacks to porcelain fused to metal crowns are that the porcelain can chip or break off, and they cause more wear to adjacent teeth than all-metal crowns. A dark line showing through the porcelain is caused by the metal foundation.
All-resin crowns:
All-resin crowns are less expensive than other crown types. However, they wear down over time and are more prone to chipping and cracking than porcelain fused to metal crowns.
All ceramic or all porcelain crowns:
These dental crowns provide the most natural color match to your existing teeth, and are great for people with metal allergies. They are not as strong as porcelain fused to metal crowns and may need to be fixed or replaced in a few years. These crowns are a good choice for front teeth.
One more confusing point to mention:
the difference between temporary and permanent crowns. Temporary dental crowns are made in your dentist’s office so you can be comfortable while eagerly awaiting the completion and installation of your permanent crowns. They are typically made of acrylic or stainless steel.
Temporary crowns are just that - temporary. While waiting, avoid sticky foods like chewing gum and caramel. Chew on the other side of your mouth. Avoid hard foods such as raw vegetables and hard nuts which could dislodge or break the temporary crown.
The permanent crown is manufactured in a dental laboratory, and is custom made out of one of the four materials. Once installed, permanent dental crowns last for years. Your dentist will install it and check the look and fit. If it is acceptable to you, the dentist cements it into place and you are good to go.
Dental crowns are a great confidence booster and keep your teeth strong and beautiful. Ask your dentist about all the options available to you, and check the benefits package of your all care dental plan to see what discounts you can receive on dental crowns.