Porcelain and metal and resin, oh my! When it comes to dental crowns, there are often several types to choose from. Some dentists prefer to use certain materials over others, and sometimes, the location of the damaged tooth can determine which material is best. What should you know about dental crowns? Read on to learn more about what your Cherry Hill, NJ dentist, Dr. Julie Kardon, has to say about the different types of crowns.
Understanding the ins and outs of restorative dental care can be confusing. That’s why it’s important to find a dentist who you trust will make the best decisions for you and your family’s health. In Cherry Hill, NJ, look no further than Dr. Julie Kardon. With a passion for helping patients experience optimal oral health and improved quality of life, Dr. Kardon can walk you through restorative treatments with patience, precision, experience and compassion. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact TLC Dental Center at 856.667.1001.
Types of Crowns
Not all crowns are made equal! Several types of dental crowns are available and frequently used in dental practices across the United States. If you’ve received a dental crown, but are not sure what type you have, Dr. Kardon can examine the crown and discover the materials used by your previous dentist. Or, if you need to receive a new crown to protect a damaged tooth, Dr. Kardon can offer her expert recommendation for the type of crown that will align with your oral health and cosmetic smile goals.
Metal: Metal crowns are created with a gold, nickel, or other metals and metallic alloys. Though they offer superior strength and longevity (very rarely chipping or breaking), many patients and dentists have turned away from using metal because of its stark contrast to the rest of the smile. When smiling or speaking, metal crowns can be easily seen within the mouth – even on back molars. In addition, metal sensitivities and allergies in some patients could create complications with a metal crown. For these reasons, fewer dentists opt for metal crowns today, though they are still available.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal: Combining the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are a popular, more cosmetically-pleasing alternative to metal crowns. However, the presence of metal can still pose issues for certain patients.
Zirconia: Created from a blend of metal and an organic white mineral, zirconia is very strong, with a more natural appearance than that of metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal. Another benefit of zirconia crowns is that they can sometimes be created in-house at practices with same-day crown technology.
Ceramic or Porcelain: Porcelain crowns are the most natural-looking crown option, and the best choice for highly-visible teeth such as front teeth. This is because porcelain and/or ceramic crowns mimic the coloring and appearance of natural, glossy white enamel. However, these crowns are less durable than their metal or zirconia counterparts and must be replaced more frequently.
Resin: Resin crowns are typically only used as a temporary covering for a tooth that is awaiting a final crown. These types of crowns are very susceptible to breaking or cracking, but can be colored to closely match a natural tooth color.
Contact Your Cherry Hill Dentist
For more information on dental crowns, or to schedule a restorative dentistry appointment with Dr. Kardon and our team, call TLC Dental Center today!