Used for both restorative dental care and cosmetic reasons, dental crowns are used to fix cracked or worn teeth, support dental bridges, replace a missing tooth or teeth, and they are also attached to dental implants. And crowns are often used for restoration after a dental root canal. In short, dental crowns are a vital part of restorative dentistry.
What Dental Crowns are Made From
Dental crowns can be made from a number of different materials such as porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, stainless steel, gold, and resin. The material you and your dentist select can be decided based on the location of the tooth, just how much natural tooth is still remaining, and how visible the crown will be each time that you smile. Strength and durability is another factor that’s considered.
Porcelain Crowns
Popular and natural, matching the color of your natural teeth, porcelain crowns - which are also known as ceramic crowns, are hand-crafted by a dental technician. They’re a great choice for patients allergic to metal, plus they offer a look that is attractive and natural.
CEREC 1-day Crowns
CAD/CAM technology offers patients the same high quality porcelain as traditionally made crowns - but in just one day. Instead of waiting to receive porcelain crowns crafted from a dental lab, we provide durable and attractive CEREC 1-Day crowns. These crowns can be designed and placed in a single visit, in under two hours by our dental team, all without the use of a lab or the need for a temporary crown. These chairside restorations are metal free and tooth colored.
Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns
This type of crown is also made from porcelain, matched to your natural teeth for a matching appearance. Beneath the porcelain, there is underlying metal which may form a thin dark line at the base of the crown. This type of crown can be the most long-lasting and it is most often used when there’s a need for the strongest type of restoration.
Metal Crowns
Traditionally metal crowns are all gold, but other metal material includes zirconia, which is highly durable and natural in tooth color. These crowns are also exceedingly strong, and most often employed for use with back teeth.
Stainless steel crowns are usually no longer used, due to both their noticeability and the advantages of other types of crown materials. However, stainless steel crowns may be offered to children at pediatric dental offices, for use on baby teeth.
All-Resin Crowns
Constructed from composite material similar to your actual tooth color, all resin crowns are considered the least costly crown material but they are also the least durable material option.
Ready to Learn More About Dental Crowns?
If you need a crown, we are here to help. We’re experienced and skilled in cosmetic and restorative dentistry techniques including the application of crowns.
So, if you’re ready to schedule a visit or simply learn more about crowns, give us a call and reach out to us today. We’re here to help!