Getting a tooth damaged or losing one can happen to everyone for various reasons.
You probably know someone who has undergone treatment with one of the many types of dental crowns available in the market.
Dental crowns are frequently used to treat individuals with damaged or decayed teeth.
They are also used to cover up teeth that are misshapen or discolored.
If you find yourself in a situation where your teeth are a bit worn down or you might need a dental implant, your dentist has likely mentioned dental crowns to you.
But what types of dental crowns and costs are suitable for you?
In this article, we’ll share what you need to know before choosing a type of dental crown.
Dentists use crowns to fix teeth that are weak, broken, or have cavities.
Yes, cavities can happen even with good oral hygiene.
That's where dental crowns come in to help you restore the appearance and function of your tooth.
A dental crown is like a small cap that fits over your tooth, similar to a snug hat.
Before placing the crown, your dentist will gently remove a little bit of enamel to ensure it fits well.
Crowns can be made from different materials, like resin, metal, or porcelain, so you can choose the one that works best for you.
Dental crowns are designed to help people in different situations:
If you're only looking for a cosmetic treatment for stained teeth, crowns may not be the right choice.
You should ask your dentist about professional whitening treatments or the best whitening kits available.
When your dentist first suggests the idea of a crown, your initial thought is about the types of dental crowns and costs.
As you may already know, there are many different types of crowns that vary based on materials, cost, procedures, and the patient’s needs.
What type of dental crown is best?
It depends on your specific situation. That’s why learning about the types of dental crowns will help you have a clear idea of what’s best for you.
Dental technicians use different metals, like gold, palladium, nickel, and chromium, to make dental crowns.
One of the good things about metal crowns is that they are very strong.
They rarely chip or break, last a long time, and only need a little enamel to be removed.
They also handle biting and chewing very well.
However, the metallic color can be a downside, so metal crowns are usually recommended for back teeth (molars) that are not visible.
Also, some people may have allergies to certain metals, and metal crowns can be more expensive than other types.
Gold crowns, made from a gold alloy, are very strong and durable dental crowns.
Although they don’t match the color of natural teeth, they last a long time and need very little tooth structure to be removed.
Because of this, many people choose gold crowns over porcelain crowns.
They are tough and wear down slowly, just like natural enamel, making them great for back teeth, especially second molars.
However, they don’t look like natural teeth, and some people may have allergies to gold alloy, which can cause side effects like allergic reactions or swelling.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are strong and look like natural teeth. They combine the durability of metal with the appearance of porcelain.
Dentists can match PFM crowns to the color of your teeth.
What’s good about these crowns? They have been used for over 50 years, so we know they work well, and they are less expensive than all-porcelain crowns.
However, PFM crowns have some downsides.
The porcelain coating may chip off over time, revealing the metal underneath. Also, PFM crowns can wear down the enamel on your opposing teeth.
PFM crowns last almost as long as metal crowns and can be used to restore both front and back teeth.
All Porcelain crowns are made entirely of porcelain and are the most popular type of crown today.
They provide the best natural look, matching your surrounding teeth in shape, size, and color, making them great for front teeth restorations.
They are also biocompatible and non-toxic.
However, porcelain crowns are not as strong as metal crowns.
Still, they can last a long time if taken care of properly.
If you have bruxism (teeth grinding), it’s better to choose gold or PFM crowns instead.
All-porcelain crowns look very natural.
They are biocompatible and can handle temperature changes well. Because of their great appearance, they are a popular choice among dental crowns.
However, they are quite fragile and can break easily under pressure.
Lab technicians use different materials to make ceramic crowns; zirconium dioxide is the most popular.
Recently, high translucent zirconia and layered zirconia crowns have become popular because they look great and are strong and long-lasting, with a lower chance of chipping or breaking.
They are biocompatible, meaning they are metal-free and less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Getting a crown usually requires two visits to the clinic.
But one advantage of zirconia crowns is that the process can take less time because zirconia can be shaped right at the dental office, so there’s no need to send them to a lab.
However, the strength of zirconia crowns can wear down the teeth they bite against, and solid zirconia can be hard to adjust.
Have you heard about the newest type of crown in dentistry? It’s called E-Max.
E-Max crowns are all-ceramic and made from lithium disilicate, which makes them light and thin.
They are very popular because they look great, are strong, and are a good choice for both front and back teeth.
However, E-Max crowns can be more expensive and need careful handling during placement.
Unfortunately, some dental professionals have reported issues using E-Max crowns for back teeth, especially when using multiple units.
When choosing dental crowns, the cost is an important factor.
Keep these price ranges in mind when making your decision.
The best type of dental crown and cost depends on your specific needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget.
Porcelain or ceramic crowns are popular for their natural appearance and biocompatibility.
Other types, like metal, resin, and zirconia crowns, each have their own benefits.
Metal crowns are durable, resin crowns are more affordable, and zirconia crowns offer both strength and aesthetics.
We strongly suggest talking to your dentist to find the best choice for you.
At The Junction Family Dental Care, we’ll be happy to help.
Book an appointment with us here.
