Dental crowns are fully customizable restorations that are used to protect and restore damaged or decayed teeth. Their ability to mimic the shape, size, and color of the regular tooth ensures optimal protection and support as well as a more natural-looking appearance. However, not all crowns are crafted using tooth-colored materials, in fact, many incorporate metals. Keep reading to discover whether porcelain, ceramic, or gold is the right option for your smile.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Crown Materials?
Many dentists continue to use a variety of materials, as each can offer unique benefits depending on your dental needs. They include:
Gold Crowns
As one of the oldest materials used to craft dental crowns, gold remains a durable option for patients. If you grind or clench your teeth, and one of your back molars requires repair, gold can be beneficial because of its durability and strength. Also, these crowns are unlikely to cause problems with opposite teeth, and they minimize tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures because of their easy bonding process.
One important thing to keep in mind with gold crowns, though, is they are visible, so placing them on the front teeth may not be a preferred option. Also, for those who may be allergic to this type of material, it can cause gum irritation and swelling.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain has been used in dentistry for centuries because of its lifelike appearance. Shaded to look like your natural enamel, these crowns will blend in seamlessly, making it nearly impossible for others to tell the difference between your real and artificial teeth.
This tooth-colored material not only creates a more visually pleasing aesthetic but also does not conduct heat or cold like gold and other metals. This makes it easy to enjoy foods of various temperatures. Many are, however, fused to metal, allowing for greater strength, stability, and durability.
Some of the potential pitfalls of porcelain that should be considered include the fact that they can damage more easily than metal materials, and your dentist will be required to remove more of your natural tooth structure when putting them in place.
Ceramic Crowns
If a natural-looking appearance and metal-free option are what you desire, ceramic crowns are the way to go. These restorations are color-matched to your natural teeth, so beautiful aesthetics are what you can expect. Also, they offer optimal durability, so they can stand up to your normal biting force and daily wear and tear.
However, it’s important to remember that they’re not indestructible, so you’ll need to be careful when applying pressure to your teeth, as they can chip, especially if you experience bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching).
Meeting with your dentist to discuss the pros and cons of each material will help you identify which one is right for your smile.
About the Practice
AV Dental Associates of Jersey City is led by Dr. Arash Vahid. He and his colleagues, along with our talented dental team, strive to deliver exceptional restorative care to patients needing help to fix their damaged or decayed teeth. Using beautifully crafted dental crowns, we can rebuild and restore smiles so they remain visually pleasing and allow for more enjoyable eating and speaking. If you need help with a broken, chipped, or decayed tooth, visit our website or call (201) 484-7759.
