Which Dental Crown Material for My Tooth?
January 17, 2018
Dental crowns are placed on top of a damaged or vulnerable tooth in an effort to protect and restore it. Teeth that have been severely damaged or decayed, or those treated with endodontics or an implant often require a dental crown. Without a crown, a tooth can be left susceptible to breakage or decay. A vulnerable tooth makes it difficult to bite or chew; a crown can restore these functions. Crowns can be made from different materials such as, porcelain, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal. Your dentist can help you choose the best crown for you depending on you and your tooth’s needs.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a material very similar to the enamel on your natural teeth. Porcelain can be color-matched to naturally blend with the rest of your smile. Because of its natural appearance that closely resembles real teeth, crowns made of porcelain are often used in the front of your smile. Porcelain is not the most durable crown material, which is why purely porcelain crowns are not as common for restoring teeth in the back of the mouth.
Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal (PFM)
Crowns made from a porcelain and metal fusion combine the durability of metal with the natural appearance of porcelain. An outer veneer of porcelain is applied to a metal crown to all parts where the crown is visible. The porcelain veneer can be color-matched to the rest of your teeth just like with a purely porcelain crown. The metal part of the crown provides strength for biting and chewing. The crown metal is often an alloy made up of both precious and base metals.
Zirconia
The use of zirconia in dentistry is relatively new. Zirconia is the strongest ceramic available for dental crowns. It is usually not combined with any other material because it is strong enough on its own. Depending on the location of the tooth needing a crown, zirconia may be a worthwhile option.
Your Dentist Can Help You Choose the Right Crown for Your Tooth
A crown can be made of different materials best suited to protect your tooth. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.