Dental crowns have a variety of cosmetic and restorative uses. They are caps that cover all of the surfaces of the teeth. Crowns protect weak, cracked, or chipped teeth, as a tooth replacement for missing teeth, to cover a tooth with significant missing structure, to hold a dental bridge in place, or to cover up dental imperfections.
After completing a root canal treatment, placing a crown over the affected tooth is often a final step to protect the structural integrity of the vulnerable tooth. Crowns are used as tooth replacements and covers because they’re incredibly durable, can look very natural, and assist with tooth function.
Dental crowns are versatile in their usage, their durability ensures they will last for a long time, and they improve a patient’s smile, confidence, speech, and ability to chew. When a patient is unhappy with the appearance of a tooth, a dental crown can be used as an alternative to a veneer or dental bonding. Teeth that have significant fractures can be held together with a dental crown and prevent further damage, infection, and abscess.
Crowns come in many different materials or a combination of materials, such as:
Porcelain materials are ideal for blending in with the natural teeth, though they are less durable than metal and zirconia, which is why they are often fused to metal or zirconia in the back molars. Porcelain fused to metal crowns can last from 5-15 years.
Teeth located in the front of the mouth may be completely made of porcelain since these teeth are more visible and do not undergo a lot of force from chewing. Porcelain is more prone to chipping and cracking.
Gold alloy crowns are the most durable but are costly and unnatural looing because of the noticeable gold appearance of the tooth. Base-metal crowns are as durable as gold alloy crowns and are corrosion-resistant but have a noticeable silver appearance. These types of crowns typically exceed a lifespan of 10 years and last for up to 15 years.
While metal crowns or porcelain fused to metal are ideal for the back molars, metal materials are more expensive than porcelain or zirconia. Zirconia crowns appear very natural and are three times stronger than porcelain. They are resistant to wear and tear and can last for 10-15 years.
If you are looking for a crown that looks extremely natural, porcelain and zirconia are your go-to materials. All-porcelain crowns are typically reserved for the front teeth because they are prone to wear and tear and are not as durable as metal or zirconia. Porcelain can be fused to metal or zirconia in the back molars. Zirconia crowns are also suitable for the front teeth.
Gold alloy and base metal crowns are the most durable materials, making them more ideal for usage in molars and candidates who suffer from teeth grinding. However, they are becoming less popular due to their gold and silver appearances and higher costs.
Are you interested in dental crowns to cover a chipped, vulnerable, or unsightly tooth? Contact us at Candelas Dentistry to find out which type of dental crown would be best for you. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kim today by calling (720) 779-0088 or book online.
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