For patients in need of dental crowns, there are plenty of options available. Two of the most common choices are porcelain crowns and metal crowns (often with a porcelain overlay fused to the metal). Depending on a patient's specific circumstances, one of these crown types may be the preferred option.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns have the advantage of being exceptionally strong. They can be made from stainless steel or a variety of metal alloys. However, since they cannot be matched to the color of a patient's existing teeth, they are not used as often as they once were.
In some cases, metal crowns are still used for molars that are very far back in the mouth. They take longer to wear down than porcelain crowns and very rarely break as a result of biting or chewing. There is some risk of corrosion with metal crowns, but most metal alloys used for crowns are highly corrosion-resistant.
A common alternative to all-metal crowns are crowns made by fusing porcelain to metal. With these dental crowns, a patient has the advantage of the strength of metal, but the porcelain overlay can be color-matched to teeth. With a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, the porcelain may eventually chip, exposing the metal beneath. Patients may also be able to see a dark line where the crown meets the gumline.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are a good choice for patients who want a crown that is color-matched but still can withstand significant biting or chewing force. These crowns can be used for front or back teeth.
Porcelain Crowns
For patients looking for dental crowns with the most natural color matching possible, porcelain crowns may be the better option. They are made with several layers of porcelain, each with a slightly different color, and they come closer to looking like a natural tooth compared to other types of dental crowns. With porcelain crowns, patients also do not need to worry about the dark line often seen at the gumline with porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Because there are fewer aesthetic concerns, porcelain crowns are commonly used for front teeth, but they can sometimes be used for back teeth as well.
However, porcelain crowns are not as durable as metal crowns. Because they do not have the stronger layer of metal beneath the porcelain, they can be more prone to fractures over time. In more recent years, some dentists have begun using crowns made with layers of both porcelain and zirconia. Zirconia is an extremely durable ceramic that, like porcelain, can usually be color-matched to a patient's teeth. Porcelain-zirconia crowns are stronger than traditional porcelain crowns, and they may be ideal if excessive wear or eventual breakage is a concern. Both all-porcelain and porcelain-zirconia crowns are a potential option for patients with metal allergies.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges in Long Beach, CA.
Conclusion
For patients in need of one or more dental crowns, it is often wise to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of both metal and porcelain crowns with a dentist. By taking into account the location of the affected tooth and the patient's individual preferences, the dentist and patient can decide together on the right material to use.
Request an appointment or call Paramount Dental Care & Specialty at 562-450-1261 for an appointment in our Long Beach office.
Related Posts
If you've suffered a broken or damaged tooth, you may want to consider a dental crown to restore your damaged smile. It's important, however, to know when your crown is getting worn and when it is time to get it replaced so that you can keep your smile looking its best. Proper maintenance and care…
Many times, dental crowns are used to repair weakened or damaged teeth, especially those impacted by severe decay. However, this type of treatment also has a place in cosmetic dentistry. It can often be used to improve the overall look of a patient's smile.While at first glance they can seem like little more than a…
When a person is missing one or more teeth but does not need a full set of dentures, dental bridges may be recommended to take the place of the lost teeth. The number of teeth that a dental bridge replaces may depend on several factors.Dental bridges consist of two or more crowns that attach to…