Comparing The Different Types of Dental Crowns

At Lifestyle Smiles, we understand that dealing with a damaged or decaying tooth can be stressful. If you’re wondering what your options are, dental crowns might be the solution you need. These tooth-shaped caps not only restore the appearance of your smile but also provide essential protection and functionality to your natural teeth.

In this guide, we’ll explore the various types of dental crowns available, their unique advantages and drawbacks, and help you determine which option might be best suited for your needs.

Understanding Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a custom-made, tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth. The main purpose of a crown is to restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance, effectively protecting the underlying tooth structure. At Lifestyle Smiles, we recommend crowns to our patients for a number of reasons, including:

• Restoring a Damaged Tooth: If a tooth has been fractured or worn down due to grinding, a crown can help restore its original shape and function.

   

• Protecting a Weak Tooth: In cases where a tooth is at risk of breaking or has already suffered significant decay, a crown provides additional strength and protection.

   

• Covering a Dental Implant: Crowns are often used to complete a dental implant procedure, acting as the visible portion of the replacement tooth.

   

• Supporting a Tooth with a Large Filling: When a tooth has a large filling and not much natural tooth structure left, a crown can help hold the tooth together.

   

• Enhancing the Appearance of Teeth: Crowns can be used for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of misshapen or severely discoloured teeth.

By fully encasing the visible portion of the tooth above the gum line, a dental crown provides a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution for a wide range of dental issues.

What are the Different Types of Dental Crowns?

There are several types of dental crowns, each offering its own set of benefits. Here’s a closer look at the main options:

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns

PFM crowns combine the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain. The metal base provides durability, while the porcelain overlay ensures a natural appearance.

Pros:

• Strength and Durability: The metal core offers robust support, making these crowns ideal for both front and back teeth.

   

• Aesthetic Appeal: The porcelain coating mimics the natural color of teeth, blending well with your smile.

   

• Affordability: PFM crowns are generally less expensive than all-ceramic or zirconia crowns.

Cons:

• Gum Line Appearance: Over time, the metal underneath may show as a dark line at the gum line, affecting the crown’s appearance.

   

• Wear on Opposing Teeth: The porcelain surface can be abrasive, potentially wearing down the opposing teeth over time.

Gold Crowns

Gold crowns are known for their exceptional durability and compatibility with your body. They require minimal tooth preparation, which helps preserve more of your natural tooth structure.

Pros:

• Durability: Gold crowns are incredibly strong and resistant to wear, making them ideal for molars that endure heavy chewing forces.

   

• Biocompatibility: Gold is highly biocompatible and unlikely to cause allergic reactions.

   

• Minimal Tooth Preparation: Less natural tooth needs to be removed, preserving more of your original tooth structure.

Cons:

• Aesthetic Concerns: The metallic appearance is highly noticeable and may not be suitable for front teeth or patients who prefer a more natural look.

   

• Cost: Gold crowns can be more expensive due to the material cost.

All-Ceramic Crowns

All-ceramic crowns are made entirely of porcelain or other ceramic materials, offering a natural and lifelike appearance.

Pros:

• Aesthetic Excellence: These crowns provide the best match for natural teeth in terms of color and translucency, making them ideal for front teeth.

   

• Metal-Free: Being metal-free, all-ceramic crowns are a great option for patients with metal allergies or sensitivities.

   

• Natural Look: They provide a very natural look, blending seamlessly with surrounding teeth.

Cons:

• Less Durable: Compared to metal-based crowns, all-ceramic crowns may be less durable and more prone to chipping, particularly in the back of the mouth where bite forces are strongest.

   

• Cost: All-ceramic crowns tend to be more expensive due to the high-quality materials used.

CEREC Crowns

CEREC crowns are created using advanced CAD-CAM technology, allowing us to prepare your tooth, scan it, and place the porcelain crown all in a single visit—typically within 2-3 hours.

Pros:

• Convenience: The entire process is completed in one visit, eliminating the need for multiple appointments and temporary crowns.

   

• Precision: The digital scanning and milling process ensures a highly accurate fit.

   

• Aesthetic Appeal: Made from high-quality porcelain, CEREC crowns offer a natural look.

Cons:

• Not Suitable for All Cases: For complex cases or situations requiring specialised materials, a lab-made crown might still be necessary.

   

• Cost: The technology and convenience of CEREC crowns can make them more expensive than traditional crowns.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia crowns are made from a very strong ceramic material, offering an excellent balance between strength and appearance.

Pros:

• Strength and Durability: Zirconia is one of the strongest materials used for crowns, making it suitable for both front and back teeth.

   

• Biocompatibility: Zirconia is well-tolerated by the body, reducing the risk of allergic reactions.

   

• Aesthetic Versatility: These crowns can be designed to blend well with natural teeth, providing a good balance of strength and appearance.

Cons:

• Cost: Zirconia crowns are generally more expensive than PFM or gold crowns due to the advanced material.

   

• Potential Wear on Opposing Teeth: Like PFM crowns, zirconia can be abrasive, potentially causing wear on the opposing teeth.

E-max Crowns

E-max crowns are crafted from lithium disilicate, a material known for its strength and aesthetic qualities.

Pros:

• Aesthetic Superiority: E-max crowns provide a highly natural and lifelike appearance, ideal for both front and back teeth.

   

• Strength: Despite being all-ceramic, E-max crowns are known for their exceptional strength and durability.

   

• Biocompatibility: Like other ceramic crowns, E-max is a metal-free option, making it suitable for patients with metal sensitivities.

Cons:

• Cost: E-max crowns are one of the more expensive options due to the advanced materials and the aesthetic benefits they provide.

   

• Limited Use: While strong, E-max may not be the best option for patients with severe bruxism (teeth grinding) due to the risk of chipping.

Other Crown Options

Temporary Crowns

Temporary crowns are used as a short-term solution while your permanent crown is being made. They protect your tooth and maintain its function during the interim but are not designed for long-term use.

Pros:

• Immediate Protection: They provide immediate protection for your tooth after preparation.

   

• Cost-Effective: These crowns are less expensive and serve as a temporary fix until your permanent crown is ready.

Cons:

• Durability: Temporary crowns are made from less durable materials and are not meant for long-term use.

   

• Aesthetics: They may not match your natural teeth as well as permanent crowns.

Stainless Steel Crowns

Stainless steel crowns are often used for children’s teeth. They are durable, cost-effective, and easy to remove when the child’s baby teeth fall out.

Pros:

• Durability: Stainless steel crowns are very durable and can withstand the wear and tear of chewing.

   

• Cost-Effective: They are a more affordable option, especially for children’s primary teeth.

   

• Ease of Use: Easy to place and remove, making them ideal for pediatric dentistry.

Cons:

• Aesthetic Limitations: Stainless steel crowns have a metallic appearance that may not be desirable for visible teeth.

   

• Limited Use in Adults: They are typically used for children and are not a common option for adult teeth.

Resin Crowns

Resin crowns are a more affordable option, often used for front teeth. While they are easier to apply, they are less durable and more prone to wear and tear compared to other materials.

Pros:

• Affordability: Resin crowns are among the least expensive options, making them accessible for patients on a budget.

   

• Aesthetic Appeal: They can be made to match the color of your natural teeth, offering a decent appearance for front teeth.

Cons:

• Durability: Resin is less durable than other materials and more prone to chipping and wear over time.

   

• Shorter Lifespan: Due to their lower durability, resin crowns may need to be replaced more frequently.

Choosing the Right Dental Crown

Selecting the right dental crown involves considering several factors:

• Aesthetics: If appearance is a priority, all-ceramic or E-max crowns may be the best choice due to their natural look.

   

• Durability: For long-lasting crowns, gold, zirconia, or E-max crowns offer superior strength and longevity.

   

• Cost: If budget is a concern, resin and PFM crowns are typically more affordable options.

   

• Biocompatibility: For patients with metal allergies or sensitivities, metal-free options like ceramic or zirconia are ideal.

   

• Tooth Preparation: Some crowns require more removal of tooth structure than others. Gold and zirconia crowns generally need less preparation, helping to preserve more of your natural tooth.

Caring for Your Dental Crowns

To ensure the longevity of your dental crowns, we recommend the following care tips:

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly, and schedule routine cleanings with our team to keep your crowns and natural teeth in excellent condition.

   

• Avoid Hard Foods: Hard foods can crack or dislodge crowns, so it’s best to avoid them when possible.

   

• Wear a Mouthguard: If you grind your teeth, a mouthguard can help protect your crowns from damage.

   

• Regular Check-Ups: Routine dental visits help catch any issues early, allowing us to address them before they become more significant problems.

Achieving a Healthy, Beautiful Smile

Dental crowns are a versatile and effective solution for restoring damaged teeth. By understanding the different types of crowns and working closely with our experienced team at Lifestyle Smiles, you can choose the best option to meet your needs. We’re here to help you achieve a smile you can be proud of.

Call us on 03 9593 1811 to book your appointment at our Brighton dental clinic. With the right care, your dental crowns can last for many years, enhancing both your smile and your oral health.

Disclaimer: The material posted is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary with each patient. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. If you have any specific questions about any dental and/or medical matter, you should consult your dentist, physician or other professional healthcare providers.

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