Dentistry 101: 5 of the Most Common Types of Dental Crowns

Taking care of our teeth is vital for our well-being because they let us chew our food properly and help us form speech sounds more clearly. Therefore, we keep our teeth healthy and strong by brushing and flossing. However, one can only do so much because teeth are bound to wear down naturally. Luckily, different treatment options exist, such as dental crowns.

Dental crowns are caps placed over a tooth's top, restoring its shape and size by placing an implant on the damaged tooth and covering it with the latter. Crowns are among the most effective cosmetic dentistry treatments because they can yield various benefits, such as replacing a missing tooth and preventing damage. However, no dental crown is the same because they are made of different materials, so you will have different choices if you plan on getting them.

With this in mind, here are some of the most common dental crown materials:

#1 - Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the most popular materials for dental crowns. It is a material for temporary crowns because it is relatively inexpensive and protects a damaged tooth. Moreover, it is also used to create permanent crowns, especially for children. This is because it's highly durable and can withstand the constant pressure of chewing.

The biggest downside of stainless steel crowns is that they are pretty visible and can look unnatural. Therefore, they are usually used in molars where they will not be seen. Furthermore, they can also cause the gums to become irritated, so speak with your dentist first and get their opinion before getting them.

#2 - Metal

Metal crowns are made from gold, palladium, and silver. They are usually made from a combination of these metals. Gold crowns are the most popular type of metal crowns and are often used for front teeth. They are durable and look great, but they are also costly. Palladium and silver crowns are also popular but typically used for back teeth.

Like stainless steel crowns, metal crowns are also visible when used. However, metal crowns are highly durable and can last up to 15 years with proper care. They are also very strong, so they can withstand chewing pressure. Furthermore, they resist staining, so they will not discolor over time.

#3 - Porcelain-Metal

Porcelain-metal crowns combine metal and porcelain, making them strong and aesthetically pleasing. They are commonly used to restore decayed teeth, cracked teeth, and teeth that have undergone root canals.

Porcelain-metal crowns have a strong metal base and a porcelain coating fused to the metal. This combination makes for an aesthetically pleasing yet durable crown. The porcelain coating can be shaded to match the color of the surrounding teeth, making them virtually indistinguishable from the natural teeth. However, they can be more expensive than other types of crowns, and they require a bit more time to install.

#4 - Ceramic-Porcelain

Ceramic-porcelain dental crowns are made from a combination of ceramic and porcelain materials. They are a good choice for restoring decayed or damaged teeth and are often used to improve the appearance of a person's smile.

The main advantage of ceramic-porcelain crowns is their natural-looking appearance. The porcelain material can be shaded to match the color of the surrounding teeth, making it nearly impossible to distinguish the crown from the rest of the teeth. However, they are prone to stains and chips despite their durability and strength.

#5 - Resin

Despite being on the lower end of the cost spectrum, resin dental crowns are still a go-to choice for dental crowns. Resin crowns are made from a combination of acrylic and plastic materials. They are strong and usually last for several years.

The main advantage of resin crowns is their low cost. They are also easy to shape and can be made to fit the tooth precisely. They are also suitable for front teeth since they can be shaded to match the surrounding teeth. However, resin crowns are less durable than other materials because they wear down over time.

Conclusion

Choosing what dental crown you must get is entirely up to you, so you must weigh your options carefully. Different choices are available, and you should consult your dentist as to what you should get. This way, your teeth can be restored to their original shape and improve your smile.

If you are looking for dental crowns in Tampa, FL, Best Value Dentures and Implants can help! We provide comprehensive dental care solutions with different financing options to ensure your teeth remain healthy. Call us today at 813-358-1225 to book an appointment!