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Oral health is an integral part of our overall health, and healthy teeth are essential for a beautiful smile as well as proper chewing function. Dental crowns emerge as a highly effective treatment when teeth are damaged, decayed, broken, or weakened. Let’s discuss what a dental crown is and different types of dental crown and materials, its procedure, and how to care for it in the long run.

Introduction to Dental Crowns

A dental crown is also commonly known as a “tooth cap.” Both these terms are used for single tooth restorations, which ensures that there are no complications for patients and makes the treatment more understandable. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cover that is used to restore a decayed, broken, weakened, or worn tooth to its original position. It is also used to cover teeth that have had dental implants and root canal treatments, providing them with extra protection.

A crown completely covers the entire tooth, like a comfortable cap on the head, which protects and strengthens the tooth. These crowns are made from a variety of materials, including metal, resin, and porcelain. The American Dental Association (ADA) also confirms that dental crowns help restore teeth to their normal shape, size, and function.

Dental crowns not only provide a beautiful smile by improving the appearance of the tooth, but they also help to restore decayed teeth. This improves overall oral health and can save the tooth in the long run. Dental crowns are durable, reliable, and highly effective restorative options that help protect the tooth from further damage, making them a popular choice in dentistry.

Types of Dental Crowns for Your Needs

Dental crowns can be classified mainly based on their coverage and purpose. The dentist recommends the right type according to the condition of the tooth and the patient’s needs.

Full Crowns

A full crown is the most common type, which completely covers and fits around the entire tooth. It is used when the tooth has extensive damage, such as severe decay, a large fracture, or to strengthen the tooth after a root canal. This type of crown provides all-round protection to the tooth and protects it from future damage.

Partial Crowns: Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are often referred to as “partial crowns.” Although they are not full crowns, they are conservative options for teeth with more damage than a filling and less damage than a full crown. In dentistry, the goal is to preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. Inlays and onlays follow this principle, providing patients with a less invasive treatment option when the tooth still requires significant restoration. These options are ideal for repairing extensive decay or damage to the tooth that cannot be repaired with a regular filling, but does not require a full crown.

Inlays: These restorations fit between the cusps (protruding parts) of the chewing surface of the tooth and are used for small areas of decay or damage.

Onlays: These restorations cover one or more cusps of the tooth and are suitable for repairing large areas of tooth damage.

Inlays and onlays are made from the same materials as crowns and are custom-made indirect fillings that help strengthen the tooth structure. These options preserve most of the natural structure of the tooth, which is beneficial for long-term dental health.

Temporary and Permanent Crowns

The dental crown process consists of two stages, including a temporary and a permanent crown.

Temporary Crown: A temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth until the permanent crown is prepared in the dental lab (which usually takes 2-3 weeks or more). It is usually made of resin or acrylic and protects the prepared tooth from sensitivity and damage.

Permanent Crown: A permanent crown is custom-made in the lab from an impression of the patient’s teeth and is permanently cemented to the tooth. These crowns provide long-term functionality and beauty.

Materials for Dental Crowns: Properties and Selection

Dental crowns are made from a variety of materials, including metal alloys, ceramics, porcelain, composite resins, or combinations of these materials. The selection of the best material depends on many factors. The dentist selects the best material based on factors such as the location of the tooth (front or back), the condition of the gum tissue, the patient's aesthetic preferences, how much the tooth is visible when smiling, the natural color of the tooth, and the function of the tooth (e.g., chewing pressure).

Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, and no single material is "best." For example, aesthetic appearance is most important for front teeth, while strength and durability are more important for back teeth. The patient's metal allergies, teeth grinding habits, and budget also play an important role in the selection of material. Taking all these factors into account, the dentist recommends the most suitable option after discussing them in detail with the patient.

Porcelain/All-Ceramic Crowns

These crowns are made entirely of porcelain or ceramic, which gives them a very natural appearance. They are highly prized by cosmetic dentists for their extremely natural appearance and ability to perfectly match the surrounding teeth. Porcelain is biocompatible, meaning it blends well with the body, and is an excellent option for patients with metal allergies. However, they do not last as long as porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) or zirconia crowns. They can wear down the front teeth when chewing, so they are not recommended for chewing surfaces. These crowns are ideal as an aesthetic solution for the front teeth. In the United States, they typically cost $800 to $3,000 or more per tooth.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia crowns are made of a highly durable ceramic, with a strength comparable to titanium and ten times stronger than natural tooth enamel. They are the strongest ceramic crowns on the market and rarely break or wear down. Zirconia can reflect light like natural tooth enamel or porcelain, so it is aesthetically appealing. Zirconia is a biocompatible and metal-free material, making it suitable for people with metal allergies. However, they are the most expensive type of crown. They can be challenging to adjust and in some cases can wear down the front teeth. These crowns are recommended for the back teeth where chewing pressure is strongest.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns

These crowns have a metal base on which a layer of porcelain is fused, giving them the appearance of natural teeth. PFM crowns are durable and have a natural appearance. They are considered one of the most affordable dental crown materials, combining the strength of metal with the aesthetics of ceramic. These crowns are not recommended for patients with metal allergies. If the gums recede over time, a grey line may appear between the tooth and the gum. They do not allow as much light to pass through as natural teeth or ceramic crowns, so it is more difficult to achieve a completely natural look. They require more tooth reduction than gold crowns. These crowns are recommended for teeth in the back of the mouth where visibility is poor.

Gold Crowns

Gold crowns, made from gold or other metal alloys, are known for their exceptional strength and elasticity. They are extremely durable and strong, lasting for 20 years or more. They are less reactive than other metals in the mouth and are gentle on the front teeth. They are especially beneficial for patients who grind or clench their teeth. Gold crowns require less tooth size reduction, which preserves the natural structure of the tooth. However, they are not aesthetically appealing because they do not look like natural teeth, so they are rarely used for front teeth. These crowns are recommended for back teeth where visibility is low and strength is a priority.

Composite Resin Crowns

Composite resin crowns are made from synthetic resin, which can be matched to the color of the tooth. It can be customized to match the appearance of the surrounding teeth. It is a good option for people who are sensitive to both metal and porcelain. It is less expensive than other crowns and can help reduce tooth sensitivity. However, it is not the strongest or most resilient crown and has a short lifespan. It is prone to chipping and breaking. These crowns are mainly recommended as a temporary solution or where cost is a major concern.

Stainless Steel Crowns

Stainless steel crowns are made from prefabricated stainless steel. They are extremely cost-effective and can be placed quickly. They are an inexpensive way to protect a tooth until a permanent restoration can be made. These crowns are mainly used on primary or "baby" teeth, especially when there is extensive decay, to protect the tooth until the permanent teeth come in.

Conclusion

The choice of material is made based on factors such as tooth location, functional requirements, aesthetic expectations, and budget. Each material such as porcelain, zirconia, PFM, gold, and composite resin has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. Hence, a detailed consultation with a trusted dental laboratory like Advance Dental Export is extremely important to determine the best option.