Dental Crown Types Explained: Porcelain, Zirconia, and Metal

A smile that is both healthy and confident is always valued. However, there are times when tooth structure receives damage due to decay, injury, or wear and cannot be restored by filling material, making restorative dental treatments necessary. In these situations, a dental crown is important. Nowadays patients are offered various options for crowns. Among these options, there are highly aesthetic materials and durable metal crowns available to meet the unique requirements of all people.

It is important to understand and assess the advantages and disadvantages of each of the crown materials. This guide will assist you in choosing the best dental crown option for your future oral health and integrity.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a structure that is custom-made, which is often called a “cap” that goes over the entire visible part of the compromised tooth, right up to the gum line. In dental crown treatment, the main function of the crown is to revive the tooth’s previous characteristics, such as its shape, size, strength, and look. A crown can be your tooth restoration option in case of:

• A tooth that is about to break.
• Already a broken tooth.
• A tooth with a large filling.
• Misshapen or severely discolored teeth.
• After a dental implant to cover it.

Choosing the right material for your dental crown is an important decision because it has a direct influence on the crown’s life span, aesthetics, and price.

The Reign of Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns have the characteristic of blending well with the tooth structure. These crowns, being of complete ceramic material, possess the ability to imitate the translucency and color of natural tooth enamel.

Aesthetics

They accurately match the color of your current teeth, thus enhancing your smile and supporting many cosmetic dentistry goals.

Durability

Traditional porcelain crowns, although superior in terms of aesthetics, are not as durable as metal ones. They have a tendency to chip or break if pressure is applied while biting, particularly at the back molars.

Biocompatibility

The fact that porcelain is very biocompatible means that it is very much accepted by the body, and there is very little chance that it will cause allergic reactions.
Here is an example of what a porcelain dental crown looks like:

The Strength of Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia crowns have very quickly gained favor in the market and thus are now rivaling porcelain and metal. Zirconia is composed of zirconium dioxide, possessing amazing strength and durability, thus making it the best choice for a dental crown.

Aesthetics

The newer translucent zirconia has significantly improved light-transmitting properties and thus can be called the newer generation. The light did pass through, but still, these crowns were somewhat less transparent than pure porcelain. However, they do have unquestionable strength and appearance combined together.

Durability

The true strength of zirconia lies in its durability, where it beats other dental filling materials. The strength and the damage-resisting nature are truly remarkable, even in those parts of the mouth where heavy chewing is involved.

Biocompatibility

Just like porcelain, zirconia displays a great degree of biocompatibility and exhibits excellent compatibility with gum tissues.
Here is an example of what a zirconia dental crown looks like:

The Reliability of Metal Crowns

Metal crowns, typically composed of a mixture of gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium, have been in dentistry for decades. For all their lack of aesthetics, they make up for it in terms of strength and durability.

Aesthetics

This is the major minus point of metal crowns their metallic shade. They are very much different from natural teeth, and this makes them unsuitable for front teeth or any area with visibility issues.

Durability

Metal crowns have the longest life among all types of crowns, their durability is simply unrivaled. They seldom chip or break, can endure heavy chewing pressure, and are extremely wear-resistant.

Minimal Tooth Reduction

Metal crowns necessitate the least amount of tooth structure to be removed for the crown preparatory procedure. The upside is that you will be preserving more of your natural tooth.

Biocompatibility

Gold alloys are typically very well tolerated and hypoallergenic.
Here is an example of what a metal dental crown looks like:

The Procedure for a Dental Crown

Before the attachment of a dental crown, the tooth is treated first. A small portion of enamel is removed from around the tooth in order to create room for the crown. The dentist will do the necessary treatment if there is a cavity in the tooth. Usually, getting a crown involves two visits to the dentist’s office, but advancements in techniques have permitted dentists to do it in one appointment.

Conventional Two-Visit Treatment

First Visit (Preparing)

The dentist will examine the tooth and then get it ready for the crown fitting. The steps involved in this process are as follows:

• Elimination of any decay and tooth shaping, thus making it possible for the crown to settle in nicely.
• After this, dental impressions are taken and sent to a dental lab.
• In the dental lab, the dental crown will be made specifically for you.
• A temporary crown is then used to cover and protect the tooth that was prepared.

Second Visit (Placement)

You will come back for the second visit once the permanent crown has been received from the lab. The temporary crown is taken off. The permanent dental crown is then allowed to take its place after being properly fitted and checked for the bite.

Same Day Crowns

If you are looking for a same day dental crown near me, then here is your solution. With the help of cutting-edge digital scanning and milling technology, a minority of dental offices can design, produce, and insert a permanent ceramic or zirconia dental crown all in one visit. 

In The End

A dental crown is an investment that is going to last for a long time and is good for both your oral health and self-confidence. Certainly, all crown materials are important if they are looked at from a strength and aesthetic perspective, but it is always wise to discuss your thoughts with your dentist first. Your dentist can assess your individual bite, health needs, and aesthetic wishes so as to aid your decision-making. Thus, you will be able to get a dental crown that is strong, functional, and beautiful.

Why Choose Supreme Smiles?

At Supreme Smiles Dentistry, we have a dentist’s office with the latest technology because we value our patients. We do all kinds of dental work, like preventive care, cosmetic treatments, and restorative solutions. We give priority to the patient’s long-term health and only recommending treatments that are really needed. Our practice guarantees that you will have personalized care where your smile is protected.