A dental crown offers a way to restore the size, shape, and color of a damaged tooth. Depending on the location of the tooth that is being restored and the preference of the patient, the dentist may recommend one of several dental crown material options.
The most commonly recommended dental crown material options include ceramic, porcelain fused to metal, metal alloy, and gold alloy. Each option offers unique benefits and drawbacks to consider when deciding the ideal option for specific needs and preferences.
A ceramic dental crown is most popular for front teeth. This is because they are essentially indistinguishable from the shade of naturally healthy teeth. However, the drawback to ceramic crowns is their strength. While they are relatively durable and can last for many years, they cannot withstand the daily pressure that teeth farther back in the mouth can endure. Subsequently, they are not typically recommended for restoring the health and appearance of premolars and molars.
A porcelain fused to metal dental crown is a combination of metal alloy and porcelain. This provides superior strength to a ceramic crown, while also offering cosmetic benefits that traditional metal alloy crowns do not provide. Porcelain fused to metal crowns are typically recommended for patients who prefer a tooth-colored option but need more strength than a ceramic crown.
Base metal alloy crowns are comprised of a variety of metal elements (e.g., chromium, titanium, and nickel). This provides added strength and durability to the dental crown. However, a metal alloy crown does not typically match the same shade as natural teeth, although it is not as visible as a gold alloy crown. Subsequently, they are reserved for teeth farther back in the mouth that are not as visible. For example, a dentist may recommend a metal alloy crown if they are restoring a premolar or molar.
A gold alloy crown is perhaps the most durable solution. The gold alloy material is also the most noticeable. Some patients request the gold alloy crown material because of its unique appearance, in addition to the superior strength that it provides. Gold alloy crowns are rarely used for front teeth, but they can be intriguing options for restoring molars.
This depends on the location of the tooth and the patient’s preference. A ceramic crown is typically recommended for front teeth. Porcelain fused to metal is often the recommended option for teeth used more for chewing. Metal alloy crowns are ideal if the functional benefits are more important than the appearance of the tooth.
Here at our dental practice, we can explain the pros and cons of each dental crown material as it relates to your specific situation. We encourage you to reach out to us today to schedule a visit if you have one or more teeth that need to be restored due to cosmetic or oral health concerns.
Request an appointment here: https://princewilliamdental.com or call Prince William Dental at (703) 662-8287 for an appointment in our Gainesville office.
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