There are many types of dental crowns. While we will help you decide which type is best for your needs before placing dental crowns, here’s a quick rundown of the different types of crowns available and their benefits.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns are typically made of gold, silver, or porcelain. They are the most common type of crowns and have been used for decades—they’re durable and dependable. Metal crowns can last anywhere between five to 10 years, depending on their quality. Because metal is more durable than porcelain, it’s also more expensive than a porcelain crown; however, if you want your restoration to last for decades instead of just a few years, metal may be an option for you.
All-Ceramic Crowns
All-ceramic crowns are made of a combination of porcelain and metal. All-ceramic crowns are more durable and stronger than metal crowns, so they won’t crack or break as easily. This makes them a good choice for patients who have sensitive teeth that can’t handle the pressure of a traditional metal crown.
All-ceramic crowns are also used to repair broken or severely damaged teeth that need major repair work. They’re often used in conjunction with other dental procedures like root canals or tooth extractions. They offer more strength than traditional metal fillings would offer when combined with all-porcelain composite fillings, which may not be strong enough on their own. The benefits of ceramic crowns include durability and reliability, something most patients want.
Same Day Crowns
Same-day crowns are made of porcelain fused to a metal base. They may be used for several different purposes, including restoring a tooth that is broken or cracked or restoring a tooth that has been damaged due to decay. These types of crowns are generally not recommended for use in front teeth because they can cause speech problems when speaking and chewing food.
In order to make a same-day crown, your dentist will take an impression of your damaged tooth and send it to the laboratory where they will create an exact replica of it in wax. The wax model will then be sent back to your dentist’s office, where we will make sure that it fits properly before making an actual impression on your teeth with dental cement.
Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal Crowns
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, also known as “PFM” crowns, are often used to replace single or multiple teeth. The metal part of the crown is made of precious metals such as gold and platinum. These metals are not typically used in dental restorations because they can stain easily, but they provide strength and support for the tooth when it’s missing.
A porcelain layer covers the metal portion of a PFM crown to look more like natural teeth. Porcelain is often used on these types of crowns because it’s strong enough to withstand chewing forces while still looking natural — unlike all-ceramic restorations that tend to break more easily during normal wear and tear (but may be better suited for someone who has sensitive teeth).
As you can see, there are many different types of crowns available that fit every patient. We will help you decide which type is best for your needs. Contact a professional dentist at Ford Dental Group to schedule your next dental procedure or consultation session. Make an appointment today at Ford Dental Group, or contact Dr. Jonathan Ford at (714) 409-6161.
