The Differences Between Four Kinds Of Dental Crowns
Has your dentist told you that you will need to get a dental crown? Know that you have some options for what kind of crown is installed on your tooth.
Porcelain or Ceramic
If you have a front tooth that needs a crown, one made out of porcelain or ceramic is going to be a great choice. Since this tooth is in the most visible part of your mouth, the color is going to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth so that it doesn't stick out in a bad way. The crown also does not have any metal in it, which is great for patients that have an allergic reaction to metal.
Porcelain and Metal
You can get a crown that combines porcelain and metal material to make a very strong crown. It has the benefits of a porcelain crown since it can be matched to the color of your existing teeth. However, it can have a small metal band along the bottom of the crown that may be visible to others. You may want to avoid using this crown in a front tooth because of this and only use it in other places of your mouth where the band won't be seen.
Metal
It is possible to get a crown that is made entirely of metal. Some common materials that will be used are nickel, gold, and palladium. The color of this crown is really going to stand out, which is why it is often used for rear molars that are not seen that often. Using all metal will also make the crown incredibly durable, so you don't have to worry about it breaking as easily as other materials. A metal crown also has the benefit of not needing as much of the natural tooth removed to be installed, which lets you preserve more of the tooth.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is an option that is used for temporary crowns, typically to give the tooth protection until the permanent crown can be made. The material is used because the dentist is able to create the crown in their office, so the turnaround time is a single day. The crown material is affordable, but it should only be used in temporary situations. For example, you may need a dental crown made to protect a tooth, but know that you will be replacing it with a dental implant in the future. The stainless steel crown can help buy you some time until you are ready for the dental implant.
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