A dental crown, not to be confused with a crown and bridge, is a single restoration applied over a prepared tooth. A crown reinforces tooth structure after a cavity, crack, chip, or infection has weakened the tooth. To restore small cavities and chips, Austin dentist Helen Ragsdale may recommend a dental filling. However, more intensive damage may only find a reliable restoration in a dental crown.
In the past, crowns were formed from metal. You’ve probably seen gold and silver crowns in older people, and sterling silver is a common material for a child’s dental crown. Today, however, patients and dentists have more options, some of which are cosmetic. A cosmetic dental crown is all-white, crafted to match the enamel on neighboring teeth.
You’ll learn about these dental crown materials in today’s blog:
- Metal alloys (gold, nickel, chromium, and others)
- Porcelain fused to metal (PFM)
- All-ceramic/all-porcelain
- Zirconia
Metal Dental Crowns
Metal offers excellent durability and can endure for 15+ years. They also require minimal tooth preparation, because they aren’t very thick. Because of their strength, metal crowns are often placed on molars, the back teeth that must withstand the intense crushing pressure of chewing.
Dental crowns made of metal are divided into four main groups:
- Base metal alloys are made with non-noble metals, like nickel and chromium.
- Gold alloys are made from gold mixed with other metals.
- Platinum or palladium alloys are also mixed with other metals.
- Sterling silver is a common material for a child’s crown, and it also contains other alloys.
Porcelain Fused to Metal Crowns
PFM crowns are cosmetic, metal-core restorations with a porcelain overlay. They combine the strength and durability of metal with the esthetic benefits of porcelain.
All-ceramic/All-porcelain Crowns
Cosmetic ceramic or porcelain crowns are made completely from that material, with no metal. They are not as durable as metal or metal-core crowns, but the porcelain or ceramic is tinted to the shade of neighboring teeth, so they blend seamlessly with natural teeth.
Zirconia Dental Crowns
Zirconia is an incredibly strong man-made material, with no metal. As for cosmetics, zirconia has a reflectivity that mimics natural tooth enamel. These crowns can be placed over any tooth.
Deciding on Your Crown Material
Dr. Ragsdale will advise you on the ideal crown material to meet your expectations and suit your lifestyle. Contributing factors include the location of the tooth to be restored; the patient’s budget and/or insurance coverage, and whether the patient has a metal allergy or sensitivity.
A patient who desires an all-white smile and does not have a metal allergy may opt for PFMs or all-ceramic crowns for front teeth and zirconia for molars. One with budgetary restrictions may choose metal crowns for molars and PFMs for front teeth. Dr. Ragsdale will discuss the options with you and help you determine the best material for your dental crowns.
Schedule a Dental Visit in Austin Now
If you live in Austin or surrounding neighborhoods, call Austin Laser Dentist to schedule your consultation, second opinion, or checkup with Dr. Helen Ragsdale. Known for excellence in dentistry, Dr. Ragsdale prepares teeth with a hard-tissue laser, in most cases, rather than with a dental drill. Lasers emit no heat, vibration, or sound, and patients are usually more at ease with a laser than with a dental drill.
Schedule online or call us now at 512-346-4690 to reserve your appointment!
