Dental crowns are caps that fit the tooth, despite the name “dental crown,” implying a small crown for your teeth. Dental crowns get their name from the fact that they cover the visible part of the tooth, which is called the crown. They are restorative dental prostheses that replace decayed or broken teeth that require additional support to function properly.

They’re also commonly used to fill in gaps left by missing teeth when combined with dental implants.

Because dental crowns are put on existing teeth, the natural tooth structure must be reduced and sculpted for the artificial crown to maintain the bite even after the crown has been set. The afflicted tooth and surrounding region will be numb while it is reduced and shaped.

When the tooth has been properly prepped, patients will take a dental imprint or oral scan. This imagery and data are then sent to a dental laboratory or used with an in-office milling machine to make the dental crown. The permanent dental crown will be fitted to the patient’s mouth and glued in place once completed.

Types of Dental Crowns

Permanent crowns can be constructed from a variety of materials. These materials may contain the following: 

Metal

Gold, palladium, nickel, and chromium are just a few metals that may be utilized in dental crowns. Metal crowns are the least likely to crack or shatter, last the longest in terms of wear, and need just a tiny portion of your tooth to be removed. They are also resistant to biting and chewing pressures. 

However, a new form of metal crown known as a Bruxzir crown has been introduced. Bruxzir crowns are made of zirconia, which is a titanium family member. In most situations, Bruxzir crowns are available as same-day dental crowns with metal strength, an attractive look, and no porcelain. 

The primary disadvantage of this style of crown is its shiny hue. Metal crowns are a wonderful option for molars that are out of sight. 

Porcelain-fused-to-metal

This type of dental crown may be customized to match the color of the teeth next to the crown. They have more natural-looking teeth. However, the metal behind the porcelain top of the crown occasionally peeks through as a dark line. Other disadvantages include the possibility of the porcelain component of the crown cracking or falling off and the crown-wearing down the teeth opposite it in the mouth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns are an excellent option for front or back teeth.

All-resin 

Resin dental crowns are often less costly than other crown kinds. They do, however, deteriorate with time and are more prone to breaking than porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. 

All-ceramic or all-porcelain 

When compared to other crown kinds, these types of dental crowns give the best natural color match. They’re also an excellent option if you’re allergic to metals. They are not, however, as robust as porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. They can also cause the teeth opposite them in the mouth to wear down somewhat more than metal or resin crowns. Front teeth benefit from all-ceramic crowns. 

Pressed ceramic

These dental crowns have a strong inner core. Pressed ceramic dental crowns are utilized to replace the metal liner used in the all-ceramic crown manufacturing process. Porcelain is used to cap pressed ceramic crowns, which gives the finest natural color match. They are also more durable than an all-porcelain crown.

Onlays and 3/4 Crowns

Onlays and 3/4 crowns are dental crowns that do not cover the underlying tooth as regular dental crowns. A conventional crown will completely encase your tooth. When you still have a strong tooth structure, onlays and 3/4 crowns may be acceptable. When opposed to complete crown covering, it is considered a more cautious method. In this treatment, your dentist removes the damaged region and reshapes the tooth to accommodate the crown. 

Which Dental Crown type is the best for you? 

It all depends on which tooth we’re referring to. Given the inherent advantages, it’s a personal preference between ease of maintenance, crown longevity, and looks. In practice, metal (gold) is the best option. It protects the other, undamaged teeth in your bite, covers the tooth’s base, and will not chip or alter the color. 

However, a natural-looking smile is important to the majority of the patients we encounter. As a result, we put in a lot of effort to assist clients in attaining the appropriate dental shade. Given that desire, dentists consider which teeth benefit the most from metal. Metal is recommended for the innermost top and bottom molars. Because most rigorous chewing is done with the molars, you’ll want something that won’t break. 

Porcelain is often advised for the outer surfaces of your front and top teeth – the focus of your smile. You may also use them on your lower front teeth, but they may chip and come into touch with the interior of your top row of teeth.

In certain situations, composite is an excellent alternative for the lower front row, where they make just a passing contact with the inside of your upper front teeth. Brushing discoloration may be seen, but it will not be prominent when you smile. 

In others situations, porcelain-fused-to-metal works effectively with canine teeth and teeth preceding molars. While you grin, the metal at the gum lines is less visible, but you’ll have the flex you need when chewing meat, raw vegetables, nuts, or other difficult-to-chew items. The contact sites are not subjected to the same amount of pressure as the molars.