There are different types of dental crowns that are used in a dental practice. There are, for example, gold crowns, but they are quite expensive. Metal crowns (possibly combined with porcelain). There are also dental crowns that are made entirely of porcelain. In addition, there are also ceramic crowns.
Below you will find all types of dental crowns with pictures.
Metal dental crowns
Metal dental crowns are not made much anymore, because they are not aesthetically pleasing (appearance). However, dental crowns with a metal chewing surface are made in people who mainly grind, because otherwise their own teeth are affected. Porcelain is harder than tooth enamel and grinding makes the enamel of the opposite tooth wear out too quickly.
The metal dental crowns are very strong and have good wear resistance. They usually get a gold or silver-colored gold alloy. Because of the color, the metal dental crown is usually placed in the back of the mouth, so that it is less noticeable.
Gold dental crowns
In some cases it is decided to place a golden dental crown. This is a high-quality, strong, but expensive material. A golden dental crown can be placed as a dental jewel. Then a gold facing is chosen on the tooth to create gold teeth. Gold dental crowns can be placed for a more definitive effect.
Porcelain dental crowns
Porcelain dental crowns can be used in many situations. Due to new techniques, the chance of breakage is very small with this material. The material is tooth-colored and looks very natural.
In addition, there are also completely porcelain dental crowns, these are only applied to the front teeth. This is also called a jacket crown. Advantages of a jacket crown are the color and natural transparency. The disadvantage of a jacket crown is the chance of it breaking.
Porcelain-fused to metal dental crowns
Fused porcelain on a metal substructure is a combination of metal and porcelain. Metal is used as the basic material for this. The dental crown therefore consists of a metal substructure. For the appearance, a layer of tooth-colored porcelain is placed over the visible metal. The fused-on porcelain dental crown is a strong dental crown that can be manufactured in the entire mouth with a small risk of breakage. To undergo a porcelain-fused to metal restoration, the dentist must remove a moderate amount of tooth structure.
Ceramic dental crowns
A dental crown with a zirconium core is strong and does not wear. Zirconium has the fantastic property of allowing light to pass through. This gives it the natural look so that the dental crown can hardly be distinguished from real teeth. These dental crowns are manufactured with the help of computers in a specially suitable laboratory.
How long can dental crowns last?
On average, these types of dental crowns can last from 5 to 15 years. The life of a dental crown also depends, of course, on the degree of wear, how well you maintain oral hygiene and how your personal mouth-related habits (avoid habits such as chewing ice or biting fingernails or using your teeth to open packages).
Dental crowns can be used for a variety of reasons. If a tooth is often filled with composite or after breaking off a tooth, so you have little support to refill it. Then you can choose to make a dental crown. A dental crown ensures that you retain your function of a tooth or molar. You can also choose to make teeth look more beautiful, for example if you have discoloration or deformation.
Advantages of dental crowns
- A dental crown supports the tooth that is, for example, affected by caries or many fillings.
- Dental crown protects a tooth that has become less strong after a root canal treatment.
- A dental crown can save a tooth so that it is not lost, so that the chewing function remains normal.
- To change the aesthetics (appearance) of a tooth.
- To hold a dental bridge firmly in place
- A dental crown is stuck in the mouth and very similar to your own teeth.
- To cover a dental implant
- To cover a discolored or misshapen tooth
Dental crowns can be used at all ages. If you are still unsure or would like further information about dental crowns, it is best to contact your dentist.
Image by: authoritydental.org