Whether it’s for restorative or purely aesthetic reasons, there are many routes for achieving a bright, healthy smile. When there’s a need to repair a broken or decaying tooth, dental crowns are often the best solution. But how many types of dental crowns are there exactly? The right choice can make all the difference, so let’s break down the options and help you find the perfect match for your pearly whites.
What Is a Dental Crown?
According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, around 15 million people in the US alone have dental crowns and bridges. This popular restorative treatment addresses various oral issues, but what is it exactly?
A crown is a tooth-shaped protective cap that goes over your existing tooth, replicating its size, shape, and most importantly, function. It’s also used with dental implants, which are screw-like devices that are placed directly in your jawbone, acting as artificial tooth roots.
When Should You Get a Dental Crown?
The benefits of implants reach far and wide, and the same goes for getting crowns. First and foremost, this is a restorative treatment that offers long-lasting results. It protects your tooth, restores its function, and lets you continue your daily routine with no hassle. However, it can also be used in cosmetic dentistry to restore the aesthetics of your smile.
In the sphere of restorative dentistry, here are the most common issues that can be solved:
- A broken or cracked tooth,
- A misaligned tooth,
- A misshapen tooth,
- A tooth with a large hole due to decay,
- A tooth needing root canal treatment.
What Are the Different Types of Dental Crowns?
Just like there are so many different types of implants, there are numerous options when it comes to crown treatment. They vary in materials and in the way they are affixed to your existing tooth or dental implant, and the choice depends on your specific condition. A consultation with your Charlotte dentist in South Park will help you figure out which route is the best for your unique smile.
Fully Ceramic Types of Dental Crowns Are the Most Popular of All Options
The all-ceramic crown is the most popular choice of all, mostly due to its natural appearance. The name says it all – these pieces are made of only ceramic materials. On top of replicating the natural look of tooth enamel in shape, size, and color, they are pretty durable and suitable for various scenarios.
Here are the most popular ceramic materials used:
- Zirconium oxide crowns – this premium material is strong, durable, and resistant to chipping and breaking,
- Glass crowns – commonly made with CAD/CAM technology (more on that later) but are not suitable for limited tooth space,
- Hybrid crowns – also used with CAD/CAM technology, the hybrid combines ceramic and composite materials to provide both aesthetics and strength.
Porcelain Can Be Fused to Various Metals, Too
The porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown combines durability and natural aesthetics thanks to its metal base and porcelain coating. Despite its longevity and strength, the porcelain coating can chip off after a while, exposing the material underneath.
Pressed Ceramic Crowns Are Similar to PFMs
Just like a PFM crown, a pressed ceramic piece has a sturdy inner core, but it’s fully ceramic. To make this base, the material is melted and pressed at a very high temperature, and multiple layers of porcelain are added. Therefore, they can be considered all-porcelain, closely resembling natural tooth enamel. However, the technology is similar to a PFM, and they share the same drawback – the coating can get chipped over time.
There Are Also Fully Metal Crowns
Taking a step further, crowns can also be made completely from metals such as gold, nickel, palladium, and chromium. They are pretty durable, but they’re not exactly natural-looking, so they’re not favored when it comes to cosmetic dental treatments.
All-Resin Crowns Are Often Used to Craft Temporary Pieces
This special type of plastic can also be used in crown treatment, but it’s much more fragile than other options. Therefore, in most cases, it’s used to craft temporary pieces, lasting about three to five years. Because of this, they are generally more affordable than other types of crowns in dental treatments.
Innovative Technologies Have Made Same-Day Crowns a Reality
When we discussed the different types of fully ceramic pieces, we mentioned CAD/CAM technology. This stands for computer-aided design and manufacturing, meaning your Charlotte, NC, dentist can take impressions of your teeth and craft your crown in just one visit.
Apart from CAD/CAM, advanced cosmetic & laser dentistry in Charlotte, NC, is making new waves when it comes to crown treatment. Innovative techniques and equipment are used to create long-lasting, precise results, keeping your teeth healthy and strong. On top of that, these treatments are much more comfortable than traditional approaches, creating a stress-free experience for all.
Improve Your Smile While Preserving Its Uniqueness
Aspire Dental Wellness knows that the beauty of each smile lies in its uniqueness. That’s why our team, led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, works hard to create both functional and aesthetic results with a customized approach for each patient. Contact us today, and let’s talk about how we can achieve that smile you’ve always dreamed of. We’ll help make it a reality, and you’ll find your new favorite cosmetic dentist in Charlotte, NC, at the same time!
