You’re probably already familiar with the concept of a dental crown: a tooth-shaped cap that can help strengthen and protect an injured or weakened tooth. When getting a dental crown, it’s worth keeping in mind that the restoration can be made out of a variety of materials. To help you get an idea of which kind of crown might be right for you, your restorative dentist is here with a quick look at some of your options.
Gold Dental Crowns
Many practices offer crowns made out of gold. One obvious advantage offered by gold crowns is their durability; they can last for a very long time in your mouth, even when placed on teeth that need to perform a lot of chewing. On top of that, they’re quite gentle on the opposing teeth, so you generally don’t have to worry about unnecessary wear and tear on your enamel.
Of course, in terms of appearance, the difference between a natural tooth and a gold crown is quite obvious. As such, it’s best to use gold crowns to restore teeth that aren’t seen by others, such as the molars.
Porcelain Dental Crowns
Patients who want natural-looking results often favor crowns that are made entirely out of porcelain. This material reflects light the same way that natural enamel does, and it can match the color of your smile once it has been shaded by an expert. Furthermore, porcelain is a safe option for patients who have metal sensitivities.
Your dentist is likely to suggest porcelain crowns for the teeth near the front of your mouth so that you can protect your oral health and maintain a dazzling appearance at the same time.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Dental Crowns
A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown has a metal base that is covered by layers of natural-looking porcelain. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy the cosmetic benefits of porcelain along with the strength and durability of a metal restoration. Even if a bit of the porcelain is chipped off, the metal base will continue to keep your tooth safe.
A porcelain-fused-to-metal crown may be a good option if you’re unable to get a full porcelain crown but still want an image-friendly restoration.
Different patients can benefit from different kinds of crowns. Your dentist will be able to help you figure out the type of material that’s best for you after they have fully examined your mouth and gathered information about your specific situation.
About the Author
Dr. Brian Lavery graduated from the New Jersey Dental School, which is now known as the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. He has thousands of hours of continuing education and strives to bring quality dental solutions to his patients. His Mercerville practice, Dr. Brian Lavery Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, offers crowns made out of gold, porcelain, and other materials. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Lavery, visit his website or call (609) 588-5600.