Tips for Choosing the Best Material for Dental Crowns

If you ask any Snoqualmie dentist, they will tell you that teeth are built to last a lifetime. However, very few people can keep their teeth healthy and intact in old age. With various reasons causing tooth damage, ranging from oral infections to enamel thinning, you will need treatment in restorative dentistry to restore teeth’ health.

What Are Dental Crowns?

They are tooth-shaped and tooth-colored oral appliances that restore smiles by replacing damaged tooth enamels. Dental crowns in Seattle, WA, function like dental caps, encapsulating the entire tooth surface. Therefore, dentists at Seattle Sound Dental can use dental crowns to correct various oral issues that compromise teeth’ strength and health.

Types of Dental Crowns in Dentistry

Dental crowns differ based on the material used to make them. The good news is that you can get custom crowns by choosing your preferred material before your treatment. The common types of materials for creating dental crowns include:

1. Gold – features gold as the primary material, making for extremely durable and long-lasting dental crowns. Gold has been a common material for developing dental crowns over the years because the material rarely breaks, cracks, or chips. Further, gold hardly wears down teeth. However, it may not be the best material for you if you are concerned about aesthetics. Besides, gold conducts temperatures quickly, which may leave your teeth feeling sensitive after installation.
2. Porcelain-fused-to-metal – comprises both porcelain and metal. The porcelain overlays the metal for a more natural appearance. Therefore, your dentist can match this dental crown to your existing natural teeth. Besides, the crown is sturdy because of the metallic component underneath. The only problem is that it is aggressive to the adjacent teeth. Further, the metal can often display a dark line underneath your teeth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal is also not as durable as the porcelain can wear down over time.
3. Full porcelain – has quickly become a popular material for developing oral appliances in dentistry. The first reason for its popularity is its natural-looking ability. Porcelain easily blends well with natural teeth, improving your smile’s appearance. Further, porcelain is a poor conductor of heat and cold temperatures. Therefore, you will not feel discomfort or sensitivity when eating cold or hot foods.
4. Dental composite – it is the least ideal material for creating dental crowns. The reason is that it is more fragile than all its counterparts. Composites chip, crack and break easily. Further, they have a short lifespan, usually lasting between 5 and 7 years. For such reasons, you would need to replace your dental crowns more often than you would like. The good news is that composite crowns are tooth-colored to match natural teeth. It is also a less reactive material than gold.
5. Zirconia – it is a white crystalline oxide sourced from zirconium metal. It makes the crowns as strong and durable as gold crowns and sturdier than porcelain. However, Zirconia crowns have a better aesthetic result than gold crowns. However, they are still metal-based dental crowns, which can present similar concerns to other metallic crowns.

Which Material Is the Best for Your Crowns?

Choosing dental crowns can be overwhelming if you have to decide alone. Usually, your attending dentist will point you to the best options, depending on his/her review of your initial oral health state. Some factors to consider when picking the right material for your crowns are:

1. Durability – the longer your dental crown can last, the better for you. Besides, the last thing you need is to visit your dentist annually for retreatment or restoring your damaged crowns.
2. Functionality – how well will your teeth function after treatment? If you have to be constantly concerned about Tooth sensitivity or fragility, you may not enjoy your life post-treatment.
3. Aesthetics – if you want to achieve a beautiful smile after your treatment, the color of the crown is important. Find a material that won’t stand out from the rest of your natural teeth when you smile. The location of tooth restoration should influence this decision. If you are restoring front teeth, aesthetically pleasing options are better.
4. Sturdiness – a sturdy material that can withstand pressure from chewing. The stakes are higher when restoring the back teeth.
5. Allergic reactions – if you are highly reactive to metals, ensure you bring it up with your dentist beforehand. Avoiding metal-based dental crowns is the best way to go for such patients.