When your teeth get damaged, one of the most common ways to fix things up is by getting a dental crown. What is a crown? It is a type of tooth repair method that involves covering a damaged tooth with one or more materials to preserve its shape and structure. Crowns are made after getting a mold of the tooth in question, and they are most typically used for serious cavities. The most common types of crowns include all-metal, all-ceramic, and a combination of metal and ceramic. If you are confused about what type of crown to get, here are some pros and cons of each.
> All-Metal
All-metal dental crowns have been used for many, many years. The most popular metal used to craft these crowns is gold. In most cases, gold crowns are not made entirely of gold because it is a very soft metal that easily deforms. Gold crowns are usually made with a gold alloy, or a mixture of gold and other harder metals, so they are more durable and able to keep their shape. They can come in a gold or silver hue.
Pros of All-Metal Crowns
-Gold is malleable
Crowns made with an alloy containing a high concentration of gold can be easily molded into the shape of the damaged tooth. This allows for a very nice fitting crown that feels natural in the mouth and to the bite.
-Metal crowns are strong
Since gold and most metals are harder than human teeth, metal crowns won’t crack, morph, or chip. Even excessive grinding and chewing on tougher foods won’t damage them. If you are worried about metal crowns wearing out your natural teeth, don’t be. They degrade at a very similar rate to enamel, so you can expect your metal crowns to last a very long time.
Cons of All-Metal Crowns
-Metal crowns do not look natural. They will stand out every time you open your mouth. If you are worried about them not blending in with your teeth, there are other types of crowns to choose from.
> All-Ceramic Crowns
This type of crown is the better choice as far as aesthetics are concerned. Ceramic crowns are usually made completely of porcelain, and they blend in perfectly with your natural teeth. Today, they can be made out of a variety of different specially-engineered dental ceramics. Like gold crowns, porcelain crowns have been in use for hundreds of years.
Pros of All-Ceramic Crowns
-They look natural
Ceramic crowns are nearly indistinguishable from regular teeth. Unless you really get in a person’s face, you likely won’t notice anything out of the ordinary. This camouflage is a huge benefit in a professional setting since looks and first impressions are a big deal. Many recipients of crowns also prefer the natural look because they feel self-conscious about how they appear to other people. It’s no different than feeling ashamed about wearing braces.
Cons of All-Ceramic Crowns
-They are less durable than metal crowns
Ceramics are more prone to cracking than metal crowns, but they are very suitable for front teeth. The teeth in the back of the mouth undergo more extensive chewing and biting so they should be installed with metal or metal-ceramic crowns.
> Metal-Ceramic Crowns
These crowns are made of a metal core and a ceramic outer covering.
Pros of Metal-Ceramic Crowns
-They offer the benefit of both metal and ceramic crowns
The metal core provides great strength, while the ceramic covering masks the metallic color of the core. It’s the best of both worlds.
Cons of Metal-Ceramic Crowns
-The metal can show over time
When gum lines recede, the metal underneath can poke out. This ruins the whole point of the combination.
-The ceramic covering can become damaged and damage other teeth
It may chip over time or separate from the metal core with prolonged stress. Ceramics also seem to cause more wear on teeth than metal.
Call or visit Sunrise Family Dentistry in Roseville today. Our office is located at 901 Sunrise Ave. Ste A1 and our telephone number is 916-520-1717. You may also visit our website at www.sunrisefamilydentists.com.
