For patients in need of a dental crown, the type of material used to create it is of the utmost importance. After all, a crown needs to be strong enough to resist chipping and other issues. It also needs to look natural alongside other teeth in the mouth, especially if it is being used on a front tooth. While a dentist generally recommends the material for a given crown, many persons feel more comfortable if they know the basics when it comes to dental crown substances.
It is important to note that this section covers basic categories of substances — for instance, there are many different types of ceramic materials used to make dental crowns. For patients who want to know the exact composites used in the making of their crowns, a discussion with their dentist is often helpful.
A 2016 survey of dentists in the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network found that 54% of respondents named lithium disilicate, a ceramic composite, as a first choice when selecting material for a dental crown. The second-choice material in the survey was layered zirconia.
Though the names might sound unusual, both lithium disilicate and layered zirconia are some of the most common components used in ceramic crowns. According to the journal Dentistry Today, ceramics have several advantages when used as dental crown material:
Ceramic composites are some of the most durable dental crown materials, but for patients who need an even more long-lasting choice, porcelain fused to metal may be an option. These crowns combine the extreme durability of a metal crown with the natural look of porcelain, which is a type of ceramic. However, with wear, it may be possible to start seeing the metal beneath the porcelain cap. These types of crowns can be used for front or back teeth, but some dentists and patients avoid them for front teeth because of the risk of metal showing.
All-metal crowns are not used as commonly as they once were, but metal is still the strongest material on the list. A metal crown can withstand chewing and grinding of teeth over the years. However, since many patients do not want an obviously metal crown, this material is not very popular. It is most often used for molars that are very far back in the mouth.
Patients who are on a budget may balk at the prices of ceramic dental crowns or crowns that are made from porcelain fused to metal. Resin is a material that is often used when the cost is an important consideration. However, it wears down more easily than most materials, and it also is more prone to cracks.
A crown may feel unnatural at first, but the right crown can restore an individual's smile while protecting damaged teeth or a tooth that has undergone a root canal. For individuals who find themselves in need of a dental crown, reaching out to a dentist can help them get one step closer to a better smile.
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