There are multiple types of crowns which are used in dentistry; the material used factors on the cost, aesthetic, and extent of the damage, as well as the preferences and needs of the patient.
What types of crowns are available?
There are several types of crowns available, each of which possesses a different strength, durability, and aesthetic. The most commonly used materials for dental crowns are porcelain fused to metal, zirconia and metal crowns.
Metal-Porcelain & metal-ceramic
Porcelain crowns are made up of porcelain and metal, with the porcelain making up the cap of the crown and fused to a strong metal core. It’s a great choice to restore the tooth’s natural aesthetic and strength. This type of crown is very durable and can last for extended durations as a result.
Ceramic /porcelain
Porcelain and ceramic crowns are synonymous, with both types not being bonded to metal. Both materials offer the appearance of a natural tooth; they’re a more affordable alternative with similar results to a Zirconia crown.
Zirconia
Zirconia crowns are a preferred material to fabricate crowns from, for their aesthetic, durability and longevity. This material is highly biocompatible, making it a favourable choice for dental reconstructions.
Resin
Resin is a material that is applied directly to the damaged natural tooth to build it back up. It’s often chosen for its natural aesthetic and efficiency, with the tooth reconstructed in one session.
This is typically used when creating a temporary crown, as they look natural but aren’t necessarily able to withstand pressure for long periods.
Gold
Gold metal crowns are the most durable of all crown materials, with a notable resistance to cracking and chipping. Gold crowns do not match the natural aesthetic of the teeth, making them better suited to reconstructing the back teeth, where there’s low visibility.
What type of crown is the best?
At Wimpole Street Dental clinic, we prefer to use zirconia crowns for several reasons: their strength offers longevity to the wearer, coupled with their natural aesthetic and biocompatibility. They are a great choice for repairing the front teeth, as they can offer a seamless appearance alongside the natural teeth.