Which Dental Crown Is Right for Your Smile?

Which Dental Crown Is Right for You?For many years, crowns were made primarily of metal, which unfortunately posed a number of potential problems for many patients. Those with metal allergies or sensitivities might have had problems getting dental treatment, when metal was the only widely available option. Many dentists also recommended moms should not have metal crowns placed during pregnancy. Others discovered that metal crowns could be uncomfortable while eating, because of metal’s high conductivity. Fortunately, patients can now choose between a variety of materials for their dental crowns,, each with its own unique benefits. So being able to settle on the ideal solution for protecting your smile is now simply a matter of reviewing your smile’s needs during a consultation with your restorative dentist!

Wondering What Crown Is Best for You?

Though dental crowns now come in a variety of materials, porcelain and metal remain the most popular. Zirconia and porcelain-fused-to-metal are other options, provided by many modern dentists, as well.

Crowns help to protect fragile teeth after a cavity, root canal, a crack or other dental trauma! They also help to prevent infection, by sealing the tooth from bacteria. In many cases, crowns are also a form of restoration that can improve both the function and appearance of the smile.

  • For instance, both porcelain and zirconia are often chosen because of their ability to blend seamlessly within the natural smile.
  • Both can be crated to closely match a person’s teeth in shape, size, shade and even contouring, helping to create an incredibly natural-looking smile.
  • Porcelain is also naturally stain-resistant and durable, making it a wonderfully long-lasting smile restoration.
  • Of course, zirconia is even stronger, which makes it a better choice in some cases, particularly when the heavily-used back molars are the teeth in need of treatment.
  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal is another highly recommended choice for heavily used teeth, since it combines the strength of metal with the cosmetic appeals of porcelain. Although it’s important to emphasize that both metal and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are only good choices for patients without metal allergies.

To determine which crown is right for you, it is best to speak openly with your restorative dentist about your cosmetic concerns, any budget considerations, and your lifestyle as well, as these can all be factors in determining which crown material is best suited for your smile!