Finding the Right Stuff: What’s the Best Material for a Dental Crown?

So, you plan to get a dental crown? You’ve made a wise move – this new cap will protect your tooth from further harm. That said, make sure to consider its material; a dental crown can be made from many substances. For your own to work well, it should be made of the right stuff. Your Colleyville dentist will gladly help with your selection if you’d like. To that end, here’s a summary of how to find the best material for dental crowns.

What Materials Can a Crown Use?

As it happens, dental crowns can be made from various materials. Some of the most notable ones include:

Full Porcelain

Put simply, porcelain is a unique ceramic made by heating clay and minerals. It stands as one of today’s most common crown materials.

Full porcelain crowns are viewed as the most lifelike and natural-looking ones. Each one looks nearly identical to a normal tooth and blends seamlessly with your smile. Still, these highly pretty looks come at a cost. Porcelain is harder than enamel, so crowns made from it can damage nearby teeth. This special ceramic is also brittle and can fracture easily.

Zirconia

Zirconia is a solid ceramic glaze made from the metal zirconium. It’s one of the newer crown materials to be used, being further developed even now.

Zirconia crowns are thought to combine the strength of metal and the appeal of porcelain. Once placed, they protect your damaged teeth and enhance your looks. However, they do have their downsides. A zirconia crown may have a shade distinct from your other teeth. Plus, there’s a slight chance a patient will have an allergic reaction to it.

Gold Alloy

For much of history, gold has been used in dentistry. This metal is highly durable and has the least reactivity of all the metals in the mouth.

Of course, gold crowns have their benefits and drawbacks. Their material is strong even when it’s thin, so they preserve more healthy tooth structure. Such crowns are also gentle on opposing teeth. On the other hand, they stand out a lot and can cause allergic reactions.

Which One is Best for You?

Ultimately, the best crown material is the one that meets your needs. It should be something that addresses your own situation.

Remember, different materials are suited to different goals. You’d likely benefit from a porcelain crown if you’re mainly focused on cosmetics. In contrast, a zirconia one may suit a patient who wants to balance strength and looks. A gold crown is a great choice when you just need something functional.

Even as you mull the best material for dental crowns, consult your dentist for help. They know your background and can pick a substance that suits your dental cap.

About the Practice

The DFW Implant Center is based in Colleyville, TX. Led by Drs. Branberg and Cancemi, our practice aims to give each patient truly complete dental care. We thus specialize in general, cosmetic, and implant dentistry, as well as emergency oral treatments. So, our dental team is ready to give your smile some serious help. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (817)-440-7133.