How to choose the best dental crown for you?
Cavities, injuries and gum disease can lead to
irreversible damage to the teeth. You may need an extensive filling, root canal treatment, or a dental implant. In all of these cases, you will also need a dental crown! This restores a solid bite, the aesthetic of your smile, and allows you to chew without pain.
There are several options for dental crowns among which your dentist will choose the most appropriate one for you. Let's take a look at their advantages and disadvantages.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a synthetic "cap" attached to the top of a damaged tooth or implant. If you have had а severe cavity, a cracked tooth, a tooth removal, or have undergone root canal treatment, your dentist may recommend a
dental crown. Additionally, they can replace large fillings and help align your bite.
If your tooth has been removed, your dentist will replace it with a dental implant screwed directly into your jaw. In this case, the dental crown is attached to a connector (abutment) and then to the dental implant. Dental crowns, however, can only be placed on a natural tooth if enough of the tooth remains. This is the so called “ferrule effect”.
Types of dental crowns
Metal (gold)
Although metal crowns look gold, they are actually made from a combination of copper and other metals. These crowns are very strong and durable, but also malleable in order not to damage your other teeth. In addition, metal crowns wear down very slowly and last a long time with proper care.
Despite their advantages, metal crowns are not for everyone. Understandably, many people are hesitant to get a gold tooth! These days, their use is an exception rather than the rule.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM)
PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal) crowns combine aesthetics and strength. The exterior is porcelain for a natural look, while the interior of the crown is a metal amalgam for durability. These crowns are strong, flexible, aesthetically pleasing and can be very long-lasting. However, in order to take full advantage of them, there are two conditions that need to be met: first, the amalgam must be of precious metals and second, their preparation is labor intensive and the dental technician who works on them, has to be very skillful.
However, if you have receding gums, PFM crowns may not be the best option for you. This is because the metal foundation may show if the gums recede. You may notice a grey line appearing at the gum line.
Composite
Composite crowns are made of special resins and are naturally off-white. Although less likely to chip than porcelain, composite crowns are not durable enough for regular chewing. They also wear down easily from regular brushing, which affects their aesthetics and can lead to discoloration.
Zirconia
Zirconia is a relatively newer crown material that is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. Zirconia crowns are long-lasting, strong, and unlikely to break. However, they can be too strong and end up wearing down your teeth. They can also be used on natural teeth but are best used with implants. Zirconia is the main material from which abutments (the intermediaries between implants and crowns) are made.
E-Max (Lithium Distillate)
is a ceramic crown that offers a very natural appearance alongside durability. Due to its natural look and strength, this type of crown can be applied to front or back teeth. E-Max crowns require mastery and attention to detail from both the dentist and the dental technician. They have a special protocol of bonding to the teeth and can be used in extreme thinness. This quality makes very delicate teeth filing possible.
Determining the Best Crown For You
Appearance
A natural, bright and attractive smile is a priority for most people, making the appearance of a dental crown incredibly important. This is especially true if a crown is needed on a front tooth, therefore a gold tooth is unlikely to be your first choice.
Composite crowns often discolor as a result of brushing, which means they are also not suitable for front teeth. E-Max and Zirconia are the most popular options because of their natural look.
Durability
Intensive chewing and an unregulated bite can break any crown! When well-made and aligned with the aesthetic requirements of the patient, zirconia and E-max crowns can be perfectly adequate for more than 20-25 years.
Cost
The cost of dental crowns varies depending on the material and complexity of the procedure. It can be expected that porcelain, zirconia and E-max crowns are the most expensive options. However, it all depends on the exclusivity of the work. When it comes to complex cases, with the need to pre-test the solutions through temporary plastic crowns and their subsequent replacement with permanent ones, the cost can vary significantly. It is less influenced by the cost of the inputs and more by the expertise and exclusivity of the work.
Restore Your Smile and Bite With a Dental Crown!
If your tooth has sustained serious damage from injury or cavities (or if you have lost a tooth), a dental crown is a highly effective restorative treatment. With its help, you will be able to eat normally and smile confidently.
When it comes to choosing the right dental crown, trust the expertise of your dentist. Depending on the placement of the crown, you may need a stronger material, such as metal or PFM. However, if it is one of your front teeth, you will probably prefer porcelain for its natural look.
Whether you need a dental crown to repair a cavity or to cover a dental implant, we at Dental Clinic Petar Duchev can help you make the right choice. Getting a dental crown only takes a day, so you can resume your normal activities right away.
All consultations for patients over the age of 18 are carried out by Dr. Petar Duchev as the Head Doctor of the Clinic.
If you need a consultation, call tel. +359(0)878 80 30 99 and our administrators will book the nearest and most convenient time slot for you.
