Do you need a dental crown? Dental crowns serve as protective covers for damaged or weakened teeth, restoring their strength and natural shape. There are a variety of materials available to meet your unique needs and help you smile with confidence again.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns have been used in dentistry for years. They combine a tooth-colored exterior with a metal base, balancing appearance with durable reinforcement. PFMs can show a faint gray line near the gum if tissue thins or recedes. In some cases, the porcelain may also chip over time, revealing the metal underneath. Fortunately, PFM crowns last almost as long as metal crowns and restore both front and back teeth.
All-metal crowns offer additional durability for the back teeth, which handle the majority of the chewing and bite forces. They adapt to the edges of the teeth and distribute forces evenly, prolonging their durability. They rarely chip or break and can handle years of wear without breaking down. Patients find that the metal feels gentle on the surrounding tooth enamel, reducing scuffing compared to harder dental crown materials. However, they do not mimic natural enamel. This design is why dentists typically place metal crowns in less visible areas, such as the back teeth.
All-ceramic or porcelain dental crowns mimic the appearance of natural enamel more than other crown materials. They are also an ideal option for patients with metal allergies. Unfortunately, they are not as durable as metal or PFM crowns, making them more ideal for more visible teeth rather than for back molars, which require greater durability for chewing and breaking down food. These crowns are also not ideal for patients who clench or grind their teeth, as they are more prone to chipping.
Zirconia provides a durable framework for a dental crown while providing the cosmetic benefits of porcelain. It is strong like metal crowns but is tooth-colored. It is also less likely to experience the wear and tear that naturally occurs in the crown over time, such as sharp edges on its surface. That said, zirconia crowns can sometimes cause additional wear on the surrounding tooth due to the hard material.
E-max dental crowns build on the cosmetic benefits of porcelain crowns with the strength and reliable bonding of metal crowns. It preserves more enamel because it can function at thinner dimensions. E-max matches the shade and brightness of the patient's natural teeth, which helps with transitions from the front teeth to the premolars. However, it does not match zirconia's design on the further back teeth and molars, particularly for patients who grind and clench their teeth.
Do you have further questions about dental crown materials? The Coral Pointe Dental & Orthodontics team is here to find the right crown to fit your functional needs and cosmetic goals. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call our Gilbert office today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.coralpointeaz.com or call Coral Pointe Dental & Orthodontics at (480) 750-1575 for an appointment in our Gilbert office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crowns in Gilbert, AZ.
Dental fillings repair teeth affected by cavities. However, how long they last depends on the selected material, the patient's bite, and how well that patient cares for their smile. With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, fillings can last many years.A dental filling must handle everyday chewing, temperature changes, and daily cleaning. These forces…
Visiting your general dentist for a specific treatment can improve your oral health. The services that you need will depend on your assessment. Knowing the common services available will enable you to make informed decisions about the ones you will get. Here are the common services on offer at your general dentist’s clinic.A general dentist…
As part of their mission to keep mouths healthy, a general dentist offers a variety of single-tooth replacement options. Even just missing one tooth can impact your oral health and the appearance of your smile. Single-tooth replacements may be the efficient solution to restore the appearance and functionality of your smile.Losing a single tooth can…
General dentists protect the integrity of your oral health by providing preventative and corrective services. These can range from cleanings to repairing damaged teeth. Here are five ways the dentist can protect your smile for years to come.Examinations are one of the most common and necessary preventative measures general dentists recommend and perform. These appointments…
