Common Crown Materials
If your dentist suggests a dental crown to restore your tooth, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of crown options that are available.
Here is a bit of information about a few common crown materials to aid you in your selection process.
Gold
Gold is less reactive than many other metals that are used to make crowns. Additionally, it is not overly abrasive to the adjacent teeth. As a result, your dentist may recommend a gold crown for a back tooth, especially if you suffer from bruxism or regularly clench your jaws. Even as the gold crown thins over time, the device remains quite strong, preserving the underlying tooth material.
Still, some patients may not prefer to use a gold crown near the front of the mouth, since the material is not tooth-colored. Additionally, a patient may have a sensitivity to gold, and gold, like other metals, conducts cold and heat.
Porcelain
Some crowns are made of all-porcelain. The porcelain looks so much like the natural tooth material it is difficult to discern in the mouth. Additionally, porcelain is not an efficient conductor of cold or heat, so it is unlikely to enhance the sensitivity of a tooth. Also, porcelain is a great option for a patient who may be sensitive to metals.
Yet, the material, which is harder than the natural tooth material, may fracture as it thins. Thus, the dentist may apply a crown that is thicker when using all-porcelain. The thicker crown may necessitate the removal of additional tooth material to ensure that the device fits properly in place. Nevertheless, porcelain is a great option for teeth that are readily seen as the patient smiles or speaks.
Zirconia
Zirconia crowns are made from zirconium dioxide, a crystallized compound derived from zirconium metal. The material can be fused to porcelain to create a crown that is less likely to crack or break. Additionally, the zirconia can be tooth-colored while still retaining a natural translucency that strongly resembles that of natural tooth enamel.
Nevertheless, if a patient has extreme metal sensitivities, they may need to be tested for a sensitivity to zirconium before the crown is placed.
Composite Resin
Although composite resin crowns are not quite as durable as other crown materials, they can be tooth-colored and are relatively strong. Additionally, they are not reactive like metals and are less expensive than zirconia, porcelain, or gold.
To see and discuss a selection of available crown materials, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your area.
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