How to decide what dental crown types is best for you?

It is essential to consider specific factors when selecting the material for a dental crown to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your dental treatment. Here are a few essential factors to consider for a productive conversation with your dentist. 

What are the considerations when deciding on your dental crown material?

Durability: Various materials exhibit different levels of durability. Consider your requirements, which are determined by the placement of the crown in your mouth and how you chew.
Aesthetics: Materials such as porcelain, Emax or zirconia crowns are popular for front teeth because they closely resemble the look of natural teeth.

Cost: The price of materials for dental crowns can differ significantly. Talk to your dentist about your budget to select a material that fits your needs without exceeding your financial limits.

Biocompatibility: Make sure the material you select is harmless for your body and does not trigger any allergies. Patients who undergo other forms of treatment may also benefit from staying away from crowns that contain metal.

Tooth Preservation: Some materials require more tooth reduction than others. For example, metal crowns require the least amount of tooth reduction compared to porcelain crowns.

Location: The location of the crown in your mouth can also impact the selection of material. For instance, molars experience increased pressure while chewing, making a durable material such as Zirconia more appropriate.

Longevity: Consider the expected lifespan of the different materials. While some materials may be more cost-effective initially, they may need to be replaced sooner than others.

Consultation with your Dentist: Your dentist will evaluate your requirements, consider the mentioned factors, and suggest the most appropriate material for your dental crown.

Common dental crown types and their characteristics.

Zirconia: Known for its strength and durability, dental crown Zirconia can be a good option for patients who tend to grind or have a heavy bite. However, due to the opacity, Zirconia can be harder to match with natural teeth in terms of aesthetics. Hence, it is most typically used for molar teeth restorations. Zirconia is also a good option for discolored/non-vital teeth as they have more opacity coverage. 

Emax: Emax is a hybrid ceramic material with durability and aesthetics. However, as they have lower durability and strength than Zirconia, dentists may have to trim more natural teeth to compensate for the strength. 

Porcelain: Porcelain offers the best aesthetics compared to other materials. Unfortunately, they do not have a strong durability index, making them more prone to chipping. Hence, they are typically fused with other materials, such as Zirconia or metal, to increase their durability and protect the natural tooth under the crown. 

All Ceramics: They are commonly mistakenly used interchangeably with porcelain crowns as they share several characteristics, such as their weaker strength, durability and appearance. They are typically more popular for front teeth as they offer a more seamless camouflage with the neighboring teeth. 

Gold: Gold crowns provide an excellent balance between strength and durability. Because they are softer and malleable, the opposing teeth are less likely to be harmed. However, their drawback is their metallic golden appearance, which may not be acceptable nowadays.

Porcelain fused Zirconia (PFZ): Porcelain fused Zirconia combines both strength and aesthetic characteristics. They are also bio-compatible as they do not contain metal.

Porcelain fused metal (PFM): If you're wondering, "Are porcelain fused to metal crowns safe?" the answer is yes. Porcelain fused to metal crown are also an excellent option for people with heavy bites/grinding/clenching habits, as the metal lining serves as a shock absorber. However, the porcelain material around it may chip over time, allowing the metal underneath to show through.
 
Ultimately, the selection of dental crown material should be a joint decision made by you and your dentist, taking into account your specific needs and preferences. 

 

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References

1. Dental Bridges vs. Implants: A Comprehensive Guide - 101Dentist.com. https://101dentist.com/dentist_articles/dental-bridges-vs-implants-a-comprehensive-guide-436.shtml

2. Makhija, S. K., Lawson, N. C., Gilbert, G. H., Litaker, M. S., McClelland, J. A., Louis, D. R., Gordan, V. V., Pihlstrom, D. J., Meyerowitz, C., Mungia, R., & McCracken, M. S. (2016). Dentist material selection for single-unit crowns: Findings from the National Dental Practice-based Research Network. Journal of Dentistry, 55, 40–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2016.09.010 

3. Professional, C. C. medical. (n.d.). Dental crowns: Why would you need one?. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10923-dental-crowns