Which Type Of Dental Crown Is Right For You?

Dental crowns can be used to restore teeth, but they can also help enhance the appearance of teeth. Dental crowns come in many varieties, however, and more than one may be right for you. If you would like to know more about the types of dental crowns and which one is right for you, keep reading.

Composite Resin

Composite resin dental crowns are made from a polymer-based material. It is white-colored, making it an aesthetic choice. In many cases, the dentist applies the composite resin in the office, shaping them while you sit in the chair. This eliminates the need for a lab, reducing the cost and length of treatment.

Composite resin is the least durable dental crown option, making it better for front teeth compared to back teeth. It's also usually considered cosmetic and isn't covered by insurance. However, it is the most affordable dental crown option. Composite resin is stain-resistant, but it's not stain-proof.

Metal

Metal crowns are the strongest dental crown option, but most people don't like the look of metal crowns, making them a poor choice for front teeth. They are, however, great at withstanding the pressure back teeth face when eating.

The price of metal crowns varies drastically depending on the type of metal, but insurance may cover some costs because they are usually deemed "medically necessary" to strengthen a tooth and prevent it from breaking in the future.

Metal is more likely to irritate the gum tissue, which can lead to gum recession. Any gum recession is dangerous. Gum recession exposes the tooth root and increases the risk of decay slipping under the dental crown.

All-Porcelain

All-porcelain dental crowns are the most "cosmetic" option. Like composite resin, they are white, and the dentist can choose various shades of white. However, the porcelain material better captures the natural look of teeth than composite resin, making them look more like real teeth.

They are more durable than composite resin but more expensive, and insurance probably won't cover any of the cost. They are much less aggressive on gums, reducing the risk of recession. They are not ideal for back teeth because they can shatter, but they are a great option for front teeth. They are a good alternative if you want veneers but your teeth are weak.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal

Finally, porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are also an option. As the name suggests, these crowns have a metal base, but porcelain covers them, giving them a natural look. They aren't as natural looking as all-porcelain crowns because you may see some metal along the base of the tooth, especially if any gum recession occurs.

They are ideal for back teeth. The metal makes them stronger, and It's harder to see the metal on back teeth. If you want a full-mount restoration, your dentist may suggest a combination of all-porcelain and porcelain-fused-to-metal.

Dental crowns are a great way to restore your mouth, especially if you have weak teeth. However, they can also be used as a cosmetic procedure. If you would like to know more or want to schedule an appointment, contact a dentist in your area today.


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