4 Materials Used to Make Dental Crowns

When hear the phrase “dental crown”, what kind of picture forms in your head? Do you imagine a restoration made out of gold, or do you think of something that closely resembles an actual tooth? The modern dentist has plenty of options for creating a dental crown in Torrance, and each kind comes with advantages and disadvantages to consider. Below are 4 examples of material that might be used in your crown; take the time to learn each of their pros and cons so that you can pick the one that best suits your smile!

1. Gold Alloy

Gold alloy (made of gold and other metals since pure gold is too soft on its own) used to be the most common material to make crowns before other options became available. This type of restoration is very malleable, so your dentist can fit it on your tooth without removing too much enamel; it is also very durable. However, a gold crown can be rather unsightly next to natural teeth, so it is generally only recommended for molars and other teeth near the back of your mouth.

Crowns can also be made from silver and other metal alloys; they are similar to gold crowns in that they tend to be very strong but create issues with your appearance.

2. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal

This kind of crown was developed as an attempt to combine the durability of gold and other metals with beautiful, natural-looking porcelain. They do tend to blend in with the smile better, although the metal under the gap might still show as a dark line. These restorations can be useful for front and back teeth, and they’re usually recommended for patients with bruxism (grinding and clenching of the teeth).

3. Ceramic Crowns

A crown made out of all-ceramic material is often considered the best option when it comes to appearances. It can be shaded so that it matches the color of your natural teeth, letting it blend right in with the rest of your smile. Also, while some patients might be allergic or sensitive to metals, ceramic crowns tend to be highly biocompatible. A ceramic crown can last up to 15 years provided that you take good care of it. Dentists will usually recommend this type of crown thanks to its aesthetic advantages.

4. Zirconia Crowns

While zirconia is derived from the metal zirconium, it can also mimic the properties of ceramic materials. As a result, zirconia crowns are exceptionally strong yet can still match your other teeth in order to create a dazzling smile. Most people won’t even realize that you’ve had dental work done! Zirconia also doesn’t break easily, and crowns made of this material don’t need to be as thick as those made of ceramic or metal.

Not sure what kind of dental crown you’ll need? Your dentist in Torrance can suggest depending on the position of your tooth and your other oral health needs. The purpose of a crown is to keep a damaged tooth safe; you need to be sure you give it the best protection available.

About the Author

Dr. George Cho is an Associate Professor in the Division of Restorative Sciences at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in 1987. He’s developed and taught many courses on dental esthetics, and as such he’s an expert at creating beautiful dental crowns made from carefully chosen materials. To schedule an appointment at his practice, Blue Coast Dental Group, visit his website or call (310) 424-3100.