Dental crowns come in various materials. Porcelain, ceramic, metal, and zirconia are among the most popular. Each offers distinct advantages and considerations. Today, we’re comparing these options to help you understand their unique benefits and which might be best for your next dental crown.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are renowned for their natural appearance and customizability. They can be crafted to match the color of surrounding teeth and blend seamlessly into a person’s smile. All of this makes porcelain an excellent choice for front teeth. Also, porcelain crowns are biocompatible, meaning they rarely cause allergic reactions or gum tissue irritation.
However, while aesthetically pleasing, porcelain crowns are less durable than other options and can be susceptible to chipping or cracking under heavy pressure. As a result, they are a less-than-ideal for molars or patients who grind their teeth.
Ceramic Crowns
Ceramic crowns share many qualities with porcelain, especially their natural look and color-matching capability. They are also popular for front teeth due to their aesthetic appeal. Ceramic crowns are slightly more durable than porcelain, giving them a better balance between appearance and strength. Also, ceramic crowns are metal-free and highly biocompatible, making them an excellent option for patients with metal allergies.
Like their porcelain counterparts, however, ceramic crowns can be more prone to wear than metal or zirconia crowns.
Metal Crowns
Crowns crafted from metal—typically gold, palladium, nickel, or chromium—offer unmatched durability and strength, withstanding frequent biting and chewing forces without chipping or breaking. They are thus ideal for molars and other teeth subjected to heavy use. Other benefits of metal crowns are that they require less tooth structure removal before placement and rarely cause damage to opposing teeth.
However, metal crowns’ metallic color makes them less aesthetically appealing and a typically subpar choice for visible teeth. Also, as noted above, some patients are allergic to certain metals.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconia crowns combine the aesthetic benefits of porcelain and ceramic with the durability of metal. Made from zirconium dioxide, these crowns offer exceptional longevity and resistance to wear and breakage. This makes them a great choice for front or back teeth. Also, they have a natural look, though not with the same translucence as porcelain or ceramic. Zirconia crowns are biocompatible, causing minimal irritation to gum tissue.
While zirconia crowns are typically more expensive than other options, their durability and versatility tend to justify the added cost.
Choosing the Right Dental Crowns in Brentwood, TN
Selecting the appropriate crown material depends on several factors, including the tooth's location, your aesthetic preferences, allergies, and budget considerations. Consulting with your dentist is crucial to making the best choice for your specific needs.
If you’re in Brentwood, TN, and want to learn more about your dental crown options from a friendly, experienced, and highly skilled dental care team, contact the stellar Haley E. Schmitt Cosmetic & Family Dentistry team to schedule a consultation!