Long-Lasting Protection with Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are used in a wide range of dental situations to provide lasting protection for a damaged tooth. Whether from tooth decay, physical damage, or other issues, the exterior layers of a tooth can become compromised. Replacing the exterior of the tooth with a durable and strong dental crown is often the best solution.

Dental crowns are able to effectively protect your teeth on a long-term basis due to the various materials from which they’re made. Many different kinds of dental crowns are available today, both conventional and highly advanced, and each offers its own unique benefits.

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right type for your needs.

IPS EMAX Porcelain Crowns

IPS EMAX porcelain crowns are among the latest developments in crown technology. Porcelain has long been used as a material for crowns and other dental restorations due to its natural, tooth-like color. However, conventional porcelain crowns can carry the risk of cracking due to physical impacts.

The new ceramic formulation used to create IPS EMAX porcelain crowns provides great aesthetics that look incredibly natural but also deliver superior strength and durability. These are essentially the top-of-the-line option for modern dental crowns, although your individual needs could make another option more suitable.

Some types of crowns are made of various metals or include some metal components. IPS EMAX porcelain crowns are entirely ceramic, so they don’t trigger any potential metal allergies.

Zirconia Porcelain Crowns

Zirconia is a relatively new material to dentistry that is now being used in a variety of restorative treatments. This includes a range of zirconia crown options that could be just what you need for a strong and full smile.

Solid zirconia crowns are exceptionally strong but aren’t the best option for matching the appearance of natural teeth. There’s no translucency to the material, as opposed to the natural outer layers of teeth. However, zirconia porcelain crowns solve that problem.

These zirconia crowns feature a zirconia core and a thin outer layer of porcelain. This provides the strength of zirconia while greatly improving the aesthetics of the replacement tooth.

Many kinds of dental crowns incorporate multiple materials, and zirconia porcelain crowns are a prime example that mixing materials can be beneficial.

Zirconia is also highly biocompatible. It’s unlikely to cause any allergic or inflammatory responses. Combined with the excellent strength and longevity of the material, a zirconia porcelain crown could be the perfect choice for your needs.

Full Metal Crowns

Gold and other metals were used in dentistry dating back to prehistory, and that tradition still exists today. While less popular than they once were, gold crowns are still an option that provide many notable benefits.

Full metal crowns made with gold have been used historically because gold is highly non-reactive. It doesn’t corrode, and it has great biocompatibility, making it the perfect choice for long-term tooth replacements and restorations.

One unique benefit of gold crowns is that they are good for your remaining teeth. Some crown options are too hard, causing excessive wear on adjacent teeth. Gold, on the other hand, is soft enough that it doesn’t damage nearby natural teeth.

Today, gold crowns typically aren’t pure gold. Instead, they feature a mix of other metals that provide improved strength, stability, and longevity. In any case, a full metal crown is an excellent option for your long-term health.

How Can You Choose the Right Type of Crown?

Each type of dental crown can provide benefits in certain situations, so it’s important to consider your unique needs. For many patients, budget is a concern, with the latest advancements in dental crowns often costing more. You’ll also need to determine which crowns your insurance supports.

Whether the tooth is at the front or back of your mouth is also important. The appearance of the crown is more important for the front teeth, while strength and durability should be a more serious concern for back teeth.

In the end, the only way to know for sure which type of crown is right for you is to contact your local dentist. They’ll be able to assess your needs and determine which treatment options will be most effective. That could mean one out of the many kinds of dental crowns now available, or even alternative tooth restoration options.

Find the Right Dental Crown for Your Needs in Griffin, GA

At Allred Family Dentistry, we carry out a thorough consultation to determine what your individual needs are and which restorative dentistry option best meets them. We provide a wide range of dental crown options and other treatments to help you smile with confidence.

Request your appointment today to get started.