I have always envied those around me who seem to always have perfect smiles without even trying, because I feel like I was born with "bad teeth." While my teeth are in great shape now, it is only because I take great care to visit the dentist every six months for a check-up and cleaning and maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. While I used to get a lot of cavities, even though I thought I was doing "everything right" to keep them away, I am proud to say that I have been cavity-free for a couple of years now! I put a lot of research into what daily habits can wreak havoc on my teeth, and I thought it would be a shame not to share what has helped me with others who need the advice. I plan to post many oral health tips on my new blog!
If your dentist has suggested that you need a crown, be sure to ask your dentist what type of crown material they suggest that you use. Then, discuss what type of material you think would be best for your crown.
#1 Porcelain Fused To Metal
With this type of crown, the main body of the crown is made out of porcelain. Under the top porcelain layer, there is a metal layer. This type of arrangement allows for a more natural look with the porcelain on top while also providing for a stronger, more durable base with the metal on the bottom.
The only real downside to a porcelain fused to metal crown is that if the porcelain gets chipped or worn down over time, the metal layer will become exposed.
#2 Metal Crown
You can also get a crown that is entirely made of metal. Different types of metals can be used in the crown. Metal is really strong and can easily last your entire life without needing to be replaced. Gold is actually one of the best metals to use in a crown because it is biocompatible. It also doesn't wear down the enamel on your surrounding teeth like some metals can do.
The big downside to a fully metal crown is that it doesn't blend in with the rest of your teeth. Metal crowns are generally recommended for teeth further back in your mouth where the metal will not be that visible.
#3 Full Porcelain
A third option is a full porcelain crown. This type of crown will blend in the best with the rest of your natural teeth. A porcelain crown is the most recommended crown for front teeth because it blends in the best with the rest of your teeth.
The downside to a porcelain crown is that it generally costs more than porcelain fused to metal crowns or full metal crowns. Often time, this extra cost is absorbed by you and not your insurance company. Additionally, porcelain crowns are not as strong as the other two options listed above and will more than likely eventually need to be replaced down the line.
#4 All Resin Crowns
A fourth option is an all resin crown. This type of crown is made out of composite material. Like porcelain, resin crowns tend to look more like natural teeth. Resin crowns tend to be one of the most affordable and cheapest options, which is good if you are paying out of pocket for a crown.
The big downside to resin crowns is that they are not that strong. They tend to wear down fairly quickly, so you'll need to get a replacement crown a lot sooner than the other three options listed above.
Share21 February 2017
