If you’ve recently hurt one of your teeth, or you have a pretty serious cavity that a filling can’t address, your dentist might’ve informed you that you’ll need a dental crown on that tooth. You may have many questions pop into your head when you hear this, including ones that concern what the crown will be made out of. Continue reading to learn a little more about dental crowns and the types of materials that are used to create these versatile, impressive restorations!
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are often described as “caps” that are placed over the chewing surfaces of teeth in order to protect the underlying tooth. The crown is designed to mimic your natural teeth exactly in terms of look, feel, and function. In fact, thanks to recent advancements in dental technology and the use of beautiful, lifelike materials, most people aren’t able to tell the difference between a dental crown and real teeth!
Why Might I Need a Dental Crown?
Your dentist might recommend a crown for several different reasons, including:
- A tooth has a cavity that’s so severe a filling isn’t enough to repair it.
- A tooth has sustained intense physical damage, often due to trauma or a fall.
- A tooth has undergone root canal therapy due to an infection of the pulp.
- A tooth has become worn down due to teeth grinding (bruxism).
- A missing tooth has been replaced with the help of a dental implant.
Is There a Superior Dental Crown Material?
Crowns are designed to be strong, durable, and long-lasting, and in many cases, they’re an excellent solution for any of the aforementioned problems. They can be made from a variety of materials, including metal alloys, porcelain, zirconia, EMAX, and others, each with its own advantages. There is no “superior” dental crown material, as it’ll always depend on the circumstances.
Gold and metal alloys are among the more traditional options that have excellent durability, however, their key downside is their unnatural appearance. On the other hand, options like zirconia, porcelain, and EMAX offer incredible resilience as well as look perfectly lifelike. In any case, the strongest dental crown and best dental crown material will depend entirely on the situation; your dentist will discuss your options with you and let you know what they think based on your needs and preferences.
In reality, though, there isn’t really a wrong choice – by getting a crown, you’re improving your troubled tooth’s functionality, appearance, and long-term health, which is a triple-win!
About the Practice
The team at Dental Designs of Maryland has served the needs of patients and families in Hanover and the surrounding area for several years, offering a wide range of services including high-quality dental crowns, planned, created, and placed on the day of your appointment. If you have any questions about the blog, or you’d like to get in touch with the team to set up an appointment, please reach out online or call today for more information or assistance. Telephone: (443) 551-2726.