Dental crowns are often used to help replace the top of a tooth that has been severely damaged due to dental decay or tooth trauma. They are also often used as part of a dental bridge or root canal treatment. Dental crowns can be made of a variety of materials from tooth-colored dental composite to various metals including gold. In this article, we will cover the pros and cons of different materials for dental crowns. If you are interested in discussing dental treatments or options for your own dental health, please contact our offices for appointments in the Chicago area.
Gold dental crowns are frequently made up of a variety of different metals including copper or nickel. The main benefit of a metal dental crown is its durability. Just like anything else made of metal, gold dental crowns tend to be resistant to damage. They are frequently placed on the back teeth. The most obvious drawback of these crowns is that they are not visually subtle. Depending on the patient this might not necessarily be a con, but for most patients, their goal with fillings crowns, and implants is that they are virtually indistinguishable from their healthy teeth. This is another reason why metal crowns are not used as frequently as they once were and why they are usually used in areas of the mouth that are less visible.
Some dental crowns are made from ceramics or porcelain. These crowns are known for their tooth-colored appearance which helps them blend in more effectively with other teeth. They are also biocompatible. One of the potential issues of metal crowns is that metals might not be toxin-free. That said, porcelain crowns are not as durable as metal crowns. This means that they are more likely to crack, chip, or break especially if you grind your teeth. They also tend to be more expensive than gold dental crowns.
Dental composite crowns are one of the most commonly used materials. As the name suggests, composite crowns combine different materials with the goal of providing the best solution. They tend to cost less than gold or porcelain crowns while being relatively durable. They are also tooth-colored so they are less likely to be noticed when you smile. One of the drawbacks of these crowns is that they may be less durable, especially for patients who do not actively take care of their teeth. Patients who do not brush and floss often might be more likely to notice issues with their dental crowns.
Here at All Star Dental, our five dental offices provide dental crowns as well as many other dental treatments. For more information about our services, please contact our team to schedule an appointment.
