Introduction

Whether it's due to poor oral health or an accident, cavities, gum disease, and injury can cause irreversible damage to your smile. 

Such instances might force you to opt for implants, fillings, or a root canal (upon your dentist's suggestion that can restore your bite, improve your smile's aesthetics, and enable you to chew without pain. 

A dental crown is a reliable oral appliance that can restore your bite, improve your smile's aesthetics, and enable you to chew without pain. However, the number of options for dental crowns in Jacksonville might confuse you when selecting what’s best for your smile. 

Therefore, keeping the same in mind, this blog takes a closer look at the different dental crowns for your needs via topics like: 

• But What is A Dental Crown?
• Different Types of Crowns You Should Know Of! 
• 5 Things to Consider When Choosing A Dental Crown!
• Evaluating the Durability and Lifespan of Various Crowns

Continue reading as we learn more about the different aspects of a perfect dental crown in the following sections. 

But What is A Dental Crown?

As the name suggests, a dental crown is a synthetic cap placed on a broken tooth or implant. It is a practical oral appliance that covers signs of damage, cavities, or tooth extraction. Crowns are also effective in replacing primary fillings and improving your bite.

So, now that we have information about dental crowns let’s learn more about available options. 

Different Types of Crowns You Should Know Of! 

Full Metal Crowns

Crowns have existed for hundreds of years. They were made of nickel, gold, palladium, and chromium. Interestingly, metal crowns remain one of the most commonly opted-for forms of the appliance. 

Patients primarily choose them for their longevity. They can withstand biting and chewing pressures for over 20 years. Additionally, metal crowns don’t require a significant portion of your tooth to be removed. Patients with a little gap between teeth can go for complete metal crowns. 

Porcelain Fused to Metal

Next, we have porcelain fused crowns, a natural alternative to metal crowns. This appliance is designed using a metal foundation and porcelain, which can be paired with the color of your teeth. They’re the best option for individuals looking for a strong alternative with a natural smile. 

However, there are some disadvantages to the appliance, too. Porcelain crowns tend to chip and break off the crown. What’s more? Porcelain fused to metal crowns also increases the risk of gingivitis. It’s not recommended for individuals with receding gums.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia is another option for dental crowns. A natural alternative to porcelain fused options, it is solid, biocompatible, and transparent. It’s also available in several colors, allowing users a higher level of customization. Due to its durability, zirconium is among the most commonly utilized materials for dental crowns.

All-ceramic or All-porcelain Crowns

Compared to other types of crowns, all-ceramic or all-porcelain artificial teeth are the best alternative. They’re an excellent choice for people who are allergic to metals. 

Since these appliances do not include metal, all-ceramic crowns seem more natural. They are entirely ceramic in construction and are the go-to choice for people who want something more modern and realistic-looking.

5 Things to Consider When Choosing A Dental Crown!

#1 Know the reason behind getting a crown

Crowns are an excellent option for holding damaged teeth together, strengthening a filled tooth covering over 50% of your tooth, and securing bridges and implants. Their goal is to lengthen the life of a tooth.

Therefore, if you want to improve oral aesthetics, opting for dental bonding or porcelain veneers is best since both options are less intrusive. On the contrary, crowns are non-reversible and expensive. 

#2 Compare costs

Every insurance plan is unique, so ensure you know what your plan covers. Crowns implanted only for aesthetic reasons are usually not covered. Plus, several other criteria have exclusions for replacements and material types.

Therefore, if your insurance doesn’t cover the cost, the best option is to use an all-resin dental crown. This material is less costly than other crowns and can last a few years with proper care. 

#3 Consider gold

Gold crowns are another great option if you plan to switch to crowns. They’re exceptionally strong and won't crack, chip, or break. Dentists at Cherokee Family Dental suggest this alternative as they won’t wear down opposing teeth as other materials do. While the hue of gold may reduce over time, it is still a practical choice (particularly for back teeth). 

Gold is more durable than other dental crowns, significantly increasing your bite strength and chewing ability. You could also switch to options with more platinum, gold, or base metal alloys. They’re an excellent option, too.

#4 Consider appearance

Are you concerned about cosmetic improvements? Porcelain could be a good option for your smile. All-porcelain dental crowns give the most natural appearance and are an excellent choice for individuals with metal allergies.

Porcelain fused to metal is the most realistic-looking material available, yet the underlying metal may occasionally show through, depending on the gum line. The metal strengthens the tooth, making it an ideal bridge anchor.

#5 Do you grind your teeth?

Knowing your habits is essential for determining what you need when selecting dental crown material. If you grind your teeth frequently, avoiding resin or all-porcelain crowns and switching to more durable alternatives is best. 

Evaluating the Durability and Lifespan of Various Crowns

Dental crown durability and lifetime are determined by various factors, including material composition, biting force, oral hygiene practices, and the patient's general oral health. 

Here’s how long each appliance technically lasts under ideal conditions: 

• Metal crowns are the most sturdy and long-lasting, lasting between 15 and 30 years. 
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns normally last 10-15 years
• All ceramic and composite crowns can last up to 5-7 years. 

Proper oral hygiene, frequent dental check-ups, and preventing behaviors like teeth grinding or clenching will help extend the life of dental crowns.

Considering Aesthetic Preferences and Material Choices

When selecting a dental crown, it’s essential to consider both cosmetic preferences and choice of materials.

• Porcelain and ceramic crowns provide excellent aesthetics, closely approaching natural teeth in color, clarity, and texture.
  
  
• Metal crowns may be favored for their strength and longevity, particularly on posterior teeth, but they must be more visually acceptable.
  
  
• Composite crowns are cheaper and appealing but may not be as long-lasting as other materials.

Location of the Crown

• The location of the tooth being crowned determines the material used.
• For front teeth, aesthetics are critical; thus, porcelain or ceramic crowns are ideal.
• Metal crowns are a suitable alternative for back teeth due to their outstanding durability.

Takeaway

• A dental crown is an oral appliance designed to renew your smile. 
• Oral crowns can be an excellent option for individuals trying to fix their chipped, shattered, or damaged teeth together.
• The durability of your crown can be affected by multiple factors: material composition, biting force, and oral hygiene practices. 
• Let’s revamp your smile with our Cherokee Dental Professionals today