Choosing the Right Crown for Your Smile

Crowns were once made primarily of metal, which unfortunately posed a number of potential problems for many patients. Those with metal allergies or sensitivities might not have been able to receive a crown safely, when metal was the only widely available option. Most dentists also recommended expectant moms should not have metal crowns placed during pregnancy. Still others found that metal crowns could be uncomfortable during eating, due to metal’s relatively high conductivity. Fortunately, now patients can choose dental crowns made of a variety of materials, each with unique benefits. So finding the perfect solution for protecting your smile has never been more possible. It’s simply a matter of weighing your concerns and smile needs, usually during a consultation with your restorative dentist, so he or she can then help you select the dental crown that is ideal for you!

What Option Is Right for You?

Dental crowns are now readily available in a variety of materials, the most common of which are porcelain and metal. But zirconia and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are also provided by many dentists, meaning there truly is a variety of ways to restore a smile after a cavity, root canal treatment, a chip, crack or other dental trauma!

Crowns help to protect fragile teeth and prevent infection. And perhaps best of all, in many cases they can actually improve both the function and appearance of your smile. Porcelain and zirconia are particularly prized for their ability to blend seamlessly with a patient’s natural smile. Both can be made to match the teeth’s shape, size, shade and even their contouring, creating in credibly natural-looking smile restoration. Porcelain is naturally stain-resistant and strong, making it a long-lasting solution. But zirconia is even stronger, making it a better choice when the back molars, which are heavily used, are the teeth needing treatment.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal is often recommended for heavily used yet visible teeth, since it combines metal’s strength with the esthetic appeal of porcelain. Of course this is only a fitting choice for patients with no metal allergies or sensitivities.

Determining which crown is the best restorative treatment for you is best done by speaking candidly with your dentist about your esthetic concerns, budget constraints and lifestyle, as these can all affect which crown material will provide the best and longest-lasting results, based on your specific criteria.