Dental crowns, or caps, cover damaged teeth. When properly cared for, they can last many years.
Dental crowns can be made of a variety of materials. Metal crowns, like gold or zirconia, are strong and durable. They require less of the tooth structure to be removed and look very natural.
Metal Crowns
Metal crowns, made of base metal alloys such as nickel and chromium, are very strong. They also require less of the tooth structure to be removed than other crown types. They last the longest and can withstand heavy biting and chewing forces. However, their metallic color makes them less attractive. They are used mainly for molars. 韓国歯科矯正
A porcelain fused to metal crown is a strong type that has a metal core on the inside and then a layer of ceramic on top. The ceramic is tooth-colored, so it looks more natural than a purely metal crown. They are also called PFM or VMK crowns.
Noble alloys contain a high percentage of precious metals, usually gold and platinum. They have a higher biocompatibility rating and are better for patients who may experience sensitivity to non-precious metals like nickel.
Non-noble alloys are more affordable but have a lower biocompatibility rating. They are typically made from a mixture of base metals, such as nickel and chromium, which are not as healthy for the body. They are more prone to allergic reactions than noble alloys.
All-Porcelain Crowns
A porcelain crown, sometimes referred to as an all-ceramic crown, is a tooth-shaped cap that covers 韓国歯科矯正 a damaged or decayed natural tooth. This restorative dentistry procedure is a simple and relatively painless way to repair damaged teeth. After a tooth has been shaved down to accommodate the crown, the dentist takes impressions and sends them off to a dental lab as a model for the new restoration. In the meantime, patients receive a temporary crown to wear for 2-3 weeks as they wait for their permanent crown.
Unlike the pure metals that make up metal crowns, all-porcelain crowns are constructed of different types of porcelain that are colour-matched to the surrounding natural teeth. These porcelains are either hand-crafted by a dental technician or carved out of a single block of ceramic using a computerized milling machine. All-porcelain crowns are bio-compatible, meaning they are compatible with the human body and won’t irritate the gums like metallic crowns can.
Some of the most popular all-porcelain crowns on the market are known as E-max crowns. These are made from lithium disilicate, a hard and strong material that is highly translucent, meaning it will blend in naturally with the surrounding teeth. This is one of the strongest types of porcelain crowns available and will resist fracturing, chipping or breaking. It also won’t wear down the teeth that it bites against as easily as other crown options.
Porcelain Veneers
When teeth are damaged or discolored, porcelain veneers are an excellent solution. They can close slight gaps between your front teeth, brighten your smile and hide stains. They are especially good for addressing worn molars caused by grinding or clenching. They can also correct a crooked bite that leads to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.
Porcelain veneers are fabricated from a tooth-colored ceramic material and bonded to the surface of your existing natural teeth. They reflect light in a similar way as your natural tooth enamel, which gives them a very attractive and natural look.
They can be used to correct a single broken tooth or for a full mouth reconstruction. Unlike composite veneers, porcelain is more durable and naturally colored. However, it does require more time, expertise and resources for the dentist to work with. This can make them more expensive than composite.
Initially, your dentist will take a mold of your tooth. They will then shave some of your enamel to prepare the tooth for the veneer. This is done to make sure the veneer will fit. Once the dentist is satisfied with the shape of the veneer they will place it on your tooth and etch the surface to roughen it up for a strong bond.
The dentist will then use a special cement to permanently seal the veneer to your tooth. They will shine a special light on the tooth to activate chemicals that will cause the cement to harden.
Dental Implants
Implants are a long-term tooth replacement solution that can replace both the root and the crown of a missing tooth. They provide a secure, stable structure that looks and functions like your natural teeth. Dental implants are only suitable for people with healthy gums and jaw bones. The surgical procedure and implant placement may be lengthy, but the results are long-lasting if properly cared for.
The first step in a dental implant treatment plan is a comprehensive clinical assessment to make sure that you’re a good candidate. Your dentist will take X-rays and 3D images of your mouth and existing teeth, and they may recommend a CBCT scan to better understand the anatomy of your jaw bone. If necessary, they can perform a small bone graft to build up enough healthy bone to place the implant.
Dental implant crowns are available in different types, based on the material that is used to fabricate them. Metal crowns are typically made out of a metal alloy, which is composed of several pure metal elements that have been combined to create a substance with superior physical properties than the individual elements could offer.
The resulting alloys vary, but they often contain more base metals than noble metals (like gold). Alloys for dental crowns may also include chromium and nickel (which increase strength and corrosion resistance), or lithium disilicate glass ceramic (for enhanced translucency). The latter is a very strong material, with durability comparable to that of natural tooth enamel.