The Types of Dental Crowns

Dental CrownAs a leading provider of dental crowns, we know that a lot of people rely on them to fix any number of problems. As such they have become one of the most widely used prosthetic devices in dentistry. Since it is so widely used, the technology and materials continue to be improved upon as dental scientists are working endlessly to make the best fit for each and every person. We know that not every person's mouth is the same. What works in one situation, material wise, may not be an ideal fit for someone else.

As such, while full porcelain crowns are the most requested dental crowns in San Francisco, there are other types of crowns that need to be explored with our customers so that they can pick the one that best suits them. Unfortunately, most people do not know the types of materials available to build a dental crown with, nor the pros and cons of each. Here are a few of them.

Types of Dental Crowns

Porcelain Crowns

For dental crowns, porcelain has long been the standard product since it has a similar color to tooth enamel. In fact, porcelain dental crowns are so lifelike that people will not be able to tell the difference between the dental crowns and natural teeth. The additional benefit with porcelain is that they do not conduct heat and cold very well to help with the initial sensitivity in the tooth after placing the crown. Porcelain also takes on many of the qualities of enamel, meaning it is extremely hard but also brittle.

There are advantages and disadvantages to this. The hardness means that porcelain crowns can be extremely hard, which can cause them to wear on the opposing teeth when chewing. In addition, there are a few other minor disadvantages to porcelain. These include the fact that they are more brittle than some of the other types of dental crowns, and that they use a more comprehensive bonding process which can extend the duration of the recovery time after the procedure.

Gold Crowns

Gold was once the most commonly used form of metal for dental crowns until porcelain crowns were found to be more efficient and effective. Regardless, gold has multiple qualities that make it the perfect material to use when creating crowns. For example, gold is extremely strong when it is in an alloy. Pure gold is very soft, so we make an alloy of gold with titanium, silver, or palladium to make it stronger. Crowns consisting of this gold alloy are extremely durable.

At the same time, gold is soft enough to where it does not wear out the opposing teeth as quickly as porcelain. On the disadvantages side, gold is a very good conductor of heat, which means that intensity and duration of a person's sensitivity to hot and cold substances will increase significantly. We can discuss both options when you come into Emerson Dental Associates for dental crowns.

Recent Posts

When A Dental Crown Is Needed For A Cavity

A dental crown is a type of dental restoration that covers the entire tooth on all sides. It offers excellent protection for a damaged or weakened tooth, and it is a great treatment option for moderate to severe cavities. This review discusses the role of dental crown restorations for cavities and other oral health concerns.Generally,…

How To Extend The Life Of Your Dental Crown

Dental crowns are to thank for restoring teeth that are in bad shape. However, once they are placed, it is up to the patient to ensure that the crown does its job.There are a few things that dentists recommend once a dental crown has been placed. These recommendations can be extremely helpful when trying to…

When Are Dental Crowns Recommended By Dentists?

Dental crowns are used in general dentistry very frequently as they are quite versatile. They can solve a number of problems ranging from a simple chip to a severe break. When considering dental restorations, it is worth looking into dental crowns. Outside of being versatile, they are offered in different materials, which can be helpful…

We Can Help Repair Your Smile

We can replace missing teeth for a fully-functional and natural-looking set of teeth.When it comes to a smile, there are certain aspects that brushing and flossing can't change. While proper oral hygiene is essential for one's health, cosmetic dental care offers a variety of procedures to enhance the appearance of one's teeth.We can use cosmetic…


Recent Posts

Facts And Myths About Full Mouth Reconstruction

Facts And Myths About Full Mouth Reconstruction

When considering full mouth reconstruction to restore oral health, it is important to learn about the process, including the choice to make. When multiple dental issues are present, a full mouth reconstruction is usually the best procedure to correct the problems and restore oral functions and one's appearance. Since there is a lot of information…

Multiple Dental Implants Vs  Dental Bridge

Multiple Dental Implants Vs. Dental Bridge

Dental implants are a great way to replace multiple missing teeth. A dental bridge is also a solution for multiple teeth replacement in many cases as well. By learning more about the pros and cons of each option, it will help you decide which treatment option is right for you. Missing teeth create a cosmetic, functional…