For patients in need of dental crowns, there are plenty of options available. Two of the most common choices are porcelain crowns and metal crowns (often with a porcelain overlay fused to the metal). Depending on a patient's specific circumstances, one of these crown types may be the preferred option.
Metal crowns have the advantage of being exceptionally strong. They can be made from stainless steel or a variety of metal alloys. However, since they cannot be matched to the color of a patient's existing teeth, they are not used as often as they once were.
In some cases, metal crowns are still used for molars that are very far back in the mouth. They take longer to wear down than porcelain crowns and very rarely break as a result of biting or chewing. There is some risk of corrosion with metal crowns, but most metal alloys used for crowns are highly corrosion-resistant.
A common alternative to all-metal crowns are crowns made by fusing porcelain to metal. With these dental crowns, a patient has the advantage of the strength of metal, but the porcelain overlay can be color-matched to teeth. With a porcelain-fused-to-metal crown, the porcelain may eventually chip, exposing the metal beneath. Patients may also be able to see a dark line where the crown meets the gumline.
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are a good choice for patients who want a crown that is color-matched but still can withstand significant biting or chewing force. These crowns can be used for front or back teeth.
For patients looking for dental crowns with the most natural color matching possible, porcelain crowns may be the better option. They are made with several layers of porcelain, each with a slightly different color, and they come closer to looking like a natural tooth compared to other types of dental crowns. With porcelain crowns, patients also do not need to worry about the dark line often seen at the gumline with porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. Because there are fewer aesthetic concerns, porcelain crowns are commonly used for front teeth, but they can sometimes be used for back teeth as well.
However, porcelain crowns are not as durable as metal crowns. Because they do not have the stronger layer of metal beneath the porcelain, they can be more prone to fractures over time. In more recent years, some dentists have begun using crowns made with layers of both porcelain and zirconia. Zirconia is an extremely durable ceramic that, like porcelain, can usually be color-matched to a patient's teeth. Porcelain-zirconia crowns are stronger than traditional porcelain crowns, and they may be ideal if excessive wear or eventual breakage is a concern. Both all-porcelain and porcelain-zirconia crowns are a potential option for patients with metal allergies.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges in San Francisco, CA.
For patients in need of one or more dental crowns, it is often wise to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of both metal and porcelain crowns with a dentist. By taking into account the location of the affected tooth and the patient's individual preferences, the dentist and patient can decide together on the right material to use.
Request an appointment or call Gregory Zabek Advanced General & Cosmetic Dentistry at 415-362-1102 for an appointment in our San Francisco office.
For individuals suffering from severe tooth loss or those struggling with traditional dentures, All-on-4 dental implants have emerged as a revolutionary solution that has transformed the field of restorative dentistry. This innovative procedure offers patients the ability to regain their smile, confidence, and quality of life with a fixed set of teeth that function and…
Dental crowns are a great way to restore the health and appearance of your smile after oral health issues develop. Dental crowns work by surrounding a vulnerable or damaged tooth and offering protection from further damage. Crowns may also be used for teeth replacement purposes as well.Several of the more common oral health issues that…
The time and effort that go into fitting a dental crown suggest a permanent restoration. Maybe it is the fact that installing a dental crown often requires multiple dentist visits. It could be the permanence that comes with the removal of enamel before the placement of a crown. Dental crowns that sit on dental implants…