Metal Crowns vs. Porcelain Dental Crowns

Dental crowns can treat many different concerns. They can repair damaged teeth, attach to dental implants for teeth replacement, and more. Two of the main types of dental crowns are metal and porcelain crowns. Both are effective solutions, but one may be preferable to another depending on the intended purpose.

A review of two types of dental crowns

Your dentist should help you decide on the best type of dental crowns, and everyone may have a different idea as to which is the best solution. Read on to learn more about the advantages and drawbacks of two types of dental crowns.

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns, also called dental caps, are dental restorations that are placed over existing teeth or attached to a dental implant to repair dental damage or replace missing teeth. Several of the more common concerns that dental crowns can address include:

• Chips and cracks
• Worn-down teeth
• Severe stains
• Misshapen teeth
• Missing teeth

Dental crowns improve the appearance, function, feel, and health of a tooth by restoring the size and shape and protecting any damaged parts from further harm. Many dentists also place dental crowns after root canal therapy.

Types of dental crown materials

There are multiple types of dental crowns for patients to choose from. Each option has unique benefits and potential drawbacks. The most common types of dental crowns are porcelain, porcelain-fused-to-metal, metal alloy, and gold alloy.

Porcelain crowns are a great choice for front teeth as they offer better aesthetics because they closely match the shade of natural teeth. Metal crowns, gold crowns, and porcelain-fused-to-metal may not offer the same level of cosmetic benefits, but they offer superior strength and durability. This makes them generally preferable for teeth that are used more for chewing, including the premolars and molars.

How to choose the right type of dental crown

As mentioned, some dental crown materials work better for certain teeth. When deciding which option is most suitable, patients should consider the location of the tooth that is receiving the crown and whether they value appearance or durability more. Each material may have a different cost, as well. Generally speaking, dentists typically recommend metal crowns for teeth used for chewing and which are less visible, and porcelain crowns for front teeth. Porcelain-fused-to-metal offers a unique combination of both.

How the dental crown treatment process works

The treatment process starts with a consultation visit. During the visit, the dentist may take an impression of the tooth, which is used to create the dental crown. This can take several days to several weeks. Once the dental crown returns to the dentist, the patient can come back to the office for dental crown placement.

Schedule a consultation for dental crowns

If you have damaged or missing teeth and want to learn more about dental crowns as a treatment option, contact our dental team today. We are glad to answer your questions and help you with each step of the treatment process, ensuring you are comfortable and informed throughout the treatment.

Request an appointment here: https://www.mydavidsondental.com or call Davidson Dental at (801) 252-4814 for an appointment in our Roy office.

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