Dental Crowns – What Are The Different Types?

 

Dental crowns offer an excellent way to repair damaged teeth. Whether your tooth is chipped, cracked, or broken, choosing a dental crown can be a good option for those who would like to avoid more intensive treatments. Crowns come in a range of different materials and there are several different types of dental crown your dentist can provide. Let’s take a look at some of the crown options Thousand Oaks Dental offers in San Antonio, Texas.

Dental Crown Materials

The material you choose for a dental crown is very important, with each of the available options having different properties that will impact the quality of your crown. We’ve outlined some of the most popular crown materials below to get you started.

Porcelain-Veneered Zirconia

 

Porcelain-Veneered Zirconia is hardy, affordable, and looks extremely natural. This type of crown is more prone to chipping than others and may aggravate nearby teeth.

Ceramic

 

Ceramic crowns blend very well with your existing teeth, while also being very strong. Ceramic materials are sensitive to pressure and prone to chipping, and this means that they are usually only used for front teeth.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal

 

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (or PFM) crowns are great for long-term durability, providing a strong bond to teeth. PFM crowns are prone to chipping but are less likely to break away than other crowns.

Gold and Metal Alloy

 

Gold and other metal alloy crowns are the strongest around and are gentle on other teeth, but they look the least natural and can be costly. Gold crowns will look like a gold tooth.

The Different Types of Dental Crowns

 

Along with the material options you have available, there are several different types of methods used for applying a crown. You can find some examples of these below, though it is usually best to talk to your dentist to make sure that you are choosing the right crown for you.

Temporary Crowns

 

Temporary crowns are used during the period between getting your tooth measured and your new crown made. An adhesive will be used to attach the crown, making it weaker but also easier to remove once the permanent crown is ready.

One-Day Crowns

 

Some dentists have the facility to measure your mouth and create a crown inside their office. This will usually be milled from a ceramic material and can enable you to have your new crown installed on the same day as your first appointment.

Onlay Crowns

 

Onlay crowns (or ¾ crowns) are used when a patient doesn’t need a full crown. These will only cover part of the tooth, saving time and money during the treatment, while also giving you full use of the remaining tooth that you have leftover.

 

Crowns are an excellent dental treatment that can help you to regain confidence in your smile without having to go through intense procedures. Here at Thousand Oaks Dental offers in San Antonio, Texas, we’ve had the chance to help countless patients with crowns and other dental procedures. Feel free to get in touch with our friendly team today to get the advice and support you need.