A dental crown is a covering for an existing tooth. It can improve the way a decayed or broken tooth looks and make it stronger and longer lasting. Crowns are usually made from porcelain, ceramic, glass or metal.
Crowns are strong and generally last for about 10 years or longer if you take good care of them. Brush and floss your crown, just like you clean your natural teeth. After flossing, roll it up in a tiny ball and put it in the garbage. Never flush floss down the toilet. Crowns may not be as strong as your natural teeth. So like your natural teeth, remember not to bite down on hard objects or use your teeth to open or cut things.
Types of dental crowns
This is definitely the most popular type of crown . They are entirely made of porcelain material.
Some ADVANTAGES are:
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Porcelain or ceramic crowns provide the best and most natural look. They match your surrounding teeth in shape, size, and color.
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The best option for front teeth restorations.
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They are biocompatible: that means no metal is used, so they are toxic-free.
Zirconia Crowns
Zirconium is a relatively new material that combines the strength of metal with the aesthetics of porcelain crowns. High translucent zirconia and layered zirconia crowns have become a more popular choice lately.
The main ADVANTAGES of zirconia crowns are:
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They provide great aesthetics
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They are strong and long-lasting (less possibilities of chipping or breaking).
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The process can be less time consuming because zirconia can be cut and shaped at the same dental office. There’s no need to send them over to a dental lab.
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Zirconia Crowns are less likely to wear down due to their strength.
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They are biocompatible: as metal free crowns, they are not likely to cause allergic reactions.
Porcelain Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM)
Porcelain fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns are another widely used type of dental crowns. They provide both strength (due to their metal structure) and aesthetics (due to the porcelain coat that covers the cap).
The main ADVANTAGES of PFM crowns are:
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They provide great aesthetics and durability
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They’ve been around for over 50 years. We know they work well.
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They are less costly than all porcelain crowns
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E- MAX: Lithium Disilicate Crowns
The newest type of crown in dentistry today is known as E -Max. It is a type of all-ceramic crown made of lithium disilicate (which is also light and thin).
The main ADVANTAGES of E-max crowns are:
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Great aesthetics. They look great in your mouth.
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They can be durable and very strong.
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They provide a great choice both for front and back teeth.