If you’ve recently cracked a tooth or discovered a cavity, your dentist may decide that a dental crown is the best way to solve the problem. But did you know that you have options when it comes to choosing the best crown for you? Much like shopping for a new pair of shoes, everyone will have to choose the style, color, and material that is best suited to their needs. Luckily, choosing the right crown is considerably more straightforward than picking out your next pair of heels! Here are the main factors you’ll want to consider.
Material
There are two main choices for the material making up your crown: metal or porcelain. Gold, nickel, and other metals are strong and hold up for years without wearing down, making them a good choice for people who grind their teeth or anyone at risk of mouth injuries, like athletes. The major downside of metal crowns is obvious: these materials don’t look much like your natural teeth. However, they can be a good choice for your back molars where they won’t be seen.
On the other hand, porcelain and ceramic crowns are designed to mimic your natural teeth as closely as possible, so they’re a good option for more visible teeth. While they aren’t quite as strong as metal, they can still last for years with good dental care. One option many people choose is to use porcelain or ceramic crowns fused to a metal base. This gives it a little extra strength while looking more like a natural tooth. However, the porcelain will still have to conceal the metal underneath so that it won’t be quite as lifelike.
Appearance
Everyone’s teeth are a little bit different when it comes to size and shape. Your dentist will take impressions of the tooth that needs a crown so he can replicate the bite exactly. This will prevent your new crown from interfering with your bite. If there’s too much damage to your tooth, your dentist may build the tooth up with a bonding material or use a digital scanner to judge what the crown should look like.
Color
With porcelain and ceramic crowns, your dentist will be able to choose a color that matches your teeth as closely as possible. Some people have teeth with a slightly bluish tint, while others are more yellow. Keep in mind that your new crown won’t stain or yellow like your natural teeth. If you ever plan on whitening your teeth, have that done first so you can match the shade you want your teeth to be!
Layers
If you look closely at your teeth, you’ll notice they’re slightly translucent – light can penetrate them and allow you to see some of the layers within each tooth. Porcelain and ceramic crowns have the unique ability to mimic this, unlike metal crowns. Even many older porcelain crowns appeared only as one solid block of color. Look for crowns with multiple layers, which give much more detail to your new crown and help it look as lifelike as possible.
If you still have questions on selecting the right crown, schedule a visit with one of our dentists in Aliso Viejo, CA, to decide which type would be best for you.
Dr. Turner has helped countless patients get the healthy, beautiful smile they desired. Excellent clinical work and unrivaled personal attention make Turner Dental Care the premier Cosmetic Dental Office in Aliso Viejo. Call Jenny now for a complimentary consultation at (949) 770-3294 or contact us online.
