Porcelain vs. Other Types of Dental Crowns

When it comes to dental crowns, many people think that porcelain crowns are automatically the best option for effective cosmetic and restorative care. That\’s not necessarily true. While the porcelain crowns look great, there are other kinds of dental crowns that may actually be better suited to the needs of the patient. The team at our Bossier City and Shreveport cosmetic dentistry centers would like to look at the basics of dental crown types so you understand what dynamics are taken into account when restoring the health and appearance of your smile.

About Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are caps that are designed to fit over the teeth in order to restore their appearance and their stability. These Shreveport dental crowns are an ideal option for treating major tooth decay and tooth injuries, and they help reduce tooth sensitivity and tooth pain associated with both of those dental problems.

Why are there different kinds of dental crowns?

You have no doubt noticed that your natural teeth come in different shapes and sizes. Each tooth is designed to perform different kinds of tasks in biting and chewing. The same idea can be applied to dental crowns. Certain materials will be better for restoring certain teeth. It\’s also important to consider how these dental crowns will interact with the teeth they come into contact with when biting or chewing.

All of these factors will be kept in mind when determining the best full mouth reconstruction strategy for your needs. Let\’s now take a look at the different kinds of dental crowns and what makes them unique.

Porcelain Dental Crowns

Porcelain dental crowns are made entirely out of a dental ceramic, which means that they are the best for matching the color of natural teeth. These types of dental crowns are often used to restore the front teeth at our Shreveport and Bossier City family dental care center, though other factors may come into play as well.

Metal Dental Crowns

Metal dental crowns were the ideal option in the past. Made of gold and other generally soft alloys, these types of dental crowns may not be aesthetically matched to natural teeth, but they are sturdy. In many cases they are used for addressing issues with the molars, which are usually hidden from view.

Porcelain-Over-Metal Dental Crowns

These types of dental crowns are just what they sound like: a ceramic cover over metal. These types of dental crowns can sometimes chip to reveal the metal underneath. Similarly, wear on the ceramic surface can affect appearance as well. For reconstructive and restorative dentistry needs, these porcelain-over-metal dental crowns are good for both front teeth and rear teeth.

Resin Dental Crowns

Resin dental crowns are the least expensive kinds of dental crowns available. Though they can be effective, there is the chance of wear to the crowns as well as fractures to the resin. Other types of dental crowns might be better for patients given these issues.

Learn More About Cosmetic and Restorative Dental Care

If you would like more information about dental crowns and your other options for advanced dental restoration, be sure to contact our Shreveport and Bossier City family dentistry center today. The entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you make the best and most empowered decisions possible regarding your dental health.