A lot of people would argue that one’s smile is their most powerful weapon. When someone smiles at you, surely you will feel better instantly, and you make other people the same way. Plus, oral hygiene is, as it should be, on top of everyone’s list.
As you know, maintaining the health and beauty of your teeth is not only a lengthy process in some cases, but it can also be quite expensive. Besides, there are so many different procedures that are available which is why we are going to focus on dental crowns. In this article, we are going to introduce you to these, tell you about different types of crowns, and explain to you how to take care of them.
Do you need a crown?
Before we go into detail about these, let us tell you what sort of issues can be fixed with a dental crown. First of all, if you have had a dental implant, a crown can be used to cover it completely. Secondly, it can be used to fix the dental bridge. Next, it can be used to restore a tooth if it has been too damaged and has a large filling. Finally, it can be used for aesthetic reasons – it can make your teeth perfect by ensuring that they are all the same size, shape, and color.
What types of crowns are there?
Even though if one doesn’t really know what kinds are available, they assume that there are multiple and that each of them has its own pros and cons. Due to this reason, upon learning that they need one, people usually immediately start thinking about which one might be right for them. Here are some main kinds.
All-Resin
These crowns are very frequently used because of the fact that they are not made of metal, meaning that they are safe and that also they can be created to be of any color, which is extremely beneficial. Besides, they are very cost-effective, which is a big pro taking into consideration how expensive this procedure can be. Nevertheless, at the same time, they are not very durable, meaning that they can easily be chipped, broken, or damaged in some other way.
All Porcelain
Without a doubt, these are most frequently used due to a few reasons. First of all, as you can assume, they are made solely out of porcelain and they do not include the metal, so those are toxic-free. Moreover, because of the material and color, a lot of people want them because they fit perfectly with other natural teeth. This is why they are oftentimes used for the restoration of the front teeth.
Still, there are some downsides to these. They are not as durable as metal ones. Yes, they will last you for a long time, but keep in mind that you have to take great care of them, and even then, they might get damaged. In addition, because of their popularity and quality, these can be quite pricey.
Metal
The main benefit of these is the fact that they are extremely durable, so don’t worry about those getting damaged or chipped. They are usually made of the combination of alloy and gold or platinum, or on the other hand, alloy and nickel or cobalt chromium.
As it is to be expected, the main disadvantage of these is their color which makes them quite aesthetically unappealing. Let’s put it this way – there aren’t a lot of people who want to have a golden tooth. They are cheaper than porcelain crowns and they are mostly used in the restoration of the back teeth.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal
Now let’s discuss the combination of the two above-mentioned types of dental crowns. Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) is usually the best choice for many people because it can provide you with advantages of porcelain and metal ones.
They are a perfect combination of aesthetics and strength due to metal structure and porcelain coating. These have been around for decades and are significantly cheaper than porcelain ones meaning that they are probably within your price range.
However, there is one thing that you have to know. If you have the habit of grinding your teeth, these can wear off very easily, so you should think twice before investing them.
Zirconia
These are also, in a way, a combination of metal and porcelain ones, but they are of higher quality then PFM ones. They do not contain metal which is a big advantage since they cannot cause allergic reactions. The chances of chipping or breaking them are very small, and they are also very aesthetically appealing. The only downside of these is that they can easily damage the teeth they bite against.
E-MAX
E-MAX crowns are the latest creation in the dental industry. These can be described as a kind of ceramic crowns, but they are made of lithium disilicate. They can be used in numerous ways, but you can rest assured that they will ensure that you have the brightest teeth. Besides being light, these crowns are very strong and they can last you for a long time.
However, as it is to be expected, currently, this is the most expensive option, not only to patients but also to dentists, which is why it can difficult to locate one who works with these.
Stainless Steel
Finally, we are going to mention these that are used as a temporary solution. These can be made in the dentist’s office, unlike the permanent ones that are made in a laboratory. They are only intended to serve for a short period of time until the permanent one arrives.
How to care for your crown?
The first thing that you have to do is to take your oral hygiene routine to the next level. This means that you should brush your teeth gently and use a sensitive toothbrush and toothpaste. Also, don’t forget to floss regularly.
When it comes to food, you should avoid hard as well as chewy types of food. These can damage the crown easily. Lastly, if you grind your teeth, you should tell that to your dentist. They will probably recommend a mouth guard to wear at night that is going to protect not only the crown but also all the other teeth.