Patients who need dental crowns have a variety of materials from which to choose. Each type of crown has various benefits and drawbacks, so it can be difficult to determine which one is best. The following article examines this important dental topic in more detail.  

Porcelain  

Dental crowns made completely out of porcelain have the advantage of looking almost exactly like your natural teeth. Even in strong light, most people would not be able to tell that you have a crowned tooth. Another important benefit is that they will not produce allergic reactions. One potential disadvantage is that they are usually one of the more costly options, which might be a factor if you do not have insurance and are on a budget. 

Gold 

If have any molars or back teeth that need to be crowned, then gold is a good choice of material. Gold crowns have the advantage of being extremely durable, and can last up to 40 years in some cases. Another key benefit is that the dentist does not have to remove as much of the affected tooth to install a gold crown as he does with some other materials. Also, a gold crown will not stain or tarnish. 

Because gold does not have the cosmetic benefit of looking like your natural teeth, it's typically used for molars or other teeth that are less visible when you smile.  

Porcelain-to-Metal 

This type of crown has a porcelain veneer over a metal base. The metal base makes the crown strong and durable, while the porcelain veneer looks attractive. This material is also a good choice for patients who have problems with night grinding. A minor drawback is that the material does not have the same translucence as your natural teeth.  

Stainless Steel 

Stainless steel is often used when a young child needs crowns over a baby tooth or several baby teeth. The material is durable, effective and should last until the child's permanent teeth erupt. One potential disadvantage is that these crowns do not resemble a child's natural teeth, but this might be less important to a young child than to an adult. Also if the crown is placed on a child's baby tooth then it will obviously be temporary, so the cosmetic issue will only last for a limited time anyway. 

The best choice of dental crown material depends on a patient's specific circumstances. To make the best decision for your situation, consult with your dentist.

Contact a dental clinic like Willowdaile Family Dentistry to learn more.

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