In the following paragraphs, you can learn more about dental crowns.
Dental crowns are a widely available option in aesthetic dentistry that can significantly enhance the appearance of your smile. Using advanced techniques and the latest materials, our dentist Maja can help you make an informed decision about which type of dental crown will meet your needs and goals.
The paragraphs below will provide an overview of the key characteristics of the crowns that we use in our clinic.
What are dental crowns (caps)?
A dental crown (cap) is a fixed prosthetic restoration that mimics the shape, size, and color of a natural tooth. It is permanently affixed to a natural tooth that is weakened, damaged, or aesthetically unsatisfactory.
A permanent crown covers the entire visible part of the existing tooth, creating a new surface and thus replaces the natural teeth. The main goal of dental crowns is to restore the lost function of the tooth, strengthen it, or improve its aesthetics.
Crowns can also be fixed to implanted dental posts, thus serving as a prosthetic addition to implants.
Types of dental crowns
There are several types of crowns, primarily categorized based on the materials used in their creation.
Until recently, metal was commonly used as a base structure for ceramic crowns. Today, metal-free materials, such as zirconia ceramic and full glass ceramic (e.g., E-max, Empress ceramics), are increasingly used in crown production. In our clinic, we offer both metal-ceramic and metal-free ceramic crowns.
However, there are also temporary crowns. These temporary crowns are usually made of medical-grade plastic which is used to replace tooth substance while the patient awaits the final product.
Metal-ceramic crowns
Metal-ceramic crowns have become a standard in dental prosthetics due to their reasonable cost, durability, and very good aesthetics. As their name suggests, these crowns are made of ceramic bonded to a metal base (substructure). The metal base provides exceptional strength and stability, allowing these crowns to withstand high and uncontrolled chewing pressure. This makes them a better choice for replacing molars.
It’s important to note that the metal base does not transmit light, so this type of crown cannot perfectly imitate the natural tooth color. This is particularly noticeable when neighboring teeth are natural and within the observer’s line of sight. If you’re seeking a top-notch aesthetic solution, metal-free ceramic crowns are recommended.
Metal-free ceramic crowns
Metal-free ceramic crowns are considered the pinnacle of aesthetic dentistry today. Since these crowns are entirely made of ceramic, they are almost indistinguishable from natural teeth. These crowns prevent metal from showing through, and they also avoid gum discoloration and eliminate the “dark edge” effect caused by gum recession since no metal is involved in their construction.
These crowns are made using CAD-CAM modern computer technology which ensures complete precision in their design, from functionality to aesthetics. This also reduces production time to just a few days.
Zirconia-ceramic crowns
Zirconia is one of the hardest materials used in dental prosthetics, and due to its durability, it is the material of choice for any tooth. Zirconia is also biocompatible and, unlike metal, does not cause allergic reactions. One of its most important features is its longevity. Zirconia does not change color, and if you follow your dentist’s recommendations, the prosthetic work will look the same years after placement as it did on the first day.
Thanks to their exceptional strength and resistance to bending, zirconia-ceramic crowns are suitable for patients with bruxism or in the situations involving significant chewing forces.
Glass-ceramic crowns
These types of crowns have virtually no disadvantages we could discuss. In addition to being the ideal solution for achieving excellent tooth aesthetics, E-max and Empress ceramics are up to three times stronger than the enamel of the natural tooth, making them highly resistant to breakage.
E-max ceramics are used for crowns on all teeth, while Empress ceramics are the top choice for crowns on front teeth, as no other material can provide such superior aesthetics. Characteristics such as color, translucency, and the way they transmit and reflect light result in crowns that are indistinguishable from natural teeth.
How long do dental crowns last?
It’s a common misconception among the patients that prosthetic work fully protects their teeth from decay after placement. In addition to factors like the quality of fabrication and placement of the crowns, patient’s habits, genetics, and the condition of the gums and bones, the most critical factor influencing the lifespan of dental crowns is your oral hygiene and proper maintenance of the prosthetic work.
Patients should be aware that their real teeth beneath the crowns remain susceptible to plaque buildup and cavities. Since these teeth are harder to clean thoroughly, twice as much effort and more intensive oral hygiene are recommended.
Properly placed bridges or crowns, combined with quality oral care and adherence to dentist instructions, can last up to 15 years.
Of course, we understand that you may not be able to make the right decision about which type of crown you need on your own, that’s why we invite you to schedule an appointment for an initial consultation with our dentist, Maja.
